TORONTO – The Ontario Human Rights Commission has updated its Policy on scholarships, bursaries, and other awards, to help organizations better understand their obligations under Ontario’s Human Rights Code (Code). The revised Policy has been expanded to include Code-related guidance, updated case law, additional examples and resources, and guidance on more complex situations.
Organizations cannot treat individuals differently based on one or more Code-grounds when creating, advertising, or granting scholarships, bursaries, or other awards. However, the Code permits certain exceptions to promote substantive equality or achieve another purpose recognized under the Code. For example, an award limited to applicants who identify with a characteristic protected under the Code may be established as a special program. The Policy explains these exceptions and provides guidance to organizations on complying with the Code.
The OHRC is committed to fostering substantive equality in educational, cultural, athletic, research, or career advancement opportunities. The Policy provides updated guidance and complements the OHRC’s broader work on substantive equality in post-secondary education, which includes submissions to the Ontario government in response to Bill 33 and Bill 101 in March 2026 and June 2025, and May 2026 respectively. In those submissions, the OHRC expressed key concerns about new legal obligations regarding merit that risk preventing substantive equality in post-secondary admissions.
This updated Policy provides timely human rights guidance intended to help organizations that provide scholarships, bursaries, and other awards remain responsive in a changing societal landscape.
“The OHRC encourages Code-permitted scholarships, bursaries, and awards with eligibility requirements that target specific groups where they can help address discrimination and improve equal access to services for disadvantaged groups identified by one or more Code grounds,” said Patricia DeGuire, Chief Commissioner of the OHRC. “The Code envisions an Ontario in which every person can contribute fully to the development and well-being of the community. Promoting substantive equality by providing tailored resources that support a person’s meaningful participation in society, and the realization of their full potential brings everyone closer to that vision.”
Media contact:
OHRC Media Relations
Email: Media@ohrc.on.ca