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Receipt of public assistance

In housing, the Code protects tenants against discrimination based on receipt of public assistance. “Public assistance” – more commonly referred to as social assistance – includes Ontario Works, OSAP, ODSP, Old Age Security, Employment Insurance, etc.

Some housing providers have negative attitudes towards people who are poor. They may take several steps that could contravene the Code, such as:

  • screen out prospective tenants based on stereotypes about poverty and poor people
  • impose illegal rental criteria (such as security deposits)
  • provide substandard housing-related services
  • harass tenants
  • be more quick to try to evict.

Relevant policy:

  1. OHRC statement on human rights and access to cold weather services

    February 3, 2023

    Ontario is facing a homelessness crisis that is leading to profound and devastating impacts on our communities. As the crisis continues into the winter season, the OHRC echoes concerns raised by local public health units, health care workers, faith leaders and advocates about the significant lack of cold weather services in Toronto, and across the province, for people experiencing homelessness.

  2. 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. 

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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. 

  6. Letter and submission to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on proposed regulatory amendments under the Housing Services Act

    February 17, 2022

    I am writing today to provide the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) submission on the government’s Proposed Regulatory Amendments under the Housing Services Act, 2011 – Reg. 367/11. The OHRC is committed to bringing a human rights perspective to government strategies aimed at addressing poverty, homelessness and hunger.

  7. Letter to Mayor and Council of Township of Brock on decisions and by-laws on supportive housing

    October 12, 2021

    The OHRC is concerned that the Township of Brock’s Interim Control By-law 2994-2020 to "prohibit the establishment of Supportive Housing and Modular Construction, including Manufactured Dwelling Houses" creates barriers to establishing and accessing supportive housing, which may be discriminatory under the Human Rights Code. The OHRC calls on Council to remove any barriers that have a discriminatory effect as soon as possible, and to allow such supportive housing projects to proceed.

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