TORONTO-TAXIS-BLIND-GUIDE DOGS-RELIGION

Some Toronto taxi drivers refuse to take on board the blind and their guide dogs because of their religious beliefs, according to the email from a taxi company obtained by Radio-Canada.

Renee Savoie is blind. She is only 5% vision, Freedom dog accompanies him in all her movements.

Just a few weeks ago she asked a passing person to hail a taxi at the exit of a store in downtown Toronto. As it was raining, she stayed behind, hidden under the porch of the store waiting for the taxi.

A car of the Co-op company has stopped the pass was then called for it rises.

“When I reached out to open the door, the driver suddenly accelerated and fled, it was a dangerous move for me and my dog.”

Renee Savoie then shouted to passersby take note of the vehicle registration number. "The drivers often refuse to take me without explanation, she says. But luck, this time, witnesses were able to identify the car. "
The driver of the Co-op taxi company is the subject of an investigation.
The driver of the Co-op taxi company is the subject of an investigation. Photo: Co-op

She filed a complaint against the driver at the office of licensing of Toronto, as the drivers must accept guide dogs.

In a letter addressed to Renee Savoie obtained by Radio-Canada, the Director of Co-op business, Heather Schell says that events are unfortunate and contravene the regulations. The license of the driver, she adds, is suspended until it is explained before a disciplinary committee.

Ms. Schell adds that dogs pose a problem for some drivers: "Some drivers refuse dogs because of their culture and religious beliefs, regardless of the consequences. Islamic tradition warns Muslims not to come into contact with dogs because they are unclean. We apply disciplinary measures when this situation occurs ... By cons, these measures have little effect on their actions because these actions are based on very strong beliefs. "

Contradictory

CBC spoke briefly to Abdulkadir Mohamud, the CEO of the company Co-op taxi to Toronto. His speech was different from the email of the director of corporate affairs. He argues that his employee has not refused to embark and Ms. Savoie, in reality, it has never stopped since the time of the incident he was on his way to serve another customer.
He also stated that the investigation of the licensing office has bleached his driver to blame.
Diane Colangelo, the licensing office, argues instead that an investigation is underway. When Radio-Canada recalled Abdulkadir Mohamoud to give him the chance to explain in an interview, he declined the offer, citing a schedule too busy schedule.

Diane Bergeron, director of the CNIB, said that he has often happened, both in Toronto and Ottawa or Edmonton, as taxi drivers refuse to raise because of his dog -guide. She knows many blind people who have the same problem.

“Some driver’s say they are allergic to dogs, others say they are afraid of the animals, while others evoke religious reasons.”

In the early 2000s, Ms. Bergeron was responsible for relations with the disabled for the City of Edmonton: "At the time, we identified 600 taxi drivers who refused to take guide dogs, saying allergies. The City has forced the drivers to provide a doctor's note to prove their conditions. Of the 600, only six were able to (do it). "

Ms. Bergeron invites people who witness such situations to identify offender’s taxi drivers.

As for Renee Savoie, after filing a complaint with the City, it intends to complain to the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

In 2007, the Court of Human Rights in British Columbia sentenced a taxi driver Behzad Saidy, to pay a fine of  2,500 $ to a blind man, Bruce Gilmour, because he refused to take his dog- guide for religious reasons.

The war continues?!

And what war, wars?!

What are we doing?!