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

September 30, 2019

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

September 24, 2019

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

September 20, 2019

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.

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

September 19, 2019

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.

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

September 17, 2019

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

September 4, 2019

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).

Letter to Minister Elliott on meeting the health care needs of people without regular immigration status

July 16, 2019

I am writing today to call on the government to take steps to make sure that Ontario’s health policies are consistent with its human rights obligations. In particular, we encourage the government to fully consider the needs of people without regular immigration status during its ongoing health system transformation.

Letter to Attorney General Downey

July 11, 2019

I hope this finds you well. On behalf of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), I am writing to congratulate you on your appointment as Attorney General of Ontario. For nearly 60 years, the OHRC has enjoyed a strong working relationship with the government and we look forward to continuing this relationship with you.

Anti-Black racism in the Ontario Public Service

June 14, 2019

Dear Secretary Davidson:

Thank you for meeting with me on May 27, 2019 to discuss anti-Black racism in the Ontario Public Service (OPS). I am writing today to request further details on the government’s existing and planned initiatives to address systemic racism in the OPS.

As we discussed, a group of racialized employees has asked to meet with the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) to discuss their concerns about anti-Black racism in the OPS. This meeting has been scheduled for June 19, 2019.

Mental health services for frontline workers

May 28, 2019

I am writing to commend the government on its recent announcements regarding investments in mental health services for frontline workers including correctional officers, and Ontario Provincial Police personnel and their families. The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) welcomes the government’s acknowledgment that many correctional staff and police officers face mental health issues.

OHRC and OFIFC reaffirm joint commitment to reconciliation

May 21, 2019

TORONTO – In April, 2019, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) renewed an agreement, originally signed in April 2017, to work together with the ultimate goal of ending discrimination against Indigenous peoples in Ontario. The renewed agreement reinforces our ongoing collaboration with urban Indigenous communities based on trust, dignity, respect and a shared commitment to reconciliation and substantive equality.

Letter to Minister Rickford and Attorney General Mulroney: Bill 76 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

April 4, 2019

I am writing today to communicate the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) strong support for Bill 76, An Act to ensure that the laws of Ontario are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Letter to the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services: An action plan to end segregation in Ontario

February 21, 2019

I am writing today about the Superior Court of Justice’s decision in R. v Capay (2019 ONSC 535) dated January 28, 2019. Consistent with other recent court cases and the OHRC’s earlier calls to action, the factual findings in R. v Capay confirm that segregation is harmful to health, increases risk and undermines safety, rehabilitation and reintegration. As I am sure you will agree, Justice Fregeau’s findings are extremely troubling and call for decisive action.

OHRC settlement addresses harmful impact of stereotypes on Indigenous youth

December 13, 2018

Toronto – After the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario invited the OHRC to intervene in the case of Gallant v Mississauga, the OHRC reached a settlement with the City of Mississauga and the Applicant, Bradley Gallant. The settlement addresses the harmful impact of stereotypes on Indigenous youth by requiring Mississauga to remove from its sports facilities all Indigenous-themed mascots, symbols, names and imagery related to non-Indigenous sports organizations.

Second annual Community Advisory Group summit shows the power of “working together as one”

November 22, 2018

At the second annual OHRC Community Advisory Group Summit, on November 20 and 21, 2018, approximately 40 representatives serving diverse communities across Ontario offered their expertise, lived experience and insight on commitments made in the OHRC’s 2017-2022 Strategic Plan, Putting people and their rights at the centre.

OHRC successfully challenges restrictions to benefits for workers aged 65+

May 31, 2018

Toronto – The OHRC intervened in Talos v Grand Erie District School Board to challenge the provision of Ontario’s Human Rights Code that allowed employers to cut or reduce benefits to workers aged 65 and over. The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario found that subsection 25(2.1) of the Code, as well as related provisions in the Employment Standards Act and its regulations, amount to age discrimination and violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

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