The rights of a person accompanied by a guide dog in Prince Edward Island is governed by the Human Rights Act. We offer a summary of the key rights of access below and refer you to the entire Act via the link provided for additional detail.
Summary of the Prince Edward Island Human Rights Act
Prince Edward Island’s Human Rights Act protecting human rights includes prohibition against discrimination on the grounds of disability including the right of a blind person to use a dog as a guide.
The Human Rights Act defines “disability” under Section C.1 as a previous or existing disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement, whether of a physical, mental or intellectual nature, that is caused by injury, birth defect or illness, and includes but is not limited to epilepsy, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical coordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on an assist animal, wheelchair or other remedial device.
A dog guide user has the right to equal housing accommodations and equal employment opportunities. Specific reference is incorporated under the Public Health Act substantiates the right of a blind person to be accompanied by a dog guide in any facility in which food is served. Public accommodations and facilities include restaurants, hotels, stores, public conveyances, and other places to which the public customarily is invited.
The Human Rights Act specifically states “No person shall discriminate
(a) against any individual or class of individuals with respect to enjoyment of accommodation, services and facilities to which members of the public have access; or
(b) with respect to the manner in which accommodations, services and facilities, to which members of the public have access, are provided to any individual or class of individuals.”
Housing accommodations include rental properties for residential or commercial use which are available for rent or purchase.
Enforcement of violations under the Human Rights Act are adjudicated by the Human Rights Commission via a complaint process.