Human Rights

Manitoba based Charter challenge aims to bring change to disability payment claw-backs

• March 28, 2022
• BakerLaw
• Comments Off on Manitoba based Charter challenge aims to bring change to disability payment claw-backs

On March 21, 2022, The Winnipeg Free Press published an article outlining the Charter challenge that Mr. Paul Hutlet has launched with the assistance of bakerlaw. The article, “Disability payment program structures face constitutional challenge” can be found here (link). » Read the rest

Canadian youth challenge the current Federal voting age under sections 3 & 15 of the Charter

• March 15, 2022
• BakerLaw
• Comments Off on Canadian youth challenge the current Federal voting age under sections 3 & 15 of the Charter

In December 2021, a group of 13 Canadian youth filed a court challenge in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to lower the federal voting age. The Applicants represent youth across the country and range from 12 to 18 years of age. » Read the rest

Working for Worker’s Act, 2021 brings changes to the workplace

• March 14, 2022
• BakerLaw
• Comments Off on Working for Worker’s Act, 2021 brings changes to the workplace

On December 2, 2021, the Working for Workers Act, 2021 (“Act”), came into force amending several existing Acts impacting employer and, in some circumstances, employee obligations. You can find the full Act, including the dates each Schedule of amendments comes into force, here (link). » Read the rest

Human Rights Day 2021

• December 10, 2021
• BakerLaw
• Comments Off on Human Rights Day 2021

Today marks the 73rd annual Human Rights Day, which celebrates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) (link) as put forth by the United Nations in 1948.

This year’s theme for the celebration is “EQUALITY – Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights”, which relates to Article 1 of the UDHR – “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” » Read the rest

Autism Ontario’s Response to the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee Recommendations

• November 8, 2021
• BakerLaw
• Comments Off on Autism Ontario’s Response to the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee Recommendations

In October 2021, Autism Ontario released its response to the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee Recommendations. The Committee provided recommendations to the Ontario government for proposed accessibility standards for K-12 education, which covered nine broad themes:

1. attitudes, behaviours, perceptions and assumptions
2. awareness and training
3. curriculum, assessment and instruction
4. digital learning and technology
5. organizational barriers
6. social realms
7. physical and architectural barriers
8. planning for emergencies and safety framework
9. timelines and accountability

You can review the Education Standards Development Committee’s Report here (link). » Read the rest

Mistreatment of residents living in congregate care and/or treatment settings

• November 4, 2021
• BakerLaw
• Comments Off on Mistreatment of residents living in congregate care and/or treatment settings

Content warning: Abuse of persons with disabilities

With social media and attention to shed light on the issue regarding abuse by a caregiver or support worker of a developmentally disabled person, it would be reasonable to assume that society has progressed to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent this mistreatment. » Read the rest

Effects of climate change disproportionately impact persons with disabilities

• November 3, 2021
• Daniel Mulroy
• Comments Off on Effects of climate change disproportionately impact persons with disabilities

Due to discrimination, marginalization and economic factors, the impacts of climate change disproportionately impact persons with disabilities.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights found that “Persons with disabilities are often among those most adversely affected in an emergency, sustaining disproportionately higher rates of morbidity and mortality, and at the same time being among those least able to have access to emergency support” (link). » Read the rest

Dr. Sonu K. Gaind to speak about MAiD in the context of Mental Health

• October 27, 2021
• BakerLaw
• Comments Off on Dr. Sonu K. Gaind to speak about MAiD in the context of Mental Health

Dr. Sonu K. Gaind, alongside commentator Dr. Derryck H. Smith, will be holding a seminar to discuss issues related to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) with a focus on the particular challenges that are posed with mental illness in the context of MAiD. » Read the rest

Ontario proposes a bill that would benefit foreign-trained professionals

• October 27, 2021
• BakerLaw
• Comments Off on Ontario proposes a bill that would benefit foreign-trained professionals

The Ontario government announced its intention to propose legislation that, if passed, would make it easier for foreign-trained professionals and tradespeople to work in their respective fields by removing some barriers that internationally-trained immigrants face. For example, such changes would include the removal of the requirement for Canadian work experience, in certain regulated professions and trades. » Read the rest

Thoughts on Supreme Court of Canada’s Decision in Northern Regional Health Authority v Horrocks

• October 26, 2021
• BakerLaw
• Comments Off on Thoughts on Supreme Court of Canada’s Decision in Northern Regional Health Authority v Horrocks

The Supreme Court of Canada recently issued its decision in Northern Regional Health Authority v Horrocks, 2021 SCC 423 (link), ruling that human rights tribunals in Manitoba cannot hear complaints from unionized employees.

While this is the case for Manitoba, a careful review of the decision indicates this is likely not the case in other jurisdictions, including Ontario. » Read the rest