The law adheres to all the citizens in Canada. This also includes people with mental and physical disabilities. Unlike others, these people have a tougher battle to fight owing to their natural shortcomings. Let’s take, for example, the life of a person who is hearing and speech impaired. Although he is able to do a lot of things that people without the disability do, he will have to struggle through school and college. By virtue of the fact that his path to success is different, he can be a vulnerable target of crime and human rights violations. His lack of auditory senses can be used against him to bully him and ill-treat him in other ways. This can happen to a person with any kind of disability. Hence, there are laws in place that define the rights of people with disabilities in Canada. The awareness of these laws is what will make you seek legal help at the right time.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a part of the Canadian Constitution and defines a set of freedoms and rights that are meant for every citizen of Canada, including people with disabilities. In fact Section 15 of the Charter specifies that every individual in Canada irrespective of race, religion, ethnic or national origin, color, sex, age or physical or mental disability is considered to be equal. Under subsection 15(2) there are programs to improve employment opportunities for people with mental and physical disabilities.
The Canadian Human Rights Act
The Canadian Human Rights Act of 1977 protects Canadians from discrimination when they are employed by or receive services from three entities, namely the Federal Government, First Nations Governments, and private companies that are regulated by the Federal government like banks, trucking companies, broadcasters and telecommunications companies. People with disabilities can seek legal help if they are discriminated based on the 11 grounds of discrimination mentioned in the Human Rights Act.
As a differently-abled person, if at all you experience any kind of discrimination or harassment, then you should at once approach a Human Rights Lawyer from a reputed law firm to safeguard your rights as a Canadian citizen.