[News] [Canada] Rights code beefed up to include transgender, poor folks

[Stephanie Stevens]

Winnipeg Free Press, MB, Canada


[5/24/2012]

Rights code beefed up to include transgender, poor folks

By: Bruce Owen

Posted: 1:00 AM


THE province's human rights code will be changed so transgender
Manitobans and those with a "disadvantaged social status" will be
protected from discrimination, Justice Minister Andrew Swan said
Wednesday.

The changes bring the code up to speed with what exists in other
provinces and were requested by the province's Human Rights
Commission, the body that hears complaints of discrimination.

Swan, who introduced a legislative amendment Wednesday, said other
changes include how the commission does its work, such as expanding
mediation provisions, allowing for joint Manitoba Human Rights
Commission proceedings on similar complaints and allowing the
commission to sit in smaller panels.

He said the changes will protect people who have a social
disadvantage, or are perceived to be undereducated, underemployed,
homeless or living in inadequate housing, from being discriminated
against.

Swan said in practical terms it means they cannot be turned away from
renting an apartment, taking a taxi or riding on a bus if they can
demonstrate they have the ability to pay.

"They show that they have the fare, that they have the money to go
where they want to go, and yet they're refused entry to the bus or
taxi, that's something the commission could consider to be
discrimination based on somebody's social disadvantage," Swan said.

Quebec has had similar legislation for decades.

Swan added while discrimination based on someone's sexual orientation
has been on the books in Manitoba for about 25 years, it was time to
include Manitobans who change their gender.

"The commission has been very clear that if it can go out and can
expressly talk about protection of transgender people, that will make
it safer for (them)and their families," Swan said.

Ontario is also in the process of bringing in legislation to prohibit
discrimination based on gender identity.


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