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Rights and Laws
Our full directory is also available as a downloadable PDF. If we need to add something to the directory, let us know by sending an email to Spencer van Vloten
Also: Download our funding guide, an easy to navigate and extensive collection of funding opportunities:
Law & Policy
Accessible British Columbia Act
The Accessible British Columbia Act makes BC more inclusive for people with disabilities
The Accessible Canada Act, also known as bill C-81, sets out requirements to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility
BC Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act
Sets out various forms of employment support and assistance for persons with a disability in BC, including Person with Disability (PWD) benefits
Provides free legal services to people who need help with a provincial human rights complaint
The BC Human Rights Code (the Code) is a law created by the B.C. legislature. The purposes of the Code are to:
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Foster a society in B.C. where there are no impediments to full and free participation in the economic, social, political and cultural life of B.C.
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Promote a climate of understanding and mutual respect where all are equal in dignity and rights
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Prevent discrimination prohibited by the Code
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Eliminate persistent patterns of inequality associated with discrimination prohibited by the Code
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Provide a means of redress for those persons who are discriminated against contrary to the Code
The Code prohibits discrimination in certain areas of activity (for example, employment). The Code also creates the tribunal and sets up a process for making and resolving complaints of discrimination.
Provides educational info on human rights, and is responsible for having a fair and timely process to resolve human rights complaints in BC
BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
Addresses the root causes of inequality, discrimination and injustice in BC by shifting laws, policies, practices and cultures
BC Special Education Policy Manual
BC's special education policies, procedures, and guidelines
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
This section of the Canadian constitution guarantees everyone equal protection under the law. It bans discrimination and emphasizes a few specific groups, including people with a “mental or physical disability”.
The Canadian Human Rights Act is a statute passed by the Parliament of Canada in 1977 with the goal of extending the law to ensure equal opportunity to individuals who may be victims of discriminatory practices based on a set of prohibited grounds, including disability. The act applies only to federally regulated activities.
Canadian Human Rights Commission
The Commission protects the core principle of equal opportunity and promotes a vision of an inclusive society free from discrimination by:
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Promoting human rights through research and policy development
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Protecting human rights through a fair and effective complaints process
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Representing the public interest to advance human rights for all Canadians
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Auditing employers under federal jurisdiction for compliance with employment equity
Canadian Human Rights Commission: Disability Rights
An overview of human rights and human rights resources in Canada related to disability
Canadian Human Rights Commission: Human Rights in ASL
A series of videos in ASL about the Canadian Human Rights Act and how to file a discrimination complaint
Community Legal Assistance Society
Provides legal assistance and works to advance the law to address the critical needs of those who are disadvantaged or face discrimination
Community Living BC Rights and Safeguards Guide
A guide to rights for self-advocates
This law requires federally regulated employers and crown corporations to eliminate barriers that prevent people with disabilities (and other designated groups) from participating equally in the work force. It also calls for these employers to provide accommodations, such as ensuring the technology used to perform a job is accessible.
This tool helps people find disability advocates and legal support nearest them
Human Rights Protection Fact Sheet
Fact sheets to help you understand human rights in BC
Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre
Nidus is currently the only community-based resource in Canada devoted to personal planning. It is an expert on Representation Agreements, which are a legal model for supported decision making.
Rights of People with Disabilities
The Federal government has a page with certain laws and policies relating to the rights of persons with disabilities
Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre
Free legal education and advocacy for BC tenants
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
A human rights treaty of the United Nations intended to protect the rights and dignity of people with disabilities. Signed on March 30th 2007, and stressing choice, equality, and inherent rights for persons with disabilities, it addresses a range of issues, including employment, housing, education, recreation, and political life for disabled persons.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons
Adopted on 9 December 1975, the Declaration encouraged national and international protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. The Declaration reiterated the rights of persons with disabilities to education, medical services, and placement service. It further recognized their right to economic and social security, to employment, to live with their families, to participate in social and creative events, to be protected against all exploitation, abuse or degrading behaviour, and to avail themselves of legal aid.
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