“Know Your Rights” – Vaccine Equity Podcast
- May 21, 2021
- BakerLaw
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Bakerlaw’s David Baker (link) recently was a guest on the “Know Your Rights” segment of the Kelly and Company podcast – AMI-audio’s (link) daily live afternoon programming. On the podcast, he spoke with host Danielle McLaughlin about the inequitable roll-out of Ontario’s COVID vaccinations, and the impact that the inequitable vaccine roll-out is having on Ontarians with disabilities. » Read the rest
COVID-19 Temporary Layoffs Can Be Constructive Dismissal
- May 20, 2021
- BakerLaw
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On April 16th, 2021, the Superior Court of Ontario held that Ontario’s Infectious Disease Emergency Leave Regulation (IDEL) under the Employment Standards Act does not remove a laid-off employee’s common law right to sue for constructive dismissal.
The IDEL Regulation, which was enacted at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, gave non-unionized employees the right to take unpaid, job-protected, infectious disease emergency leave if they were not performing the duties of their position because of reasons related to COVID-19. » Read the rest
Ableism in the Medical Profession
- May 10, 2021
- BakerLaw
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In a recent article, BBC News has reported on the discriminatory treatment experienced by disabled medical students in the pursuit of accommodations for their disability-related needs. Referred to as “ableism,” perceptions within professional circles of medical students and professionals with disabilities as inferior and less competent has resulted in many not getting the accommodations that they need. » Read the rest
2021Federal Budget Expands Benefits for Canadians with Disabilities
- May 7, 2021
- BakerLaw
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On April 19, 2021, the Trudeau government released its 2021 budget. The budget offers a number of benefits and expansions to existing programs to help Canadians during these difficult times. Maclean’s magazine has provided a detailed summary of the budget, which you can access here (link). » Read the rest
BakerLaw Statement on Vaccine Equity Court Decision
- May 5, 2021
- BakerLaw
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On behalf of our client, David Daneshvar, Bakerlaw is demanding the Doug Ford government immediately institute a vaccine equity strategy following today’s Ontario Divisional Court ruling. While today’s Court ruling stopped short of finding the government was infringing on its Charter obligations due to concerns about jurisdiction, it notes the case is being dismissed “not because the underlying issues are without any merit.” » Read the rest
Equity issues in the Canada Research Chairs Program Resolved by Settlement
- April 29, 2021
- BakerLaw
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Around March 31, 2021, the Government of Canada settled a complaint filed by a University of Ottawa law professor, Amir Attaran, regarding equity issues within the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Program. The CRC program awards grants to Canada’s top researchers. This marks one of two settlements concerning equity within the program. » Read the rest
Ford government in court on Friday over vaccine equity legal challenge
- April 14, 2021
- BakerLaw
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Amidst mounting evidence and personal horror stories that the Ford government is failing to provide fair access to COVID-19 vaccines, the Province is spending precious resources by forcing a court hearing for this Friday, April 16th. The hearing will challenge the provincial government vaccine strategy that fails to provide clear direction and sufficient resources to Public Health Units to take an equity approach – which would include necessary accommodations – to vaccine distribution, as well as to ensure effective data collection. » Read the rest
New Zealand Approves Paid Leave Following Miscarriage or Still Birth
- March 31, 2021
- BakerLaw
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On March 24, 2020, New Zealand’s Parliament passed legislation that gives mothers and their partners the right to paid leave following a miscarriage or still birth. The ‘bereavement allowance’ gives employees three days sick leave in these circumstances, in addition to any existing sick leave entitlements that they have at work. » Read the rest
ServiceOntario is Working to improve the Accessible Parking Permit (APP) Program in Ontario
- March 23, 2021
- BakerLaw
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ServiceOntario is working to improve the Accessible Parking Permit (APP) program in Ontario and are conducting research sessions to gather feedback. The sessions will take place from March 29th to April 1st and will be conducted online, using screen-sharing software. » Read the rest
Remembering Justin Clark and his Triumphant Victory for Disability Rights
- March 23, 2021
- BakerLaw
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On February 25, 2021, Justin Clark, passed away in an Ottawa hospital at the age of 58. Justin is remembered for his victory in Clark v Clark (link), an outcome which secured the protection and recognition of the independence of Canadians with disabilities. » Read the rest