Department of Justice

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROPOSES CHANGES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

OTTAWA, April 23, 1997 -- Allan Rock, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today tabled proposed changes to the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Canada Evidence Act and the Criminal Code in the House of Commons. The changes will make it easier for persons with disabilities to participate fully in Canadian society.

The proposed amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA) add a "duty of accommodation" that would require employers to address the needs of people who are protected under the CHRA, including persons with disabilities. This would include, for example, ensuring that a workplace is wheelchair-accessible.

The new act would also create a smaller, permanent human rights tribunal, which would help to improve the tribunal's ability to hear and make decisions about cases effectively and efficiently.

Amendments to the Canada Evidence Act would provide for communication assistance for persons who have special communication needs. In addition, alternative methods of identifying the accused, such as auditory and tactile recognition, would be available.

Amendments to the Criminal Code would:

ensure that persons with disabilities are not excluded from jury service because of disability if, with assistance, they are capable of serving;

allow persons with physical or mental disabilities to provide testimony through videotape; and

create a new provision establishing the offence of sexual exploitation against persons with disabilities which, along with current Criminal Code provisions on sexual assault, would provide the disability community with comprehensive protection.

"Today more than four million people in Canada, representing 16 per cent of the Canadian population, have a disability," Mr. Rock said. "The proposals will help citizens with disabilities participate in the justice system and in the federal work force on an equal basis with other Canadians.

"I am particularly pleased to make this announcement as we celebrate the tenth anniversary of Rick Hansen's "Man in Motion" tour. Mr. Hansen has been instrumental in raising the awareness of all Canadians to the needs of the disability community."

These proposals fulfil promises made by the government to strengthen Canadian human rights legislation. They also follow up on the recommendations of the Federal Task Force on Disability Issues, which called for improved access to the justice system for persons with disabilities and the amendment of the CHRA to expressly incorporate the duty of accommodation. The Minister thanked Mr. Andy Scott, M.P. for his efforts, as chair of the Task Force, in support of the disabled community.

At the time of tabling the bill, the Minister also announced his commitment to proceed with an overall review of the CHRA to ensure that the Act is effective in protecting and promoting human rights into the next century.

Ref.:   Jennifer Lang        Carole Théberge
        Minister's Office    Criminal Law Policy Section
        (613) 992-4621       Department of Justice
                             (613) 957-9606

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