Getting to know our OHRC Commissioners
A new series profiling OHRC Commissioners will offer a deeper look at who the Commissioners are, what drives them to advance human rights, and what issues are currently most important to them.
News Centre
OHRC releases new video with update on the Right to Read inquiry
A new OHRC video provides a snapshot of the progress of Right to Read, the OHRC’s public inquiry into human rights issues affecting students with reading disabilities in Ontario’s public education system. The video also features the real-life experiences of students and parents, who attended public sessions across Ontario in the past year, and artwork submitted by students to the inquiry. A final report with findings and recommendations is planned for Spring 2021.
OHRC, Peel Police and Board sign MOU to develop legally binding remedies to eliminate racial discrimination
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), the Peel Regional Police (PRP) and its Board (PRPSB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing to develop and implement legally binding remedies to identify and eliminate systemic racism in policing, promote transparency and accountability, and enhance Black, other racialized and Indigenous communities’ trust in policing throughout Peel Region.
Update: the Right to Read inquiry
The OHRC has made solid progress on its Right to Read inquiry. The evidence-gathering phase is mostly complete, and the inquiry team is now analyzing the large amount of data, information and documents received and drafting a final report.
A critical juncture of hate
Today, OHRC Chief Commissioner Ena Chadha released a statement on how Canada is facing two pandemics – COVID-19 and the pandemic of brazen hate, extremism and brutality.
With the rise of toxic rhetoric during the early days of COVID-19, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) publicly condemned the intensifying xenophobia and scaremongering. Yet, 10 months later, Canada continues to face a pandemic of brazen hate, extremism and brutality.
OHRC and HRPA webinar on a human rights approach to COVID-19
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) and the Human Resources Professionals Association recently held a webinar on a human rights approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In employment and in delivering services, discrimination (including harassment) against any persons or communities related to COVID-19 is prohibited when it involves a ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, such as race, age, citizenship, sex, etc.
Statement: OHRC files motion to address Ontario’s breach of legal obligation to keep prisoners with mental health disabilities out of segregation
Today, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) filed a motion with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) for an order to hold Ontario accountable for failing to meet its legal obligations to keep prisoners with mental health disabilities out of segregation.
Letter to the Hon. Associate Chief Justice Frank N. Marrocco on taking a human rights approach at the Independent Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission
I am writing today to stress the important role that human rights principles should play in any reviews of Ontario government and long-term care service provider responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Opinion Editorial in the Toronto Star: Ontario’s human rights abuses have not been a secret
This opinion editorial by Interim Chief Commissioner Ena Chadha on human rights in Ontario appeared in the Toronto Star on Tuesday, August 18, 2020.
OHRC written deputation to the Toronto Police Services Board re: Police Reform in Toronto: Systemic Racism, Alternative Community Safety and Crisis Response Models and Building New Confidence in Public Safety
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is providing this written deputation to the Toronto Police Services Board (TPSB) in response to its August 11, 2020, report on Police Reform in Toronto: Systemic Racism, Alternative Community Safety and Crisis Response Models and Building New Confidence in Public Safety and the recommendations it contains (Police Reform Report), which are being considered for approval at its August 18, 2019, meeting.
New OHRC report confirms Black people disproportionately arrested, charged, subjected to use of force by Toronto police
A Disparate Impact, the second interim report in the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s inquiry into racial profiling and racial discrimination of Black persons by the Toronto Police Service (TPS), confirms that Black people are more likely than others to be arrested, charged, over-charged, struck, shot or killed by Toronto police.
OHRC to release second interim report on TPS inquiry
On August 10, 2020, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) will release two new reports arising from its inquiry into racial profiling and racial discrimination of Black persons by the Toronto Police Service.
OHRC welcomes Interim Chief Commissioner
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) welcomes the appointment of Ena Chadha as Interim Chief Commissioner, effective July 22, 2020.
Letter to Kenora Mayor and City Council about the anti-loitering by-law being considered
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is writing to express its concern about the anti-loitering by-law that is currently being considered by Kenora City Council. The OHRC urges Kenora City Council to reject this by-law, which will likely have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable and homeless people in Kenora, the large majority of whom are Indigenous peoples. Moreover, the by-law will not solve the homelessness crisis or other social issues facing Kenora.
Letter to the special advisor of the Ontario Health Data Platform about data collection
While we are pleased to see the announcement on June 15, 2020, that Ontario is expanding data collection to include race, income, language and household size for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, in our view, these categories do not go far enough. We reiterate the importance of meaningful consultation on data collection and involving Code-protected and other vulnerable groups who are at heightened risk.
Letter to the Minister of Education, school leaders on respecting the rights of students with disabilities
The unprecedented closure of schools has been difficult for all students. The OHRC has heard from stakeholders that students with special education needs and other vulnerabilities have experienced unique and compounded challenges, that their circumstances have not consistently been considered and addressed, and that as a result, they have fallen even further behind than their peers. It is imperative that the MOE and school boards establish plans and programs to systematically and consistently address the needs of students with disabilities for the 2020 – 2021 school year.
Letter to the Minister of Education about convening a return-to-school partnership table
Given the vital work ahead with the plan to reopen schools, the OHRC is calling on the government to convene a Return-to-School Partnership Table to provide advice, input and expertise on implementing plans for Ontario’s students, educators and school boards from the perspective of Code-protected groups. The OHRC also recommends that the Ministry advise school boards to convene similar local tables to ensure that board-specific plans meet the needs of all students.
OHRC and MERC letter to Solicitor General Jones about Ontario’s investment in corrections
The OHRC and MERC are encouraged by the government’s announcement that more than $500 million will be invested in Ontario’s correctional system over the next five years, and urge you to allocate this investment in a way that directly improves the on-the-ground conditions prisoners and front-line staff face every day in Ontario.
OHRC letter to Sudbury landlords who refuse to rent housing to people on ODSP and Ontario Works without direct payment agreements
Given the vulnerability of tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic, the OHRC wants to remind the Greater Sudbury Landlord Association and the City of Greater Sudbury as a housing service manager and OW administrator, of their human rights obligations relating to rental housing.
OHRC releases annual report: People, power, progress
Today, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) submitted People, power, progress, its 2019 – 2020 annual report. The report highlights the OHRC’s work to advance human rights on key issues in communities across Ontario.
OHRC submission to the Ministry of Health on the proposed amendments to Ontario Regulation 329/04 made under the Personal Health Information Protection Act
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is responding to the notice of proposed amendments to Ontario Regulation 329/04 made under the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Among other things, the proposed amendments prescribe elements for collecting, using and reporting personal health information collected through the electronic health record.
Proposed amendments to Ontario Regulation 569 made under the Health Protection and Promotion Act
The OHRC welcomes the proposed amendment to Ontario Regulation 569 made under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) that would require collecting information on race, income level, language and household size for people who test positive for a novel coronavirus, including COVID-19. The OHRC recommends the ministry consider expanding the required collection of information to include other vulnerable populations identified in Ontario’s Human Rights Code.
Letter to Minister Lecce on the Peel District School Board Review
I am writing on behalf of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) to acknowledge the steps the Ministry of Education (Ministry) has taken on its review of the Peel District School Board (PDSB) in response to growing concerns about systemic discrimination, anti-Black racism, discord among senior leadership, and issues of governance. The OHRC is very troubled by the review’s findings, and the significant human rights issues raised in the way that the PDSB manages issues related to Black students.
Letter to Minister Christine Elliott re: COVID-19 Action Plan for Vulnerable People
The OHRC welcomes the April 23 release of the government’s COVID-19 Action Plan for Vulnerable People (the Plan) as a first step toward addressing the disproportionate impact that the pandemic is having on Ontario’s most vulnerable people. However, to ensure that the human rights of vulnerable people are protected in a way that is consistent with Ontario’s Human Rights Code, the Plan requires expanded scope and detail, which must be done in consultation with vulnerable groups and human rights experts.
Letter to President/CEO of Ontario Health re: COVID-19 triage protocol, data collection, essential support persons
Over the last two months, the OHRC has met with a range of stakeholders representing racialized communities, people experiencing poverty, people with disabilities, older people and other Code-protected groups. These groups are concerned that certain aspects in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic are having a negative impact on their human rights, and have raised four immediate concerns
OHRC confronts and condemns anti-Black racism
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) stands with Black communities in Ontario, in Canada and around the world in confronting and condemning anti-Black racism as it is experienced through racial profiling and other forms of systemic racial discrimination.
Renu Mandhane appointed to Superior Court of Justice of Ontario
Today, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada appointed Renu Mandhane a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario (Brampton) effective immediately. The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) congratulates the Honourable Madam Justice Mandhane on her appointment.
Human rights tribunal decision removes roadblock to employment for refugees
In a significant decision, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) found that Convention refugees should not face discriminatory barriers to accessing employment and contributing fully to Ontario society.
OHRC to engage educators and professionals for its Right to Read inquiry
TORONTO – Today, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) launched a survey for educators and other professionals who have experience with reading disabilities, as part of its inquiry into human rights issues that affect students with reading disabilities in Ontario’s public education system.
OHRC submission regarding Ontario’s next Poverty Reduction Strategy
I am writing today on behalf of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) about the government’s consultation on Ontario’s next Poverty Reduction Strategy (Strategy). The OHRC calls on Ontario to take a human rights-based approach to poverty reduction by entrenching the types of economic and social responses to COVID-19 into permanent solutions that will once and for all protect the well-being of everyone in our province.
OHRC statement: Demographic data necessary to fight COVID-19
The OHRC encourages the government to once again heed the advice of health and human rights experts who agree that Ontario needs demographic data to effectively fight COVID-19.
OHRC statement on Independent Reviewer’s report on compliance with Jahn v MCSCS settlement and OHRC v Ontario order
Today, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) notes the release of Justice David Cole’s Final Report, which finds that Ontario has not complied with a legal settlement and order requiring it to ensure that prisoners with mental health disabilities receive appropriate mental health services, and are not placed in segregation except as a last resort.
Letter to Minister Elliott on potential human rights issues in the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 response
On behalf of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), thank you for your ongoing efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
OHRC issues policy on government’s human rights obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic
TORONTO – Today the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released a policy statement to guide all levels of government to adopt a human rights-based approach to managing policy, legal, regulatory, public health and emergency-related responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Report on conditions of confinement at Toronto South Detention Centre
This report summarizes the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) findings and human rights concerns about the conditions of confinement at Toronto South Detention Centre (TSDC).
Click below to see the full report.
Report on conditions of confinement at Toronto South Detention Centre
COVID-19 and Ontario’s Human Rights Code – Questions and Answers
Last updated October 09, 2020
The OHRC has developed a series of questions and answers for understanding your human rights and obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These questions and answers cover the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, tenants and landlords, as well as residential institutions.
Disclaimer: The answers to the questions posed do not constitute legal advice. The OHRC continues to monitor the evolving situation and will update or add to these questions and answers on an ongoing basis as needed.
OHRC policy statement on the COVID-19 pandemic
Following the lead of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) urges Ontarians to keep human rights principles under Ontario’s Human Rights Code (Code), the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Charter) and relevant international human rights treaties at the centre of decision-making during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
OHRC statement on Integrity Commissioner’s determination on part-time Commissioner conflict of interest
Today, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) received a copy of the determination of Integrity Commissioner, the Honourable J. David Wake about the appointment of Police Constable Randall Arsenault as a part-time Commissioner. The determination was also shared with the Attorney General.
Letter to Attorney General Doug Downey
Pursuant to the Agencies and Appointments Directive (AAD), please find attached a signed affirmation of the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the Ontario Human Rights Commission and Attorney General of Ontario (MOU). I request that you review and sign the affirmation at your earliest convenience.
OHRC files human rights application related to deaths of Joey Knapaysweet, Agnes Sutherland
On the second anniversary of the deaths of Joey Knapaysweet and Agnes Sutherland, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) announced it has filed an application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) alleging discrimination based on Indigenous ancestry by public service providers in Timmins, Ontario.
Statement: OHRC urges respect for human rights during Coronavirus health event
Ontario Human Rights Commission urges Ontarians to respect the human rights of Ontario’s East Asian community in light of the potential health event following confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Toronto.
OHRC and corrections workers call for dedicated funding to address crisis in Ontario corrections
In an unprecedented joint submission the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) and OPSEU Corrections Management-Employee Relations Committee (MERC), which represents front line correctional staff, are calling on the Ontario government to dedicate funds in the 2020 Budget to address the crisis in Ontario’s correctional system.
Joint submission to Ontario’s consultation on the 2020 budget: Necessary investments in Ontario’s correctional system
Introduction
This joint submission identifies concrete investments that should be earmarked in Ontario’s 2020 budget to protect the health and safety of vulnerable and marginalized Ontarians incarcerated in provincial institutions and the brave men and women working inside them.
OHRC statement on Facebook announcement on preventing discriminatory advertising
The OHRC welcomes today’s announcement by Facebook Canada that aims to ensure advertisements cannot discriminate based on factors such as age, gender, or postal code.
OHRC announces locations for Right to Read public hearings
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has announced locations and participation details for its Right to Read public hearings in Brampton, London, Thunder Bay and Ottawa, where students, parents and other stakeholders can share their stories and lived experiences related to reading disabilities.
OHRC marks Human Rights Day with call for student art, poetry and media
To mark International Human Rights Day, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is calling on students to submit art, poetry and media on “what the right to read means to me” as part of its Right to Read inquiry.
OHRC to engage communities for its Right to Read inquiry
As part of its Right to Read inquiry, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is holding public hearings, community meetings and conducting surveys, to engage people with lived experience and learn about human rights issues facing students with reading disabilities.
OHRC engages with community leaders at 3rd annual summit
At its third annual Community Advisory Summit, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) heard from grassroots community leaders about their pressing concerns, including impunity for hate and discrimination experienced by racialized and religious communities, marginalization and exclusion of people living in poverty, and a lack of genuine commitment to Indigenous reconciliation.
Letter to Board Chair and Director of Education for eight selected school boards
I am writing to your school board to request documents, data and information that may be relevant to the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) Right to Read inquiry into human rights issues that affect students with reading disabilities in Ontario’s public education system.
Letter to Secretary of Cabinet Davidson on anti-Black racism in the Ontario Public Service
Thank you for your letter dated July 26, 2019, and for meeting with the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) on September 17 to discuss the government’s efforts to address systemic anti-Black racism in the OPS. In addition to our meetings with your office, the OHRC has met with the Black OPS employee network (BOPSers), as well as with individual employees with personal experiences of anti-Black racism in the OPS.