CANADA - PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

The first Canadian obtained his dog guide in 1931.  Since that
time, the number of dog guides in use in Canada has grown steadily,
and today many blind Canadians enjoy the freedom the dog guides so
richly provide.  In recent years all Canadian provinces have
adopted special statutes granting dog guide users legally protected
access to a variety of public accommodations.  These are summarized
in the following pages.

When crossing and recrossing the Canadian-American border, a dog
guide user should remember to carry the dog's up-to-date health
certificate and a current rabies vaccine record.  It would also be
wise to have the identification card issued by dog guide schools
to their graduates and to keep a muzzle available, as occasionally
there are muzzling requirements.

Human Rights Act of 1974, as amended in 1985; Public Health Act
Regulation of 1979

Prince Edward Island legislation protecting human rights includes
prohibitions against discrimination on the grounds of physical
handicap.  Physical handicap includes the right of a blind person
to use a dog as a guide and the statute makes this a part of the
definition.  Consequently, a dog guide user has the legal right to
be accompanied by a trained dog guide in all public accommodations
and facilities.  A dog guide user also has the right to equal
housing accommodations and equal employment opportunities.

Specific reference is incorporated under the Public Health Act
Regulations to substantiate 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
is customarily invited.

Housing accommodations include rental properties for residential
or commercial use which are available for rent or purchase.

Employment includes all employment and membership in professional
and employee organizations.

Violation: Enforcement is centered in a special Human Rights
Commission.
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