Disabled woman ejected from Mac's store

A University of Windsor student is filing a human rights complaint after she was asked to leave a Mac's store because of her service dog.

Julie Holmes has multiple sclerosis and relies on a wheelchair and a specially trained service dog to get around.

"I went to Mac's to get a drink and I was asked to leave because of my service dog," said Holmes, who relies on her dog Fancy to act as her arms when she can't reach service counters.

She said she told the clerk that his request was discriminatory, and said she would be contacting the Human Rights Commission to file a complaint.

Holmes said representatives from the company’s head office contacted her and offered an apology, but she said the apology isn’t enough.

"These dogs change people’s lives. Fancy is an extension of me just as my wheelchair is," Holmes said.

"By telling me I can’t bring my dog, that’s like telling me I can’t bring my wheelchair into the store."

Bruce Watson, the director of customer service for Mac’s Convenience Stores, told CBC News that the company’s official policy is to allow service and guide dogs in all of its stores.

He said local management is following up with the clerk, who will go through a "period of re-training" and possibly disciplinary action.

"We need to understand better what motivated him to make the choice," Watson said. "But the critical thing for us is the customer and the situation and we need to make sure this isn’t repeated."

Holmes said she appreciated the apology, but still plans on contacting the Human Rights Commission.