News Centre

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

Updated June 8, 2020
Updated June 22, 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.

Letter to Associate Minister Dunlop on the Child Welfare System Consultation

I am writing on behalf of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) with regard to the government’s public consultation into Ontario’s child welfare system.

OHRC launches Right to Read public inquiry

Today, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) launched Right to Read, a public inquiry into human rights issues that affect students with reading disabilities in Ontario’s public education system.

Letter to Minister Lecce on Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) No. 163 – School Board Policies on Service Animals

I trust this letter finds you well. On behalf of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), congratulations on your appointment as Minister of Education. In its 2017-2022 Strategic Plan, the OHRC identified education as a focus area and committed to identifying and addressing the systemic discrimination children and youth face in education.

Submission of the Ontario Human Rights Commission to the Ministry of the Solicitor General on the proposed amendments to the segregation provisions in Regulation 778 under the Ministry of Correctional Services Act

On August 26, 2019, Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General (the Ministry) announced proposed amendments to Regulation 778 under the Ministry of Correctional Services Act. The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) welcomes the opportunity to provide this submission on the amendments related to segregation.

OHRC’s new policy will support law enforcement to eliminate racial profiling

Today, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released its new Policy on eliminating racial profiling in law enforcement at the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) CEOs Day. This policy, the first of its kind in Canada, offers practical guidance to help law enforcement identify and end racial profiling. The OACP is committed to the principles outlined in the policy, and more than 20 community and advocacy groups have added their support or endorsement.

In support of the Policy on eliminating racial profiling in law enforcement

Community comments on the Policy on eliminating racial profiling in law enforcement

Ontario Human Rights Commission Written Deputation to the Toronto Police Services Board re: Policy on Race-Based Data Collection, Analysis and Public Reporting

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) welcomes the opportunity to provide a written deputation to the Toronto Police Services Board (TPSB) on its Policy on Race-Based Data Collection, Analysis and Public Reporting, which is being considered for approval at its September 19, 2019 meeting.

Report and recommendations on homelessness in Kenora

This report summarizes the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) observations and recommendations on the issues of homelessness and drug addiction in Kenora, Ontario. Under section 29 of the Ontario Human Rights Code, the OHRC can initiate reviews and inquiries and make recommendations related to incidents of tension or conflict in a community.

Letter to TCDSB on including gender identity, gender expression, family status and marital status in the TCDSB’s Code of Conduct

The OHRC is aware that the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) is considering amending its Code of Conduct to specifically include gender identity, gender expression, family status and marital status as grounds upon which members of the TCDSB community cannot be treated unfairly. Our understanding is that this issue is being specifically considered by the Catholic Education and Living our Catholic Values Sub-committee on September 25, 2019.

Ontario Human Rights Commission Submission to the Toronto Police Services Board re: Draft Policy on Race-Based Data Collection, Analysis and Public Reporting

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to the Toronto Police Services Board (TPSB) on its Draft Policy on Race-Based Data Collection, Analysis and Public Reporting (Draft Policy).

OHRC Statement: 2019 Health and Physical Education Curriculum

All students deserve to see themselves and their families reflected in Ontario’s mandatory education curriculum, and should receive information necessary to protect their health and well-being. Over the past year, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has taken many steps to make this vision a reality.

Letter to Minister Greg Rickford on the closing of the Kenora emergency shelter

I am writing today about the Kenora emergency shelter (shelter) operated by the Ne-Chee Friendship Centre in conjunction with the provincially-funded Kenora District Services Board (KDSB).

Letter to Solicitor General Jones re: Hamilton Wentworth Detention Centre

Thank you for providing the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) with the opportunity to tour Hamilton Wentworth Detention Centre (HWDC) on July 15, 2019. I am writing today to provide a summary of what we learned...

The public service should reflect the full diversity of our community

This opinion editorial by Chief Commissioner Renu Mandhane was published in the Globe and Mail on July 23, 2019.

Letter to Minister Pablo Rodriguez on Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy

I wish to commend the government of Canada on the recently released Building a Foundation for Change: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019–2020.

Letter to TTC Chair and CEO on anti-racism strategy

I am writing on behalf of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) to commend the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) on its recent commitments to implement a comprehensive system-wide anti-racism strategy to prevent racial profiling, and to change the structure and culture of the Transit Enforcement Unit.

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