OTTAWA - June 20, 2008 - The Canadian Transportation Agency issued its Decision today ordering Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz to ensure sufficient floor space is provided for certified service animals at the person with a disability’s seat.

Today’s Decision continues to ensure equal access to the federal transportation network for persons with disabilities, regardless of the nature of the disability. Travelling in a very constrained position has negative implications for a service animal which may impact on its ability to function and which may negatively impact a person’s well-being and increase the risk of injury, and therefore has safety implications for both the individual and the service animal.

On January 12, 2008, the Canadian Transportation Agency ruled that airlines must provide a second seat (free of charge) to Canadians with disabilities who require it to accommodate their disability, or to provide space for a personal attendant, for those who cannot travel alone. (The full press release can be found here.) On May 14th, the Federal Court of Appeal ruled that it would not entertain an appeal by Westjet and Air Canada.

MINISTER OF JUSTICE APPOINTS BOARD MEMBER TO THE CANADIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

OTTAWA , February 1, 2008 - The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C. Q. C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the appointment of Sandi Bell as a part-time Board Member of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Ms. Bell is a highly respected expert with over 30 years experience. Her years of experience have included significant human rights, equality and diversity components, much experience in terms of leadership and change management, working the front lines with people of colour, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal/First Nations people, alienated youth and other disenfranchised groups to assist them in developing skills to be their own change managers. As a female, and an individual of African-Canadian and Aboriginal-First Nations heritage and a person with a physical disability, Ms. Bell’s passion and experience will be a great asset to the mandate of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.