Until 2022, Canada will have to submit a report to the UN describing its efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities.
Visit the Secretariat of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for more information. Or you can consult any disability lawyer.
Until then, the current laws and regulations apply to all Canadian citizens. In addition, Canada must submit its report every four years. The UN website also offers useful resources on disability rights.
Accessible Canada Regulations
The Accessible Canada Regulations set out the framework for promoting compliance with the Act and its accessibility requirements.
They will apply to federal entities, such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Forces, as well as private companies and organizations that are federally regulated.
The new regulations also lay out specific criteria for accessibility planning and compliance, such as public consultation, progress reports, feedback processes, and publication of accessibility plans. They also outline administrative monetary penalties for non-compliance with the Act.
Canadian Human Rights Act
The Canadian Human Rights Act 2022 has a lot to offer in terms of protections for vulnerable groups in Canada. There have been numerous updates, clarifications, and enhancements to the Act.
Among the most notable changes include changes to the Act’s regulations, which affect discrimination based on gender expression and family status.
The Act also makes significant changes to the complaint process and its procedures. Here’s a look at what you can expect from the new law.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was enacted by the Ontario legislature in 2005. It aims to raise the accessibility standards for Ontarians with disabilities in all public establishments in the province by 2025.
It has many objectives that can be achieved by implementing the AODA. This article will discuss the AODA, the Act, and the impact it will have on the accessibility of Ontario.
Reasonable accommodation
The Human Rights Tribunal of Alberta recently dismissed an employee’s complaint of physical disability discrimination.
The tribunal explained that employees must make clear their specific accommodations needs and cooperate with the employer’s reasonable accommodation requests.
Employers must also ensure that their policies reflect this obligation, which is reflected in their employee handbooks.
The Human Rights Tribunal of Alberta’s decision is reproduced with the permission of the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
Impact on Canadians with disabilities
Canada’s Liberal Party is committed to a barrier-free society. Their policy proposals will make it easier for people with disabilities to access federal programs and services.
They will promote a culture of inclusion and shift away from attitudes of disablism. And they’ll implement the Canada Disability Benefits Act to reduce poverty among people with disabilities. Their vision is for a country in which all people can live a full, productive life.
End Note
As of January 1, 2022, all Canadian provinces and territories will have new or updated accessibility legislation in place. The goal of these laws is to identify, remove and prevent barriers that people with disabilities face in their everyday lives.
For businesses and organizations, this means ensuring that their facilities, products, and services are accessible to everyone. While the specific requirements of the legislation will vary from province to province, there are some common themes that run through all of the new laws.
These include the need to proactively identify and remove barriers, the need to consult with the disability community, and the need to establish reporting requirements. By working together to comply with the new accessibility laws, we can help make Canada a more inclusive and accessible country for all.
