Liiberal Party Press Release dd May 17, 2001: Liberal Critic Praises Human Rights Commissioner's Call For A Disabilities Law

NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Queen's Park- Ernie Parsons, MPP for Prince Edward-Hastings and
Liberal Critic for Persons with Disabilities praised the call for
an Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA) by Keith Norton,
Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC).

In response to questioning on whether Ontario needs a
disabilities law, Mr. Norton stated that he would advise the
provincial government to pass such legislation.

"This is great news", Parsons declared. "Despite Mike Harris'
repeated promise to introduce and implement an ODA, we have yet
to see anything meaningful and effective for persons with
disabilities in this province", Parsons observed.

This call by the Commissioner reinforces the argument that
despite the advances in policy, the Ontario Human Rights
Commission can not be the only statutory vehicle used to remove
and prevent barriers to full inclusion for persons with
disabilities. "The OHRC is trying very hard but, it can't do
everything that is needed for persons with disabilities in
Ontario and I commend the Commissioner for saying so", Parsons
stated.

"We need both the Human Rights Commission and an ODA. If this
government is serious about disabilities issues, it will ensure
that the Commission works with an ODA to remove and prevent
barriers in this province", Parsons challenged.

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Contact:
Ernie Parsons, MPP Prince Edward-Hastings
(416) 32-4700