Activist says closing hospital beds human rights violation

AJAX -- A community activist says closing the in-patient mental health beds at the Ajax hospital is an issue for the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Ajax councillors, however, want a legal opinion before endorsing a request to have the commission look into the situation.

Maurice Brenner, a former Pickering councillor, sent a letter to Ajax council asking it to support his request to have the OHRC intervene.

Mr. Brenner was scheduled to speak to Ajax council on Monday, but he didn't show up.

In his letter, Mr. Brenner stated the Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination because of a disability, and a 'mental disorder' qualifies as a disability.

"The removal of in-patient mental health services to persons with mental disorders in west Durham will negatively affect and deny the equality rights and opportunities for those persons," Mr. Brenner wrote.

He asked that Ajax council endorse having the OHRC hold a public inquiry into the actions of the Rouge Valley Health System.

"Staff would feel more comfortable referring this to our solicitor for input," Mayor Steve Parish said.

He said there were three options open to council -- do nothing, support the motion as it was presented or refer it to staff for a report.

Wards 1 and 2 Regional Councillor Scott Crawford said council wouldn't support the 'do-nothing option.'

"I'm willing to support it as is. If staff would feel more comfortable to go through legal, we'll do it," Coun. Crawford added.

As for going to the human rights commission, Coun. Crawford said, "I think we should use anything, any means to fight this."

Ward 4 local Councillor Pat Brown said she didn't need a report to come back from the Town's lawyer if he felt it was appropriate to support the motion.

"It's time sensitive and we'll get a quick response," Mayor Parish said.

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