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TORONTO – The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) welcomes the nomination of Patricia DeGuire as Chief Commissioner, effective summer 2021.
The incoming Chief Commissioner is an inspiring and highly respected lawyer and Ontario Superior Court of Justice deputy judge, who has worked as a mediator, adjudicator and arbitrator in the area of human rights and equity for more than 25 years. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 1993. She has served on provincial and federal tribunals, including the Immigration Appeal Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board, Vice-Chair at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, the Pay Equity Hearings Tribunal and the Ontario Parole Board.
Incoming Chief Commissioner DeGuire is a co-founder of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers and the Black Law Students' Association of Canada, a founder of the Hon. Julius Alexander Isaac Scholarship, the Forum for Education for At-Risk Youth and has been a frequent lecturer at the Organization of Commonwealth Caribbean Bars Association/International Law Forum. She has also been the recipient of multiple awards, including the Canadian Bar Association Touchstone Award, Law Society of Ontario’s Lincoln Alexander Award, Legal Aid Ontario’s GEM Award and the Ontario Bar Association’s Distinguished Service Award.
“I am proud to have been part of the OHRC team which, during an extremely difficult year when we were dealing with the effects of the pandemic and a multitude of emerging human rights issues, demonstrated exemplary service in promoting human rights and equity for all Ontarians,” said outgoing Chief Commissioner Ena Chadha. “I welcome Patricia DeGuire to this wonderful team.”
The OHRC congratulates Chief Commissioner DeGuire on her nomination and looks forward to her leadership in the OHRC’s work to promote, protect and advance human rights.
Media contact:
Adewonuola Johnson
Issues and Media Relations Officer
Ontario Human Rights Commission
Phone: 437-779-1599 adewonuola.johnson@ohrc.on.ca