It’s against the law to deny access to guide dog teams

As a guide dog handler living with sight loss, business owners nationwide must be aware that human rights legislation in all of Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories states that guide dog teams are allowed access anywhere the public is granted.

The majority of businesses are unaware of the rights of guide dogs and their handlers in Canada; some don’t understand what a guide dog is and does. Guide dogs are professionally trained by guide dog schools and are not pets.

I was partnered with my guide dog, Bruno, in 2012. He is a shy, small 10-year-old black Labrador-Retriever, who helps me get from point A to point B safely, confidently and independently.

In 2005, I went to a local bar in my hometown of New Liskeard, Ontario with my orientation and mobility instructor. The bartender told me I could not have my dog there and we were asked to leave. After explaining to him that it goes against human rights legislation to deny our access, he still refused. The situation went unresolved.

As guide dog handlers, we are legally allowed to enter any space the public can access – without facing discrimination due to someone else’s lack of knowledge about the rights of guide dog handlers. To learn more about the rights of guide dog teams in Canada, visit GuideDogChampions.ca.

By Mich Verier

Member, Guide Dog Users of Canada

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