Discriminating against guide dog teams is illegal, yet it's still happening
By Victoria Nolan, Head of Stakeholder Relations and Community Engagement, CNIB Guide Dogs
Returning home from a business trip shortly after midnight, a woman arrives at Halifax Stanfield International Airport where a cab driver refuses her service.
On a road trip in Kamloops, a man stops at a Shell gas station, where the cashier refuses to sell him coffee and demands that he leave the station.
These guide dog refusal stories paint a disturbing trend happening daily in communities across our country.
In Canada, it's illegal to deny access or refuse service to a person who is working with a guide dog. Unfortunately, discrimination continues to happen because people – like the taxi driver and Shell gas station cashier – are unaware of the laws that protect guide dog teams in Canada.
Shockingly, during the gas station incident, when Kamloops RCMP arrived, the guide dog handler believed they would enforce the law and his right to be there. Yet he was handcuffed, arrested and put into the back of the police cruiser.
In a recent CNIB Foundation survey of guide dog teams in Canada, participants felt that when they’ve asked for support from police in cases of discrimination, the police were not familiar with the laws protecting guide dog teams and did not enforce them.
After the taxi incident, Halifax Regional Police were unaware that it was their job to enforce the law. (They know now.)
Having a guide dog is a transformational experience. Being part of a guide dog team provides mobility, safety and confidence, leading to increased independence and a sense of connection with the world around you.
From my own experiences with my guide dog, Alan, I can say wholeheartedly many businesses are welcoming to guide dog teams. But, like so many other Canadians who rely on guide dogs, I still encounter discrimination – often rooted in ignorance.
Businesses need to familiarize themselves with the laws that affect them and uphold these laws – or it could be costly for them. Penalties can range from $100 to $10,000.
They should also understand the differences between guide dogs, other service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support dogs. It's important to know which ones are protected by provincial legislation and which ones aren't.
At a time when federal, provincial and municipal governments and communities are focusing on accessibility and inclusion – and smashing barriers that stand in the way of Canadians with disabilities – it's time for businesses to step up and do their part!
Visit GuideDogChampions.ca for more information about the legislation protecting guide dog teams.