Businesses and Mask Legislations
We have heard that numerous businesses are now calling the police when a mask exempt person enters their business. An individual who declares that they are exempt does not need to provide proof of an exemption. Additionally, the recently declared “State of Emergency” in Ontario does NOT remove mask exemptions from the regulation.
Businesses refusing to honour mask exemptions may be charged under the “Reopening Ontario Act” with failing to comply with Section 7.0.2. They may also be subject to Human Rights Code complaints, should the individual choose to file one.
It is important for both businesses and police to THROUGHLY read through the legislation BEFORE acting. Under section 7.0.2 (1) it clearly states that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms MUST be upheld, this includes Section 15 “Equality Rights” which states every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.
You can learn more in our information sheet here:
Reopening Ontario Act
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