Onley sworn in as Ontario lieutenant-governor

David Onley has been sworn in as the province'snew lieutenant-governor.

The former broadcaster, who travels on a motorized scooter as a result childhood polio, said he hopes to be a strong advocate for the disabled during his term.

The ceremony, held at Queen's Park, was officiated by Ontario Chief Justice Warren K. Winkler.

The 7th Toronto Regiment fired a 15-gun salute announcing Onley's installation; after the ceremony, the new lieutenant-governor inspected a guard of honour composed of military units from across the province.

Onley succeeds James Bartleman, who held the post for five years.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said he was pleased with Onley's appointment and wished him well.

"I'm confident that his sound judgment and tremendous character will serve our province well," McGuinty said in a statement."He has dedicated himself to making our province stronger by opening the door of opportunity for all. He has been a tireless advocate for fairness— so everyone can be at their best."

Onley, 57, who worked for Citytv, has been a vocal champion for the disabled. Partially paralyzed from the neck down at age three by polio, he uses leg braces, a cane and a motorized wheelchair to get around.

He said his new job, which will involve touring all over the province, is a great platform from which to promote greater accessibility for other people with physical disabilities.

"The places that I can go to have to be accessible," Onley told CBC's Ontario Today host Rita Celli, shortly after his appointment.

"And more and more, this province is, of course, accessible, but we still have a way to go."

Onley worked for Citytv for 22 years. The website of the University of Toronto, where Onley earned a political science degree, says he'sone of the first people in Canada with a disability toachieve an on-air position in television broadcasting.

Onleyhas also been active in community organizations such as the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons, and his advocacy work has earned him both an honorary doctorate and an induction into the Terry Fox Hall of Fame.

In 2005, Onley was appointed chair of the accessibility standards advisory council to the Minister of Community and Social Services.