Canadian Disability Employment Law
Federal Framework
Canadian Human Rights Act
- Applies to federally regulated employers
- Prohibits discrimination based on disability
- Requires accommodation to point of undue hardship
Accessible Canada Act (2019)
Creates a barrier-free Canada by 2040 through:
- Proactive accessibility requirements
- Accessibility standards development
- Compliance and enforcement mechanisms
Provincial Legislation
Ontario - AODA
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act sets standards for:
- Customer service
- Information and communications
- Employment
- Transportation
- Built environment
British Columbia
- BC Human Rights Code
- Accessible BC Act (2021)
- Developing provincial accessibility standards
Duty to Accommodate
The Supreme Court established the duty to accommodate:
- Employer must accommodate up to undue hardship
- Both parties must participate in the process
- Factors: cost, health and safety, impact on collective agreement
Financial Supports
Opportunities Fund
Federal funding for:
- Wage subsidies
- Skills training
- Employer awareness initiatives
Resources
- Canadian Human Rights Commission: chrc-ccdp.gc.ca
- Accessible Canada: canada.ca/accessibility