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  • Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards
  • Anti-Indigenous discrimination and racism in the healthcare system
  • Fostering a Human Rights Culture in Ontario

What are human rights?

Human Rights in Ontario

Human rights are rights we have because we exist as human beings. Everyone is entitled to a life of equality, dignity, and respect, free from discrimination. Human rights are recognised and protected by a set of international and Canadian laws. In Ontario, human rights are protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code. It is a provincial law that helps to make sure that everyone enjoys equal rights and opportunities without discrimination in areas such as employment, housing and services. 

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Learn about the Code

The Code was one of the first laws of its kind in Canada. The Code’s goal is to prevent discrimination based on 17 different personal attributes – called grounds. The Code prevails over all other laws in Ontario.

Take a course

The OHRC’s eLearning program is informative and engaging. All Ontarians can learn about their human rights and responsibilities at their own time and pace. Learning about human rights is just a click away. 

Get legal help

If you need human rights legal advice or help filing an application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, contact the Ontario Human Rights Legal Support Centre

File a complaint

In the Human Rights System, complaints are called “applications”. If you think your rights under the Code have been violated, file an application directly with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.

Latest Updates From OHRC

Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in an evolving landscape

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day that honours the children who never came home and Survivors of Indian Residential Schools and their families and communities. The ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and its resulting intergenerational trauma on Indigenous Peoples requires specific work to redress these harms and rebuild relationships.
Nominations open for the 2024 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards

 

TORONTO - The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is pleased to announce that nominations are open for the Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards. The purpose of these awards is to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions towards changing the human rights landscape and honour their achievements of advancing, promoting, and fostering a human rights culture across Ontario.