This document dives into the critical conversation around guardianship laws in Canada and their impact on people with disabilities. It highlights how traditional substitute decision-making practices strip individuals with severe intellectual or developmental disabilities of their legal rights, reducing them to “legal nonentities.” Rooted in outdated British law, guardianship often leads to lifelong legal and social exclusion for those deemed incapable of making decisions independently.
The Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) advocates for “Supported Decision Making” as a progressive alternative. This approach empowers individuals with disabilities to make decisions with the help of trusted supporters, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Canada’s Charter of Rights. The document emphasizes the need for a “disability lens” in lawmaking to ensure inclusivity and equality.
Through real-life examples, the text illustrates the everyday barriers faced by people with disabilities, from managing phone bills to opening bank accounts, due to rigid privacy and legal frameworks. It calls for systemic change, urging Canadians to embrace accommodation and support over guardianship.
This is a must-read for anyone passionate about inclusion, equality, and creating a society where everyone, regardless of ability, is recognized as a full and equal citizen.