C. Canadian and International legislation

Summary of Key Points: Canadian and International Legislation

International Legislation

1. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention (1983):

   • International Labour Organization’s Convention 159 outlines obligations for vocational rehabilitation.

   • Canada is not a signatory.

2. International Bill of Human Rights (1948):

   • Guarantees the right to employment, equal pay, just remuneration, and the ability to join trade unions.

3. Declaration of the Rights of Disabled Persons (1975):

   • Asserts rights to self-reliance, rehabilitation, employment, and community integration.

4. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006):

   • Canada is a signatory. Protects the rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities.

Canadian Legislation

1. Constitution Act (1982):

   • Includes the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, guaranteeing equality for people with disabilities.

   • Influences acts such as the Canada Elections Act, allowing voting for individuals with mental disabilities.

2. Canadian Human Rights Act:

   • Protects against discrimination in federally regulated activities.

   • Introduces the duty to accommodate up to undue hardship.

   • Recognizes bona fide occupational requirements as valid grounds for workplace standards.

3. Canadian Multiculturalism Act (1988):

   • Promotes multiculturalism and acknowledges contributions of diverse communities.

4. Canada Pension Plan Disability:

   • Provides benefits for individuals with severe and prolonged disabilities preventing regular employment.

5. Canada Elections Act (1993):

   • Ensures voting rights for individuals with mental disabilities.

6. Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (1983):

   • Governs the handling of personal information by federal institutions.

7. Obstacles Report (1981):

   • A comprehensive review of federal legislation related to disabilities.

   • Led to reforms promoting inclusion, access to services, and human rights for disabled individuals.

Workers' Compensation

• Provincial programs provide no-fault insurance for occupational injuries and illnesses.

• Services include healthcare cost coverage, rehabilitation, and wage loss benefits.

• Funded by employer premiums and accident funds.

Canada Labour Code:

• Regulates federal industries like broadcasting, banking, air transport, and more.

• Applies to federal territories, First Nations reserves, and Crown corporations.

Quiz:

Part 1: International Legislation

1. Which international convention outlines obligations for vocational rehabilitation but is not signed by Canada?
   a) International Bill of Human Rights
   b) Declaration of the Rights of Disabled Persons
   c) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Convention
   d) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

2. What is Article 23 of the International Bill of Human Rights primarily about?
   a) Disability rights
   b) Equal pay and employment rights
   c) Voting rights
   d) Multiculturalism

Part 2: Canadian Legislation

3. What does the Canadian Human Rights Act’s “duty to accommodate” entail?
   a) Ensuring voting access for all Canadians.
   b) Adjusting workplace policies to eliminate discrimination.
   c) Requiring employers to fund worker training programs.
   d) Prohibiting all forms of workplace surveillance.

4. Which act governs the protection of personal data in federal institutions?
   a) Canadian Multiculturalism Act
   b) Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
   c) Constitution Act
   d) Obstacles Report

Part 3: Workers' Compensation

5. What type of insurance program is workers’ compensation in Canada?
   a) Federal insurance funded by individual contributions.
   b) Private insurance funded by employers.
   c) No-fault insurance administered by provincial boards.
   d) International insurance program for labor safety.

Part 4: Miscellaneous

6. What was a key outcome of the 1981 Obstacles Report?
   a) Enacting the Canada Elections Act.
   b) Providing financial incentives for federal workers.
   c) Reforms to promote inclusion and access for people with disabilities.
   d) Establishing the first multiculturalism policy in Canada.

Answer Key:

1. c) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Convention

2. b) Equal pay and employment rights

3. b) Adjusting workplace policies to eliminate discrimination

4. b) Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act

5. c) No-fault insurance administered by provincial boards

6. c) Reforms to promote inclusion and access for people with disabilities