Did you know that Canada has a network of laws designed to protect the rights of people with intellectual disabilities? Learn about the key regulations and their impact on fostering an inclusive society
In Canada, the protection of the rights of people with intellectual disabilities is paramount. Through a network of federal and provincial laws, Canada ensures that these people are treated equitably and without discrimination. This commitment to inclusivity and equal rights echoes the mission of Community Living Thunder Bay Foundation. We are dedicated to supporting people with intellectual disabilities, enhancing their quality of life, and advocating for their rights. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the Canadian laws that safeguard the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, exploring how they promote inclusion and accessibility.
1. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Ensuring Equality
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a foundational document within the Canadian Constitution. It mandates equality for every individual in Canada, regardless of various characteristics, including physical or mental disability. Section 15 of the Charter explicitly states that discrimination on grounds of disability is prohibited. This means that both the government and its programs must not discriminate based on disability. The Charter also allows for measures that enhance the well-being of disadvantaged people or groups, such as programs aimed at improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
2. The Canadian Human Rights Act: Fighting Discrimination
The Canadian Human Rights Act, established in 1977, provides protection against discrimination for Canadians in various areas, including employment, services, and more. This protection extends to those who receive services from the federal government, First Nations governments, and private companies regulated by the federal government. Importantly, the Act explicitly prohibits discrimination based on physical or mental disability.
Recognizing and respecting differences in others, and treating everyone like you want them to treat you, will help make our world a better place for everyone.
Laurence Kim Peek
3. International Disability Rights: A Global Commitment
Canada extends its commitment to disability rights beyond its borders through its relationship with the United Nations (UN). As a founding member of the UN, Canada has ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), an international treaty dedicated to protecting the rights of people with disabilities.
4. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): A Pledge to Equality
Canada ratified the CRPD in 2010, pledging to uphold the rights outlined in the Convention. This international agreement safeguards equality and non-discrimination for people with disabilities, emphasizing actions countries should take to ensure equal rights in various areas, including education, health, employment, and services. Importantly, the CRPD complements Canada’s existing protections, such as those under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
5. The Accessible Canada Act: Ensuring a Barrier-Free Nation
The Accessible Canada Act, passed in 2019, is another crucial piece of legislation. Rooted in the principles of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act, it aims to create a barrier-free Canada. The Act recognizes the importance of removing and preventing barriers to accessibility promptly, aligning with the rights of persons with disabilities.
6. Ontario’s Human Rights Code: Promoting Equality
Ontario’s Human Rights Code mirrors Canada’s commitment to equality and non-discrimination. It applies to areas such as employment, housing, services, and more, ensuring that people with disabilities are treated with fairness and provided with equal access.
Advancing Together Toward Inclusivity
In a country like Canada, where diversity is celebrated and human rights are championed, the protection of people with intellectual disabilities is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative. These legal safeguards and international commitments align seamlessly with our mission at Community Living Thunder Bay Foundation. Together, let us continue on this collective journey, breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and promoting full participation.