Citizens With Disabilities: Protecting the rights of persons within the collective bargaining process (1 position)

Area of Law: Constitutional (Federalism or the Charter) -- Human Rights -- Labour Laws and Accessibility laws (pertaining to people with disabilities in Ontario)

Citizens With Disabilities - Ontario (CWDO) is committed to the rights of all persons to participate fully in the civil, cultural, economic, political and social life of their communities. They actively promote the rights, freedoms and responsibilities of persons with disabilities through community development, social action, and member support and referral. Their primary activity is public education and awareness about the social and physical barriers that prevent the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Ontario. CWDO acts in the interests of 1.85 million Ontarian's who live with one or more disabilities. Their registered members reside in almost every electoral district in the province. To learn more about CWDO, check out their website here: http://cwdo.org/

In this project, students will be conducting research into the rights of Ontarian's with disabilities, in the collective bargaining process when their rights are affected. This year's topic will include how clients with disabilities can meaningfully participate in the collective bargaining process between service providers, employees and unions. This will include research into how other countries address the rights of persons affected by collective bargaining who do not traditionally have a place at the bargaining table. There are various legal issues covered in these agreements such as the human rights, labour relations. and employment relations among others. 

Students will undertake research and prepare memoranda of law with the goal of having the final product being presented for plain language use in blogs, newsletters, or information for the general public. Students may have the opportunity to present their findings in webinars for the public affirming consumer rights and avenues for having their concerns addressed in collective bargaining. Students may also have the opportunity to present summaries of findings to municipal and provincial committees undertaking consultations on accessibility for and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Time Commitment

Students are expected to volunteer 3-5 hours per week. The schedule is flexible but there may be scheduled meetings, webinars or deputations involving the student(s) at fixed dates and times. All work will be done remotely using Zoom and the students' own computer and software. 

Required Training

In addition to the PBSC mandatory training, CWDO will provide training in preparing accessible documents (email, Word, PowerPoint and Excel) and on working directly with consumers and members of the Alliance for Quality Attendant Services. 

Number of Students and Prerequisites

  • How many students? 
    • One student
  • Can first year law students volunteer? 
    • No - this project is designed for students who have a background in labour relations or who have demonstrated research and writing skills. 
  • Should you be bilingual?
    •  No - bilingualism is not an expectation but is always nice to have
  • Any other expectations for this project? 
    • No prerequisites required, but students will become familiar with the human rights legal framework pertaining to disability rights law e.g. the UN convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Accessible Canada Act and federal regulations applying to disability rights and services, the Ontario Human Rights Code; the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Labour laws. Students with disabilities are welcome and will be accommodated as needed. CWDO also welcomes students who are members of communities protected by the Human Rights Code. Ideally, students will be interested in disability law, with a focus on Ontario, Canada and the United Nations.