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Disability

The Code protects people from discrimination and harassment because of past, present and perceived disabilities.  “Disability” covers a broad range and degree of conditions, some visible and some not visible. A disability may have been present from birth, caused by an accident, or developed over time.

There are physical, mental and learning disabilities, mental disorders, hearing or vision disabilities, epilepsy, mental health disabilities and addictions, environmental sensitivities, and other conditions. 

Relevant policies: 

  1. Submission of the Ontario Human Rights Commission to the Ministry of the Solicitor General call for submissions on Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Searches of People in Custody in Ontario’s Adult Correctional Institutions

     

    October 31, 2022

     

    Introduction

    On September 29, 2022, Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General (Ontario) announced its proposal to create an updated regulatory framework under the Ministry of Correctional Services Act for strip searches of people in custody in Ontario’s adult correctional institutions.

    The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) supports Ontario’s decision to take steps to better regulate the use of strip searches in its correctional institutions.

  2. OHRC letter and submission on modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Searches of People in Custody in Ontario’s Adult Correctional Institutions

    October 31, 2022

    The OHRC's submission to the Ministry of Solicitor General’s request for public and stakeholder input on amendments to create an updated regulatory framework under the Ministry of Correctional Services Act (MCSA) for strip searches of people in custody in adult correctional institutions.

  3. OHRC statement on human rights and encampments and shelter closings

    December 15, 2022

    Ontario is facing a homelessness crisis that is causing deep and devastating impacts on our communities. Informal encampments and forced evictions are a stark example of this crisis. Solutions to homelessness and informal encampments must be grounded in human rights-based approaches and delivered with respect and compassion. 

  4. More Homes Built Faster Act – OHRC submissions

    The OHRC welcomes the government’s effort to address the housing crisis. As the government moves to implement More Homes Built Faster, it is vital to take a human rights-based approach to housing law, policies, programs and bylaws. This includes Ontario’s obligations under the Human Rights Code (Code) and recognition of the right to housing as affirmed in the National Housing Strategy Act. 

  5. OHRC submission on the More Homes Built Faster Act: Inclusionary zoning

    From: More Homes Built Faster Act – OHRC submissions

    The OHRC is supportive of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s (MMAH) efforts to standardize rules for inclusionary zoning, and strongly encourages MMAH to take a human rights-based approach to this work. The OHRC believes this is an opportunity to strengthen inclusionary zoning to increase access to permanent affordable housing, especially for vulnerable tenants who generally are protected by the Code. As a result, the OHRC recommends there would not be any change that weakens the rules that govern inclusionary zoning.

  6. OHRC submission on the More Homes Built Faster Act: Rent to own

    From: More Homes Built Faster Act – OHRC submissions

    In developing rent-to-own arrangement programs, it will be crucial to focus on the important social role of homes as recognized through the Code’s specific protections against discrimination in accommodation. Every effort made to create innovative pathways to homeownership must be exercised without discrimination.3

    Rent-to-own arrangements present a powerful tool to address decades of discrimination in accommodation that have prevented Code-protected groups from building generational wealth.

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