Human rights complaints filed on behalf of First Nations adults living with disabilities
Three human rights complaints have been filed against the Government of Canada on behalf of First Nations adults living with disabilities.
The complaints, filed by the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC), challenge the federal government’s “ongoing systemic discrimination and failure to provide necessary supports and services to First Nations adults with disabilities in Manitoba.”
Two of the complaints are on behalf of individuals and the third is on behalf of a coalition of First Nation adults with disabilities.
The PILC said these citizens are denied social inclusion and the ability to meaningfully participate in daily life.
“They’re not even getting the baseline assessments to determine their needs that other Canadians would expect,” PILC attorney Joëlle Pastora Sala told CTV News.
Sala cited access to therapy, equipment and communication devices as examples.
“They’re not getting any supports as soon as they transition to adulthood.”
In 2017, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal implemented Jordan’s Principle, a child-first principle which ensures First Nations children get the service they need. However, there’s currently no legal principle to address inadequate services for First Nations adults.
Sala said they’re hoping a principle similar to Jordan’s Principle is created.
“No matter where you are, if you’re a First Nation adult with disabilities, you [should] have access to the supports and services you require based on your needs.”
She elaborated that access to services should be available in locations like First Nations communities, and supports should include cultural needs.
The human rights complaint is against the federal government’s Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), which is mandated to ensure Indigenous people have access to education, health, social development, and other services.
CTV News has reached out to the ISC for comment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.