A man with a brain injury, Roger Chin, has been given the green light to proceed with his discrimination complaint against BC Ferries. Chin alleges that he was denied access to a ferry at the Departure Bay terminal in Nanaimo, British Columbia, on August 18, 2019, based on his disabilities. He suffers from craniocervical instability, which can cause symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome. BC Ferries has a policy called Medical Assured Loading, which allows individuals to bypass wait times if they have a letter from their doctor. However, Chin did not have such a letter and was denied access. BC Ferries argued that Chin did not provide sufficient evidence of a disability-related barrier, but the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal ruled that his complaint can proceed. If the tribunal finds that Chin was indeed discriminated against, BC Ferries may be required to provide restitution for the embarrassment and loss of self-respect that Chin experienced. It is worth noting that BC Ferries has since changed its policy, and the letter is no longer required. [f7111762]
