News
Re: Zoning Application ZAR-11-034
Toronto (January 24, 2012) - Mayor Bob Bratina and Members of City Council, City of Hamilton. I am concerned about the human rights implications of the zoning application by the Lynwood Charlton Centre, to be considered at your Council meeting on January 25, 2012. The following sections outline some key concerns. read more
Re: Sale of Toronto Community Housing Corporation scattered housing units
Toronto (January 12, 2012) - I am writing to express concern about the proposed plan to sell the TCHC’s scattered housing units. This plan has the potential to negatively impact individuals and groups protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code). As you may know, in the past few years. the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has done extensive work in the area of discrimination and housing. This work has included a focus on the lack of affordable housing opportunities in the province and the impact that this shortage has on groups that are identified and protected by the Code. read more
OHRC unveils Human Rights 101 e-learning in Arabic and Spanish
Toronto (December 9, 2011) - The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) today announced it is working on two new versions of its popular e-learning module, Human Rights 101 at an event to celebrate International Human Rights Day hosted by Overland Learning Centre, a Toronto District School Board (TDSB) adult learning centre and the Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office. The Overland Learning Centre has a large English as a Second Language Program helping many new Canadians integrate into Canadian society. read more
Human Rights Agencies call on Governments across Canada to Implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Canada (December 2, 2011) - Marking December 3rd United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Canadian Association of Statutory Human Rights Agencies (CASHRA) today launched its new brochure, Canada and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. read more Brochure - Canada and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities:Ontario Human Rights Review 2011-12 - Message from the Chair
Toronto (November 25, 2011) - Andrew Pinto been appointed by the Attorney General to conduct an independent review of the implementation and effectiveness of the amendments to the Human Rights Code. Mr. Pinto believes the Code is fundamental to Ontarians and has a keen interest in ensuring that Ontario’s human rights system is effective, accessible and accountable. The review will include public consultations on the human rights system, after a period of study and planning. All interested members of the public are invited to participate in this review. read more
Request for proposals on creed-based human rights and freedom of religion
Toronto (November 18, 2011) - The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) will host a legal workshop on rights relating to religious belief and practice at the end of March 2012 in partnership with York University’s Centre for Law and Public Policy. The primary purpose of the legal workshop is to generate expert legal and academic research and dialogue to help inform the OHRC’s update of its (1996) Policy on creed and the accommodation of religious observances. read more
Re: OHCHR thematic study on participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life
Toronto (October 14, 2011) - Dear High Commissioner, in recent months, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has been examining the issue of accessible elections for both voters and candidates with disabilities. That is why we were pleased to learn the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has initiated a study on participation in political and public life in accordance with Article 29 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This update on our related activities serves as our submission to your study. read more
Top of Mind – an update on human rights and mental health
Toronto (October 10, 2011) - World Mental Health Day happens on October 10th each year, to raise awareness about mental health issues worldwide. To mark this day, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) offers this update to let you know about our work to advance human rights for people with mental health and addiction disabilities. read more
Human rights cases settled as transit providers offer more accessible services
Toronto (September 29, 2011) - The cities of Hamilton, Greater Sudbury and Thunder Bay and the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) have settled three human rights cases at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. The OHRC filed the complaints in 2009 to increase accessibility for riders with vision disabilities by ensuring the calling out of all transit stops. read more
Reconciling competing human rights
Toronto (September 28, 2011) - As people better understand their rights and wish to exercise them, some of those rights may come into conflict with the rights of others. Depending on the circumstances, for example, the right to be free from discrimination based on creed or sexual orientation or gender may be at odds with each other or with other rights, laws and practices. The OHRC has been taking steps over the last number of years to advance understanding of how best to address competing rights. read more
Request for proposals for papers on creed-based human rights and freedom of religion
Toronto (September 22, 2011) - The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) will host a community dialogue on human rights relating to religious belief and practice in January 2012 in partnership with the University of Toronto’s Religion in the Public Sphere Initiative and Faculty of Law. Short papers (6-8 pages) will be presented to and discussed with an invited audience of diverse community members, academics and human rights lawyers and practitioners. Papers may also be published on the OHRC website and in journal format, potentially in longer form. read more
Landmark human rights case settled
Toronto (August 17, 2011) – A settlement has been reached in the longest-running human rights case in Canadian history. The case of Michael McKinnon v. the Ontario Ministry of Correctional Services concerned discrimination on the basis of Aboriginal ancestry and has become the leading Canadian case on human rights remedies in race discrimination. The original complaint by Mr. McKinnon, a correctional officer working in the Ministry, was filed in 1988 and has now been settled after 23 years. read more
Finding the right human rights consultant
Toronto (July 26, 2011) - Finding the right consultant to help you develop human rights policies, get training or investigate or resolve disputes is a good investment. A good consultant can help you build a diverse and inclusive workplace, avoid legal expenses and reach diverse markets with your products or services. This fact sheet can help you use search tools on the Internet to find and choose the right consultant for your immediate need. read more
Police record checks guideline eliminates mental health descriptions
Toronto On July 25, 2011, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) released the LEARN Guideline for Police Record Checks. This new guideline shows police services how to conduct police record checks for people seeking either work or volunteer opportunities. The OHRC worked with the OACP to provide a human rights perspective, and to outline protections under the Code for persons with disabilities, with a focus on people with mental health issues. The OHRC got involved with the project after learning about the unfair impact of police records checks on people with mental health disabilities who have had non-criminal contact with police. read more
2010-2011 Annual Report celebrates 50 years of OHRC
Toronto (July 20, 2011) - Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall today released the Ontario Human Rights Commission's 2010-2011 Annual Report.
“This year marks a special anniversary for the Commission” said Ms Hall. The report looks back at some of the key advances over the past five decades in protecting and promoting human rights for all Ontarians. read more
RE: Proposed North Bay Rental Housing Licensing By-law
Toronto (June 28, 2011) Dear Mayor McDonald and Councillors, Over the past two years, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has monitored and reviewed rental housing licensing bylaws in various municipalities. Rental housing licensing is a relatively new option for municipalities, and our goal has been to make sure that these bylaws, even unintentionally, do not create barriers and discrimination in housing for vulnerable people who are protected under the grounds of the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code). read more
Human Rights and Policing Guide launched
Toronto (June 27, 2011) – As part of its ongoing work with police across the province, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) today releases a new guide. Human rights and policing: creating and sustaining organizational change aims to encourage and support police services across Ontario in building human rights into all their work. read more
Re: Input for Canada’s 2011 ILO (International Labour Organization) Article 22 Report on Discrimination (Employment & Occupation) Convention
Switzerland (June 21, 2011) - Dear Ms. Doumbia-Henry, Please find attached a copy of a briefing note prepared by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) in the form requested by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour submitted to the Ministry for its input into Canada’s report on Convention 111 concerning Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation as it pertains to the mandate of the OHRC. read more
Opening the door to fairer housing ads
Toronto (June 14, 2011) – As part of its ongoing work with community partners in the area of human rights and housing, the Commission announced today that it has written to media and housing websites to ask them for help in addressing discriminatory housing advertisements. read more
City of Waterloo Council Meeting – May 9, 2011 – Proposed Rental Housing Licensing By-law
Speaking notes by Barbara Hall
Chief Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commission
Check against delivery
Introduction
Mayor and Members of Council, over the past few months, staff of the City of Waterloo have worked closely with us at the Ontario Human Rights Commission – the OHRC – to create a rental housing licensing by-law that respects and advances the human rights of tenants while meeting, as much as possible, the City's operational needs. read more
RE: Proposed Rental Housing Licencing By-law
Toronto (April 11, 2011) - Dear Mayor Halloran and Councillors, Over the past few months, staff of the City of Waterloo (the City) have worked extensively with staff of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) to create a rental housing licensing by-law that meets the City’s operational needs while respecting and advancing the human rights of tenants. Throughout this process, the City is to be commended for its commitment to reflecting the vision of the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code) in the critical area of housing. read more
Re: Bill 140, Strong Communities through Affordable Housing Act, 2011
Toronto (April 5, 2011) - Dear Minister, On behalf of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, I would like to congratulate you on bringing forward Bill 140. The Bill is receiving general support for taking positive steps on oversight, local planning and flexibility for delivery of affordable housing services, as well as for its requirements on municipal zoning laws permitting second unit apartments. However, concerns remain about very long waiting lists for limited availability of affordable housing in Ontario. read more
Deadline extended for organizations, individuals to speak out on human rights and mental health
Toronto (March 28, 2011) — The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has extended its deadline for written submissions to its consultation on human rights and mental health to April 30, 2011. read more
Mental health round table sessions wrap up in North Bay
Toronto (March 24, 2011) - North Bay-area residents will have their say at the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) final round table session on human rights and mental health issues on Monday, March 28, 2011. The OHRC, in cooperation with the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre, People for Equal Partnerships in Mental Health (PEP) and True Self, will meet with consumer/survivors, members of the mental health community, people with addictions, employers and housing and service providers. read more
Celebrating the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Toronto (March 21, 2011) – Today, human rights commissions and agencies across Canada are celebrating the United Nations (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
This day commemorates the tragic events of March 21, 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa when 69 peaceful demonstrators were killed as they protested against apartheid. Canada was one of the first countries to support the UN initiative. read more
Re: Shock and sadness over ‘No Natives’ sign
Lakefield (March 21, 2011) Through Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Canadians are learning a lot about the intergenerational harm Aboriginal peoples and communities experienced because of racism and bigotry. One of the hopes is that we can collectively apply what we have learned so we do not repeat history. read more
People and organizations can still take part in the OHRC’s Human Rights and Mental Health Consultation
The deadline for written submissions to the OHRC’s Human rights and mental health research and policy consultation paper has been extended until April 30, 2011. read more
Human rights and mental health survey extended for deaf and hard of hearing people
While the main survey is now closed, the OHRC has extended the deadline for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing and whose preferred method of communication is American Sign Language (ASL) or Langue des signes québécois (LSQ). read more
Celebrating International Women's Day – Ontario Human Rights Commission releases new Policy on preventing sexual and gender-based harassment
Toronto (March 8, 2011) - A new policy on preventing sexual and gender-based harassment was launched today by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) in partnership with the Ryerson Students’ Union, Ryerson University and the CAW-Sam Gindin Chair in Social Justice and Democracy, Ryerson University.
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code. The new policy focuses on sexual harassment and discrimination in employment, housing and education. Sexual harassment often occurs because of a power imbalance between the harasser and the person being harassed. And it can happen to anyone regardless of one’s social, economic or ethnic background. read more
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) wants to hear from you!
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) wants to hear from you! As part of our consultation on human rights and mental health, we are holding round-table sessions in four locations across Ontario. Two sessions are scheduled for North Bay on March 28, 2011. read more
Human rights and mental health project arrives in Ottawa
Toronto - Ottawa-area residents will have their say at the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) next human rights and mental health round table session on Wednesday March 2, 2011. The OHRC and the Canadian Mental Health Association – Ottawa Branch will meet with consumer/survivors, members of the mental health community, people with addictions, employers and housing and service providers. They will hear personal stories of discrimination and identify solutions and best practices to deal with discrimination in the areas of housing, services and employment. read more
Working together on policing and human rights
Windsor (February 24, 2011) A new project, aimed at preventing discrimination and racism in policing, launched today in Windsor. The Windsor Police Service, Windsor Police Services Board, Ontario Police College and Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) announced a major joint initiative to address policing and human rights issues. Police Chief Gary Smith, Board Chair Eddie Francis, Police College Acting Director Bill Stephens and Human Rights Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall made the announcement during today’s public Board meeting at Windsor Police Service headquarters. read more
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) wants to hear from you!
As part of our consultation on human rights and mental health, we are holding round-table sessions in four locations across Ontario. A session is scheduled for Ottawa on March 2, 2011. read more
Human rights and mental health project goes to Windsor
Toronto (February 11, 2011) Following a successful session in Toronto, the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) consultation on human rights and mental health issues is heading to Windsor. On Thursday, February 17th, the OHRC will meet with members of the mental health community, including consumer/survivors, people with addictions, employers, and housing and service providers to talk about human rights and mental health-related issues. read more
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) wants to hear from you!
As part of our consultation on human rights and mental health, we are holding round-table sessions in four locations across Ontario. A session is scheduled for Windsor on February 17, 2011. read more
Human rights and mental health project continues
Toronto (January 26, 2011) The next phase of a consultation on human rights and mental health begins Thursday February 3rd. The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) will meet with people with mental health disabilities and addictions, employers and housing and service providers to discuss human rights and mental health-related issues. read more
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) wants to hear from you!
As part of our consultation on human rights and mental health, we are holding round-table sessions in four locations across Ontario. A session is scheduled for Toronto on February 3, 2011. read more
Re: Coach who protested racial slur suspended until April (16/12/10)
Racial slurs and other name-calling because of one’s personal characteristics such as disability, sex or sexual orientation is wrong. The Ontario Human Rights Code makes that clear. It’s also clear that sports organizations and their governing bodies in Ontario must follow provincial human rights legislation. They should be prohibiting and not sanctioning such conduct. read more
New e-learning package puts human rights training online
Toronto (December 10, 2010) Marking International Human Rights Day, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) today launches Rental Housing e-learning at an event hosted by the York Centre for Human Rights. This second in a series of e-learning courses provides online learning and training for everyone who needs information on human rights issues that come up in rental housing. read more
Special issue of Canadian Diversity talks about competing human rights
Toronto (December 9, 2010) As society evolves, we see more and more cases where rights based on one ground of the Human Rights Code seem to conflict with rights of another ground. The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), along with many partners, is working to find answers. read more
Celebrating the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Toronto (December 3, 2010) December 3rd marks the U.N. International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day to promote a better understanding of disability-related issues, the rights of persons with disabilities, and their integration in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities. read more
OHRC launches survey on discrimination based on mental health and addiction disabilities
Toronto (November 16, 2010) The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) launched a survey today to learn more about the human rights issues and barriers people with mental health and addiction disabilities face. The survey kicks off a broader consultation process on human rights and mental health-related issues. read more
- Click here if you want to fill out the survey about yourself
- Click here if you want to fill out the survey about someone you care about
Re: Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 Review
Dear Sirs/Mesdames:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 (PPS) as part of a province-wide effort to consider ways the PPS can be made more effective and responsive to addressing emerging land-use issues in Ontario. Attached is the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (the OHRC) written submission. read more
Newspaper editorials are not restricted by Ontario’s Human Rights Code
Toronto (October 28, 2010) The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario has ruled that newspaper editorials are not covered by Ontario’s Human Rights Code. The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) intervened in this case, Whiteley v. Osprey Media Publishing Inc. and Sun Media Corporation before the Tribunal. The OHRC argued that section 13 of the Code does not restrict newspapers from printing opinions that some people may not like. read more
Ontario Human Rights Commission v. Christian Horizons
On May 14, 2010, Ontario’s Divisional Court issued a decision on a case called Ontario Human Rights Commission v. Christian Horizons. The Divisional Court’s ruling was on the appeal of a 2008 decision made by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. In that decision, the Tribunal found that Christian Horizons infringed the rights of an employee who was in a same sex relationship. read more
Landmark ruling stands as court considers: “What is discrimination?”
The Ontario Court of Appeal has upheld a lower court ruling that two alcoholics are entitled to disability benefits. The case is important because it looks at what constitutes discrimination in human rights law. read more
To see the OHRC’s updated Special Programs Guide, click here.
Re: Final Report and Statutory Public Meeting on the Draft Zoning By-law (PG10063)
Dear Members of Council:
The Ontario Human Rights Commission has reviewed the Report #PG10063, entitled “Final Report and Statutory Public Meeting on the Draft Zoning By-law", and continues to have concerns that certain elements of the by-law may lead to discrimination contrary to the Ontario Human Rights Code (Code). read more
Canada’s human rights agencies choose new association president
Barbara Hall, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, has been selected as President of the Canadian Association of Statutory Human Rights Agencies (CASHRA). She takes over the post from Mary Pat Short, Chair of the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission. read more
Ontario Human Rights Commission releases its 2009-2010 Annual Report
Toronto (July 20, 2010) Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall today released the Ontario Human Rights Commission's 2009-2010 Annual Report.
In issuing this year’s report, Ms. Hall stated, “Our work can be summed up in three words: educate, empower and act – actions that can transform written rights into lived rights.” read more
Re: Good information comes at a price
Letters@globeandmail.com (July 15, 2010) I share your concerns about deleting the census long form. In “Count me in!”, our new guide to collecting human rights-based data, the OHRC identifies this information as a vital starting point for organizations working to eliminate barriers for their workers and their customers. It is hard to solve problems or run a successful business or make a good policy without all of the information – yet that is exactly what is being proposed with these changes. read more
Re: Census questionnaire
Dear Minister,
I am writing to you regarding the Federal Government’s intent to end the mandatory requirement for completing the detailed Census questionnaire. Data from this survey provides an invaluable resource for measuring human rights equality. The Ontario Human Rights Commission is concerned that a voluntary approach will result in inadequate data that is skewed by self-selection and no longer comparable to previous censuses. read moreThe OHRC introduces a new resource for human rights and mental health
Toronto (June 21, 2010) - The Ontario Human Rights Commission has serious concerns about the degree to which people with mental health disabilities experience discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and services. Discriminating against someone because they have a mental health disability or addiction is a violation of Ontario’s Human Rights Code.
For this reason, we have identified mental health as a key priority and consulted with the community to develop a human rights and mental health plan to guide our activities. We have also published a new section on our website that brings together information on human rights and mental health in Ontario. read more
UTSC students help create new e-learning tool on human rights
Toronto (June 17, 2010) - by Eleni Kanavas
A new and pioneering teaching tool that will help people in Ontario to understand human rights better has been developed by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) with assistance from three students at U of T Scarborough. read more
Posted with permission from the University of Toronto Scarborough.
Re: Submission of the Ontario Human Rights Commission on Bill 21, an Act to regulate retirement homes
Dear Mr. Qaadri
Thank you for the opportunity to provide our comments on Bill 21 , An Act to regulate retirement homes. The OHRC commends the Ontario Seniors' Secretariat for introducing legislation that, for the first time in Ontario, would lead to regulations to enhance the safety and security of older Ontarians living in these facilities. read more
OHRC launches new tool to help municipalities combat racism and discrimination
Toronto (June 11, 2010) - The OHRC provides tools and approaches that individuals, organizations and sectors across Ontario can use in their own efforts to advance human rights. A new reference guide, Anti-racism, Anti-discrimination for Municipalities, offers tips and templates municipalities can apply to their work. read more
Human Rights 101 eLearning GOES LIVE on June 8, 2010!
Toronto (June 8th, 2010) The Ontario Human Rights Commission is launching Human Rights 101, the first in a series of eLearning modules on human rights. Developed with assistance from the New Media Studies Program at the University of Toronto Scarborough and input from community stakeholders, Human Rights 101 users will be able to learn about human rights information from anywhere they have internet access. read more
Process for reconciling competing rights claims
Toronto (June 7th, 2010)This document is part of a factum prepared by the OHRC in the N.S. “niqab” case. The Commission is intervening in this case, which will be heard by the Court of Appeal for Ontario on June 8 and 9, 2010 and addresses the issue of whether a witness can wear a niqab when testifying in criminal proceedings. read more
Understanding human rights in Canada has become easier
(June 7th, 2010) A new website, launched today, will showcase the work of Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial human rights agencies.
www.cashra.ca provides links to all human rights agencies in Canada as well as to initiatives, news and opinions of national interest coming from those various organizations. read more
Re: Draft new Zoning By-Law
To Whom It May Concern:
Toronto (May 18, 2010) The Ontario Human Rights Commission has reviewed the Covering Report to the Revised Draft of the new Zoning By-law.
In September 2009, we raised concerns about the human rights impacts of placing restrictions on housing types which could lead to discrimination against some groups. Many of these concerns have not been resolved by the current draft of the zoning by-law. read more
Committee Transcripts: Standing Committee on Social Policy - May 10, 2010 - Bill 21, Retirement Homes Act, 2010
The Chair (Mr. Shafiq Qaadri): I would now invite our next presenter to please come forward-and I think the committee always appreciates it when an officer of the Legislature comes forward-the honourable Barbara Hall, chief human rights commissioner for the province of Ontario, and colleague. Welcome- read more
TPS, TPSB and Ontario Human Rights Commission celebrate new milestone
Toronto Police Service (TPS) Media Advisory
Toronto (May 17, 2010) A major joint initiative between the Toronto Police Service (TPS), the Toronto Police Services Board (TPSB), and the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) to bring about institutional change in combating racism and discrimination celebrates a new milestone. An event celebrating the project’s completion is being held today at 11:50 a.m, at St. Lawrence Hall. read more
Re: Draft regulation on Quality Assurance Measures for services and supports to adults with a developmental disability
Dear Minister,
The Ontario Human Rights Commission recently had an opportunity to review your Ministry’s draft regulation for application entities and service agencies that is being considered for enactment under the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008. read more
Comment of the Ontario Human Rights Commission on the City of Oshawa's Student Accommodation Strategy
Toronto (March 30, 2010)
Dear Mr. Ralph:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the City of Oshawa's Student Accommodation Strategy. Attached is the Ontario Human Rights Commission's ("OHRC") written submission. read more
OHRC Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall spoke to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly on March 24, 2010 about the OHRC’s view on Bill 231, Election Statute Law Amendment Act.
OHRC, business and community say “yes” to collecting human rights-based data
Toronto (March 24, 2010)This morning, senior business and community leaders joined the Ontario Human Rights Commission to launch “Count me in!”, a new guide that provides information and advice on collecting human rights-based data in a wide variety of sectors across Ontario. read more
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - March 21st
Fifty years after the Sharpeville massacre that sparked the idea for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we can celebrate many changes and improvements. But racism continues and its effects harm the direct victims and the communities in which we all live and work. This March 21st let us renew the commitment in Ontario’s Human Rights Code to work for equal rights and opportunities without discrimination.
Mobilizing Municipalities to address racism and discrimination
Toronto (March 15, 2010) The City of Vaughan, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) and the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) are pleased to announce an important forum that will focus on “Mobilizing Municipalities to Address Racism and Discrimination”. read more
Letter to the Editor, Toronto Star Re: Canada’s ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Toronto (March 12, 2010) Canada’s ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an important step forward. Much more than “just another treaty”, the Convention is, essentially, Canada’s promise to protect, promote and advance the rights of people with disabilities. read more
Campaign promotes "Housing is a human right"
Toronto (March 1st, 2010) The Ontario Human Rights Commission, the City of Toronto, the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario, the Greater Toronto Apartment Association and the Human Rights Legal Support Centre have joined forces to promote housing as a human right. read more
Housing is a human rightAnnouncement takes aim at Asian angler attacks
Peterborough Examiner (February 12, 2010) The last three years have seen at least 20 incidents of violence against Asian-Canadian anglers in central Ontario--and that has to stop, says Italo Labignan.
Labignan, the host ofCanadian Sportfishingon TSN, was in Peterborough on Thursday to introduce a new public service announcement. read more
Letter to the Editor, Toronto Star Re: ‘Tenant-friendly' buildings get thumbs up (6 Feb. 2010)
Toronto (February 9, 2010) Making sure rental housing is ‘tenant-friendly’ is a great idea whose time has come. read more
OHRC Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall regrets passing of Keith Norton
Toronto (February 1st, 2010) Ontario has lost a true human rights champion with the passing of Keith C. Norton.
Keith was Chief Commissioner of the OHRC from 1996 to 2005, but his dedication to social justice and his willingness to fight for the rights of everyone in our province was a driving force throughout his career as a lawyer, educator and cabinet minister. read more
Municipal Bylaws must follow Human Rights Code: OMB
Toronto (January 25, 2010) Municipalities have to consider the needs of everyone - including people with disabilities or on social assistance - when making bylaws. The Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) made that ruling late last week, saying “municipalities – and this Board – are bound by the [Human Rights] Code”. read more
Message of condolences
Toronto (January 18, 2010) The Ontario Human Rights Commission is saddened by the news of the passing of Rémy Beauregard, who was Executive Director of the Commission from 1994 to 2001.
Remy made a unique contribution to strengthen human rights institutions both here in Ontario and abroad. He will be missed.
Our thoughts are with his wife, Suzanne Trépanier, and his family, during this difficult time.
Ontario Human Rights Code Cards now available for download
Toronto (January 12th, 2010) You can help advance human rights in Ontario by promoting the dignity and worth of everyone. Print and post Ontario Human Rights Code Cards around your workplace and let clients, co-workers and volunteers know that your organization supports human rights for all Ontarians. download
Re: AODA Legislative Review
Dear Mr. Beer,
Attached is the Submission of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) regarding the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Legislative Review. read more
