{"id":1624,"date":"2020-03-26T12:57:40","date_gmt":"2020-03-26T12:57:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/saskhumanrightsbeta.f9uxqf1h-liquidwebsites.com\/?page_id=1624"},"modified":"2020-03-26T13:23:16","modified_gmt":"2020-03-26T13:23:16","slug":"building-standards-the-code","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/saskatchewanhumanrights.ca\/education-resources\/information-sheets\/building-standards-the-code\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Standards & the Code"},"content":{"rendered":"
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”content” _builder_version=”4.3.3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.3.3″ custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.3.3″][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/saskatchewanhumanrights.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Building_Standards_-Code.pdf” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”View\/download this information as a PDF file” admin_label=”View\/download this information as a PDF file Button” module_class=”pdf-btn” _builder_version=”4.3.3″][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=”Introduction” _builder_version=”4.3.3″]<\/p>\n
Canada ratified The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the Convention) on March 11, 2010. The Convention adopts a broad categorization of persons with disabilities and reaffirms that all persons with all types of disabilities must enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms.<\/p>\n
In addition to the Convention, The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code<\/a> (the Code<\/em>) and The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter) protect people with disabilities from discrimination and protect and promote equality rights.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Renewed Vision” _builder_version=”4.3.3″]<\/p>\n Canada is a signatory to the Convention. Based on Canada\u2019s new obligations under the Convention, and the guarantees in the Code<\/em> and the Charter, the Commission has renewed its commitment to promote the accessibility rights of persons with disabilities.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Addressing Barriers” _builder_version=”4.3.3″]<\/p>\n Persons with disabilities face barriers on a daily basis. The barriers can be physical, attitudinal or systemic. It is most effective to identify and remove barriers voluntarily and proactively rather than respond to individual accommodation requests or complaints. The Commission investigates complaints where barriers have not been identified and removed. Barriers to public services can result in discrimination against people with disabilities.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”The Business Case” _builder_version=”4.3.3″]<\/p>\n It makes good business sense to identify and remove barriers. Barrier removal allows for fuller participation by all members of society. Examples of persons who benefit from accessibility measures include older persons, people of short or tall stature and families with young children.<\/p>\n Accessibility is not a one-way street. Businesses, public services, and society as a whole benefit from accessible transportation. A shift in perceptions and attitudes is required to realize this. Adopting the concepts of accommodation <\/strong>and accessibility<\/strong> through universal access<\/strong> and barrier-free<\/strong> design will benefit all members of the community.<\/p>\n Addressing barriers is not only about the provision of barrier-free, equitable lifestyles for people currently living with disabilities. It is also about future planning. Saskatchewan has an aging population and due to medical advancements people are living longer. We need to proactively plan for the future.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Substantive equality not technical compliance” _builder_version=”4.3.3″]<\/p>\n Accessibility should not just be a matter of whether or not it is possible <\/strong>for persons with disabilities to perform tasks, but also whether it is possible to perform tasks in a dignified and easy way. The Commission endorses the concept of substantive equality which strives for equal rights and opportunities and the recognition of the dignity and worth of every person.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Legislation and the Law” _builder_version=”4.3.3″]<\/p>\n People who obtain a building permit are often unaware of their additional legal obligations under the Code<\/em>. The Commission recognizes this is a problem. This is one reason for the Commission\u2019s renewed focus on accessibility.<\/p>\n This information guide outlines considerations that pertain to accessibility rights, building standards and human rights law<\/strong> in Saskatchewan. In particular, it looks at the relationship between the Code<\/em> and The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act<\/em> (UBAS) which adopts The National Building<\/em> Code<\/em> (NBC), a model code for Canada.<\/p>\n The table below introduces the main differences between the Code<\/em> and NBC\/UBAS. The remainder of this information guide explains these differences, the complementary nature of the two pieces of legislation, and changes the Commission endorses to promote substantive equality and accessibility rights of persons with disabilities.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Table Shortcode” _builder_version=”4.3.3″]\nRenewed Vision<\/h5>\n
Addressing Barriers<\/h5>\n
The Business Case<\/h5>\n
Substantive equality not technical compliance<\/h5>\n
Legislation and the Law<\/h5>\n