Bill S-5
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SUMMARY |
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This enactment amends the Canada Evidence Act, the Criminal
Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act in order to confirm and
strengthen the equality rights of persons with disabilities. The
Canadian Human Rights Act is further amended to provide additional
protections and to make the administration of the Act more efficient.
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The Canada Evidence Act is amended to allow for assistance for
witnesses with communication disabilities and for witnesses to be able
to use any sensory means to identify an accused.
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The enactment amends the Criminal Code to create an offence with
respect to the sexual exploitation of persons with disabilities in a
situation of dependency. It also amends existing provisions to allow
certain witnesses with disabilities to use videotaped evidence and to
allow more persons with disabilities to serve on juries.
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The amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act will work to
prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities within the
federal sphere. A key amendment adds a provision that requires
employers and service providers to accommodate the needs of people
who are protected under the Act, except when that would cause undue
hardship. Other amendments include the provision of monetary
penalties for hate messages, the submission directly to Parliament of the
annual report of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, the creation
of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and increased awards for
compensation for pain and suffering.
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