For immediate release:
June 3, 2005

Guide Dogs – for more than the blind: Barrett

Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett rose in the Legislature yesterday to speak in support of extending rights of the blind to all who rely on guide dogs in the province.

“Our physically disabled, hearing impaired, deaf and autistic people who rely on guide dogs deserve the same rights of access as blind people,” Barrett stated. “People rely on guide dogs just as the blind and deserve the same kind of legal allowances.”

Barrett rose to support Private Member’s Bill 103 from Gerry Martinuk, MPP Cambridge titled, “An Act to Amend the Blind Person’ Right Act”. The Bill seeks to extend the rights of blind persons under the Act to all persons with disabilities if they are dependent on a guide dog or white cane.

“There are many across Ontario and indeed across our country who suffer from blindness and deafness, disabilities which make even the simplest of tasks like crossing the street, getting a phone call or waking up in time for a meeting a challenge,” Barrett explained. “People use hearing ear dogs …they rely on dogs to alert them to various warning sounds … get them through a door or push buttons that may be inaccessible to them.”

The Bill passed second reading on a voice vote and was sent to the Standing Committee on General Government for review.

Barrett also reminded the Ontario Legislature that people across the Province can donate funds to the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind in their local LCBO Stores.

“The LCBO approved the placement of donation boxes for the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind,” said Barrett. “I would like to thank the LCBO for allowing the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind and other charitable groups to enable them to raise awareness and funds.”

-30-
For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 416-325-8404 or 1-800-903-8629