David Baker’s thoughts on the paper “Should Economics Play a Greater Role in the Adjudication of Human Rights Claims? The Examples of Injury to Dignity and the Duty to Accommodate”
- August 27, 2021
- David Baker
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American economist, Milton Friedman, has pointed out that discrimination can impose economic costs on those engaging in discrimination as well as upon their victims (Milton Friedman, Capitalism and Freedom, 2002). David Lewis and Ian Currie have made a valuable contribution by pointing out how these costs can be quantified in the interests of better-informed decision-making. » Read the rest
“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
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
Tribunal Confirms the test for Family status discrimination is no different than for other grounds of discrimination
- March 30, 2021
- Anoop Kalsi
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Family status discrimination has been a hot issue at the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, particularly because the test for family status discrimination may not have been as clear as some would hope. Much of the confusion arises as to whether the Federal Court of Appeal decision in Canada (Attorney General) v. » Read the rest
Remote learning for students with disabilities, a welcomed approach to accessible post-secondary education
- March 29, 2021
- Anoop Kalsi
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A recent article by the CBC explored the impact of remote learning on students with disabilities (link). The COVID-19 pandemic forced school boards, colleges, and universities to adapt to and implement remote learning options for all students. Post-secondary students had access to their classes through video platforms and/or pre-recorded lectures. » 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
BC Human Rights Tribunal makes historic damages award to victim of racial harassment – but leaves him to swallow high legal costs
- February 8, 2021
- Laura Lepine
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On January 28, 2021, the BC Human Rights Tribunal awarded a former corrections officer nearly $1 million in damages for the racial discrimination he experienced in the workplace.
The decision marks the highest general damages award from the BC Tribunal. It comes just over 1.5 years after the Tribunal found that Levan Francis, a Black man, experienced discrimination in employment on the grounds of race and colour, as well as retaliation. » Read the rest
(In)Accessibility in the Legal Profession
- November 3, 2020
- Khalid Mahdi
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Among key factors that shape the ability of Canadians to access justice, the physical accessibility of courthouses is too crucial an issue to be overlooked. For lawyers with disabilities, the inaccessibility of provincial courthouses is not simply an issue of physical access, but also the ability to participate as members of the legal profession. » Read the rest
Employment barriers for people with disabilities
- September 29, 2020
- BakerLaw
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People with disabilities are experiencing difficulties finding and maintaining employment during this pandemic. While these challenges existed prior to the pandemic, jobs are more limited now and this is negatively impacting people with disabilities.
TVO’s Employable Me is a six-part documentary series that explores the growing difficulties experienced by people who have physical disabilities and/or neurological conditions from finding steady employment. » Read the rest
Ontario’s COVID-19 School Plan Fails Students with Disabilities
- September 16, 2020
- Amanda Dimilta
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In the midst of a global pandemic, the return to school for Ontario students has been a source of anxiety for many parents and caregivers across the province. For students with disabilities, the return to school poses a number of challenges. » Read the rest