$300 fine for taxi driver who refused guide dog

A Calgary taxi driver who refused to take a guide dog in his car has received a $300 fine.

Assistant Chief Judge Brian Stevenson ordered the fine Monday, then requested his judgment be sent to the Calgary Taxi Commission.

Glen Murphy, who is blind, had arranged to be picked up at a medical appointment last February, but when the driver saw Murphy's guide dog he refused to let them in his cab.

The driver, Islamuddin Bakhshi, had pleaded guilty under the Blind Persons' Rights Act. The act says any place the public is welcome, a guide dog cannot be refused.

Murphy said Monday that he hopes the case sets an example for other cab drivers.

"You won't find a blind person who has a guide dog that this hasn't happened to," he said.

Bakhshi lost 19 days of pay when he was suspended by his company and the taxi commission.