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NP View: The Truly Awful Cost of Canada’s Permissive Doctor-Assisted Death Program

Author of the article:National Post View
Publishing date:May 08, 2022

It has been quite remarkable to watch: In less than a decade, Canadas medical assistance in dying (MAID) program has expanded from a system limited solely to those with terminal illnesses, to one that is now used by people who lack adequate housing. And it will soon be available to those with mental illnesses, such as depression, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Parliament should put the brakes on this runaway sled, and fix the current system.

NP View: The Truly Awful Cost of Canada’s Permissive Doctor-Assisted Death Program full article

Disabled Women in Quebec Still Struggling With Mammogram Access: Advocates

By Felicia Parrillo Global News
Posted May 4, 2022

A community group advocating for people with disabilities says some women are being denied access to mammograms because of their disabilities.

Its been an issue for nearly a decade, says RAPLIQ (Regroupement des activisites pour linclusion Québec).

We have breasts too, like women without disabilities, said Linda Gauthier, RAPLIQ president. So its humiliating when they are telling us no. Its like we have no access to health care.

The group said that in October it called 94 private clinics and hospitals across the province, designated to do screenings and 46 per cent of them refused to serve the woman if she had a disability.

Disabled Women in Quebec Still Struggling With Mammogram Access: Advocates full article

Ontario’s ‘Disconnecting From Work’ Policy and Manitoba’s New Accessibility Requirements – Deadlines Approaching

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

Employers in Ontario and Manitoba have important compliance deadlines in May and June 2022.

In Manitoba, effective as of May 1, 2022, employers must comply with the new Accessibility Standard for Employment. In the case of larger employers (defined as those with fifty or more employees in Manitoba), this means having a written policy in place to ensure compliance with those standards.

Ontario employers with twenty-five or more employees have thirty days to prepare and give to employees a policy on ‘disconnecting from work’ as required by the Working for Workers Act, 2021. This requirement comes into effect on June 2, 2022. The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development has published general guidance on what these policies should contain; however, the content of the policy is largely left to the discretion of individual employers.

Ontario’s ‘Disconnecting From Work’ Policy and Manitoba’s New Accessibility Requirements – Deadlines Approaching full article

Manitoba Government Enacts Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation

Regulation Supports Government’s Commitment to Significantly Increasing Accessibility by 2023: Squires

The Manitoba government has enacted the Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act, Families Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for accessibility, announced today.

“The ability to receive information and communicate effectively are fundamental aspects of our society, and it is imperative that all Manitobans are able to receive information and communicate in accessible ways,” said Squires. “This regulation supports our government’s commitment to making significant progress towards addressing accessibility by 2023.”

Manitoba Government Enacts Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation full article

AMI Announces the Opening of The Disability Screen Office

NEWS PROVIDED BY Accessible Media Inc. (AMI)
Apr 28, 2022

Disability Screen Office will support and amplify the creative voices of Canadians with disabilities nationally and internationally

TORONTO, April 28, 2022 /CNW/ – AMI, in partnership with the Canada Media Fund (CMF) and Telefilm Canada, is excited to announce the launch of the Disability Screen Office (DSO).

With our commitment to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, AMI is currently facilitating the creation of this industry office with funding from the CMF and Telefilm Canada.

The DSO will provide services that:

AMI Announces the Opening of The Disability Screen Office full article

  • increase accurate and meaningful disability representation on and off screen throughout the Canadian media landscape

New Website Accessibility Guidance a Welcomed Tool for Businesses and Agencies

DOJ Has Declared Enforcement of Website Accessibility is Priority

The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) has issued web accessibility guidance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While many courts have historically held that business and public agency websites are required to be accessible under respective provisions of the ADA, there are no enforceable standards on website accessibility, as there are under Section 508 for federal government websites. Because the DOJ has noted that enforcement of website accessibility is a priority, businesses and public agencies should immediately become familiar with this new guidance and ensure that all components of their websites are in compliance.

New Website Accessibility Guidance a Welcomed Tool for Businesses and Agencies full article

In Memory of OPSEU/SEFPO Activist John Rae

April 21, 2022
Disability Rights Caucus

OPSEU/SEFPO Disability Rights Caucus has chosen to honour one of our most valued members that had served on our caucus, also a member who cherished all injured workers and their plight towards fair and equitable treatment, John Rae.

John was totally blind most of his life and lobbied on eliminating existing barriers with an overarching goal of creating a fully accessible inclusive society where those with disabilities could participate with dignity both within their workplace and the broader society or and in their communities.

In Memory of OPSEU/SEFPO Activist John Rae full article

How to Be a More Accessible Employer

With eyes set firmly on a return to offices, is it time for HR leaders to look at their inclusivity? BY Emily Douglas 20 Apr 2022

As offices begin to tentatively re-open, and employers consider a more hybrid approach to work, questions around inclusivity, accessibility, and disability policies are coming to light. And, according to recent research, HR leaders ignore these priorities at their own peril.

Data from the Institute of Corporate Productivity found three in four businesses ranked employees with disabilities to be just as good or even better than their co-workers. What’s more, McKinsey and Company’s research highlighted that companies that hire diverse and differently-abled workers enjoy increased revenues of up to 35%.

How to Be a More Accessible Employer full article

Mixed Reviews for New, Accessible Courthouse in Bay St. George

Advocate for disabled pleased; mayor doesnt want it moved out of town CBC News · Posted: Apr 19, 2022

The former College of the North Atlantic building in Stephenville Crossing will be refurbished to included provincial government services and the courthouse serving the Bay. St. George area. Work on it is expected to be complete some time in 2024.

Stephenville resident Bill Jones says it’s a step in the right direction. Now he’s hoping government will follow through on plans to build an accessible government services building in Bay St. George.

Mixed Reviews for New, Accessible Courthouse in Bay St. George full article

Lack of Sidewalk Clearing Leaves Winnipeggers With Mobility Impairments Trapped Inside

Sidewalks remain uncleared after last week’s storm, with more on the way Cameron MacLean · CBC News · Posted: Apr 19, 2022

The ice and slush covering the sidewalk in front of Peter Tonge’s Grant Avenue apartment building make the wheels on his wheelchair spin and catch in deep ruts.

He hasn’t been able to leave his house for a week, ever since a spring snowstorm dumped nearly a foot of snow on the city.

“It’s a challenge, mentally, because we’re already dealing with a pandemic and COVID, and those sort of limitations, and then we’ve got this on top,” he said.

Lack of Sidewalk Clearing Leaves Winnipeggers With Mobility Impairments Trapped Inside full article