Human Rights Archives

November 15, 2011

Factum in the D.A.I. Case

In the D.A. I. case, the Supreme Court of Canada was asked to consider whether people with intellectual disabilities should be allowed to testify in court. Specifically, the question before the Court is whether people with intellectual disabilities are required to demonstrate an understanding of the concept of a “promise to tell the truth” in order to be permitted to testify. CCD was been granted intervener status in this case.  CCD argued that courts should not impose a test to allow people with disabilities to testify that is not imposed on others. Courts should focus scrutiny on the testimony given by individuals not the individuals themselves. Read more.

May 27, 2010

Factum in the Caron Case

Fighting a case in court is costly and CCD learned this lesson during its litigating against VIA Rail in support of accessible passenger trains. The Caron case focuses on the court's power to award interim costs while a case is in progress rather than waiting until its conclusion. An interim award provides a litigant with some of the resources it needs to present its case to the court.

CCD, working in coalition with other organizations (LEAF, Charter Committee on Poverty and the Poverty and Human Rights Centre), is intervening in the Caron case. Read more.

September 22, 2016

Charter challenge of forced psychiatric treatment filed in BC Supreme Court

April 19, 2016

A Modernised Court Challenges Program of Canada: A perspective from the Council of Canadians with Disabilities

The Court Challenges Program of Canada (“CCPC”) is essential to ensure access to justice for persons with disabilities in accordance with article 12 and 13 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. If persons with disabilities do not have the means to access the courts, the rights to equality guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and in human rights legislation are hallow and meaningless. Read more.

September 5, 2014

Factum in the Carter Case - August 2014

CCD/CACL want the public to understand the concerns of the community assisted suicide/euthanasia is said to benefit. To learn more you can access the CCD/CACL factum submitted to the Supreme Court. Read more.

January 2, 2014

Affidavit of Michael Bach in Carter Case

CCD and CACL filed affidavits concerning the Carter case with the Supreme Court of Canada. Read more.

January 2, 2014

Affidavit of Laurie Beachell in Carter Case

CCD and CACL filed affidavits concerning the Carter case with the Supreme Court of Canada. Read more.

January 2, 2014

Reply to Appellants' Opposition to Intervention in the Carter Leave Application

CCD's submission to the Supreme Court in regard to the Appellants opposition to our intervention in the Carter leave application.

This material will be filed with the Court this morning. Read more.

November 26, 2016

Strategies for Competent and Ethical Disability Law Advocacy

Featured panel speakers will include Ms. Morgan Rowe, Ms. Helen Ries, Dr. Jihan Abbas, and Mr. Charles Ng. Read more.

May 11, 2013

Yvonne Peters, Gwen Brodsky, Ravi Malhotra Discuss Inclusion After the Moore Case

Along with others, some members of the CCD Human Rights Committee share their views on the impact of the Moore case.  Read more.

January 29, 2013

CMHR to feature the most inclusive design in Canadian history

“The exciting thing for people with disabilities is not only that a space is being created for a new understanding of human rights, but that it will also be fully accessible,” Laurie Beachell, CCD national coordinator said. “As our understanding of human rights evolves, so will our understanding of access and inclusive design. The disability community is pleased to be part of something that can raise awareness about what inclusion really means.” Read more.

April 17, 2012

Constitutional Equality Rights: People with Disabilities Still Celebrating 30 Years Later

“CCD celebrates the anniversary of the Charter and all those who have been using it to remove barriers to the full and equal participation of people with disabilities,” states Tony Dolan, CCD Chairperson. “April 17 is an important anniversary which we must celebrate every year.”

  Read more.

March 23, 2012

Factum in the Moore Case

CCD has intervened in this appeal because it is deeply concerned about the template for comparator group analysis adopted by the lower courts, reducing the right to accommodation to a right to the same treatment or same accommodation that others receive. The reasoning of the lower courts, if accepted by this Court, threatens to make the duty to accommodate meaningless, thereby profoundly eroding the human rights of persons with disabilities in a wide variety of settings. Read more.

March 21, 2012

Supreme Court of Canada Hears Access to Education in Disabled Student's Case

“Access to education, including effective accommodation, is fundamental to ensuring that persons with disabilities will become full and equal citizens, able to participate equally in the workforce and all aspects of Canadian society,” said Dean Richert, Co-chairperson of CCD Human Rights Committee.  Read more.

January 25, 2017

Media Advisory: CCD Available to Comment on "Mary Kills People"

On January 26, 2016, CCD representatives will be available to talk to the media about how "Mary Kills People" portrays people with disabilities and euthanasia and whether the program violates the CRTC’s Equitable Portrayal Code. Read more.

June 15, 2016

Media Advisory - National Forum for Robust Safeguards in Bill C -14 - Ottawa: Thursday June 16

On Thursday June 16th, join a Community Forum for Robust Safeguards in Bill C-14 hosted by the National Disability Rights Community. We will let Parliamentarians know what is at stake for disabled Canadians and their families.  This event continues a national conversation, launched by the National Disability Rights Community. We are Canadians with disabilities, their families and supporters working to ensure that Bill C-14 protects vulnerable Canadians.  Read more.

June 15, 2016

Share Your Voice: Community Forum for Robust Safeguards in Bill C-14 Thursday, June 16th

On Thursday June 16th, join a Community Forum for Robust Safeguards in Bill C-14 hosted by the National Disability Rights Community. We will let Parliamentarians know what is at stake for disabled Canadians and their families. Read more.

April 15, 2016

Bill C-14 Does Not Go Far Enough to Protect Vulnerable Canadians

“In the Carter decision, the Supreme Court of Canada gave the Government of Canada two assignments (1) develop a regime to provide dying people access to assisted suicide and (2) protect vulnerable Canadians who at a time of weakness may be influenced to accept medical aid in dying.  Unfortunately, C-14 has some serious gaps when it comes to protecting the vulnerable,” states Rhonda Wiebe, a Co-Chair of CCD’s Ending of Life Ethics Committee.  “Canada must do enough to protect people like me and other Canadians with disabilities who can be made vulnerable by both our health conditions and our social and economic circumstances”. Read more.

March 29, 2016

Vulnerable Persons Standard

Read more for a sample letter that individuals can send to their MPs supporting the Vulnerable Persons Standard and asking that its terms be incorporated in the law regulating assisted suicide/euthanasia.   Read more.

February 25, 2016

Recommendations Contained in Report of Joint Committee on Physician - Assisted Dying Pose Significant Risk to Vulnerable Canadians

CCD and CACL will be urging the government to adopt a stronger system of safeguards, and to adopt a clear standard for protecting vulnerable persons.  Canadians requesting assistance from physicians to end their life should be able to do so without jeopardizing the lives of vulnerable persons who may be subject to coercion, inducement and abuse. Read more.