Canadian Disability Employment Law
Federal Framework
Canadian Human Rights Act
- Applies to federally regulated employers, such as federal departments and agencies, banks, Crown corporations, broadcasters, and air or rail transportation providers
- Prohibits discrimination based on disability
- Requires accommodation to the point of undue hardship
Accessible Canada Act (2019)
Aims to realise a Canada without barriers on or before January 1, 2040, by identifying, removing and preventing barriers in areas including:
- Employment
- The built environment
- Information and communication technologies
- Procurement, program delivery and transportation
Provincial Legislation
Ontario - AODA
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act sets standards for:
- Customer service
- Information and communications
- Employment
- Transportation
- Design of public spaces
British Columbia
- BC Human Rights Code
- Accessible British Columbia Act (2021)
- Allows the province to make accessibility standards in areas such as employment, service delivery, the built environment, and information and communications
Duty to Accommodate
Under the Canadian Human Rights Act, federally regulated employers have a duty to accommodate:
- Employers must accommodate up to the point of undue hardship
- The worker must also be willing to participate in the accommodation process
- Undue hardship can only be claimed on the basis of health, safety, and cost
Financial Supports
Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities
Federal funding for projects that offer:
- Wage subsidies
- Skills training and job placements
- Employer awareness initiatives
Resources
- Canadian Human Rights Commission: chrc-ccdp.gc.ca
- Accessible Canada: canada.ca/accessibility