Language selector

Search

Search results

  1. 1. Introduction

    From: Policy on preventing discrimination because of pregnancy and breastfeeding

    The Ontario Human Rights Code states that it is public policy in Ontario to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every person and to provide for equal rights and opportunities without discrimination. The Code aims to create a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of each person, so that each person feels a part of the community and feels able to contribute to the community.

  2. Appendix B: Policy position

    From: Not on the menu: OHRC inquiry report on sexualized and gender-based dress codes in restaurants

    OHRC policy position on sexualized and gender-specific dress codes

    Some Ontario employers require female employees to dress in a sexualized or gender-specific way at work, such as expecting women to wear high heels, short skirts, tight clothing or low-cut tops. These kinds of dress codes reinforce stereotypical and sexist notions about how women should look and may violate Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

  3. Profile on Commissioner Jewel Amoah

    From: About the Commission

    Jewel Amoah: An obligation to take responsibility


    “We all exist relative to something else. I think that’s really where we get our identity – who I am relative to each of you in age, race and culture?” says Commissioner Jewel Amoah, a Canadian-Trinidadian human rights lawyer, activist and academic. Amoah believes that we are hard-wired to function around comparisons, and discrimination happens when we structure those comparisons to disadvantage others.

  4. 9. Human rights protection against sexual harassment

    From: Policy on preventing sexual and gender-based harassment

    9.1 The Ontario Human Rights Code

    Sections 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9 of the Code set out the basic right to equal treatment without discrimination because of sex in services, goods and facilities, housing, contracts, employment and vocational associations.

    Sections 7(1) and (2) set out a person's right to be free from harassment based on sex and inappropriate gender-related comment and conduct in housing and employment.

    Section 7(1) states:

  5. 7. Intersecting grounds

    From: Policy on preventing discrimination based on mental health disabilities and addictions

    Discrimination may be unique or distinct when it occurs based on two or more Code grounds. Such discrimination can be said to be “intersectional.” The concept of intersectional discrimination recognizes that people’s lives involve multiple interrelated identities, and that marginalization and exclusion based on Code grounds may exist because of how these identities intersect.

  6. 4. Bias and prejudice

    From: Policy on preventing discrimination because of gender identity and gender expression

    Trans people and other gender non-conforming individuals are often judged by their physical appearance for not fitting and conforming to stereotypical norms about what it means to be a “man” or “woman.” They experience stigmatization, prejudice, bias and fear on a daily basis. While some may see trans people as inferior, others may lack awareness and understanding about what it means to be trans.

  7. Submission regarding Bill 89, Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2017

    April 3, 2017 - The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) welcomes the introduction of Bill 89, Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2017. The Bill responds to human rights concerns raised by the OHRC about various aspects of Ontario’s child welfare system,[1] including the overrepresentation of Indigenous and racialized children and youth in Ontario’s child welfare system.

  8. 8. The duty to accommodate

    From: Policy on preventing discrimination because of gender identity and gender expression

    Under the Code, employers and unions, housing and service providers have a legal duty to accommodate the needs of people because of their gender identity or gender expression, unless it would cause undue hardship. The goal of accommodation is to help everyone have equal opportunities, access and benefits. Failure to accommodate may lead to a finding of discrimination under the Code.

Pages