Persons with disabilities continue to be marginalized in Canadian society: CHRC Français

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Canadian Human Rights Commission

Dec 02, 2015, 10:00 ET

OTTAWA, Dec. 2, 2015 /CNW/ - Persons with disabilities continue to be marginalized in Canadian society. Half of all the discrimination complaints filed in Canada are related to disability, according to a report by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) released today.

Between 2009 and 2013, 41,728 discrimination complaints were filed with human rights commissions and tribunals across Canada. Of those, 49% (20,615 complaints) were filed on the ground of disability.

The data, compiled nationally for the first time, confirms a trend observed at the federal level for several years: disability-related complaints consistently represent a high proportion of discrimination claims. Fully inclusive workplaces and accessible services are not yet a reality for persons with disabilities in Canada.

These numbers do not provide a full picture. According to stakeholders, there are several barriers that can prevent persons with disabilities from bringing a complaint forward. Many do not have the resources or support to do so, as is often the case with other disadvantaged groups in Canada. The CHRC is looking at how it can adapt our services to improve access to human rights justice for persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups.

In light of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, the CHRC calls for action to fully implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Canada. The full inclusion and equality of persons with disabilities cannot be achieved without their participation. The CHRC calls on governments, employers, and service providers to work with persons with disabilities to build a more equal and inclusive Canada. 

Quick Facts

  • This report is the result of collaboration between the CHRC, the Canadian Association of Statutory Human Rights Agencies (CASHRA) and organizations representing persons with disabilities.
  • 49% of the 41,728 discrimination complaints filed between 2009 and 2013 with human rights commissions and tribunals across Canada cited the ground of disability.
  • The number of disability complaints received by human rights commissions and tribunals provide valuable information to measure progress towards an equal and inclusive Canada.
  • A CHRC study released in 2012 suggests that persons with disabilities face barriers to full and equal education, employment and standards of living. When compared to adults without disabilities, they:
    • are half as likely to complete a university degree,
    • are more likely to settle for part-time instead of full-time employment, and
    • have lower annual incomes.

Quotes

"Employers who hire employees with disabilities frequently report that these employees are productive, talented people who make an invaluable contribution to the organization."

—Marie-Claude Landry, Ad. E., Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission

"Persons with disabilities continue to be marginalized and are not able to participate fully in Canadian society. We all have an obligation to ensure that persons with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect, whether as valued employees or when receiving services."

—Marie-Claude Landry, Ad. E., Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission

"The data from the Canadian Association of Statutory Human Rights Agencies (CASHRA) clearly shows that discrimination against people with disabilities is not isolated to a particular region of our country."

– David Arnot, President of the Canadian Association of Statutory Human Rights Agencies (CASHRA)

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SOURCE Canadian Human Rights Commission

Media Contacts: Media Relations, 613-943-9118, www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca

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Canadian Human Rights Commission