The Code protects people from discrimination and harassment because of past, present and perceived disabilities. “Disability” covers a broad range and degree of conditions, some visible and some not visible. A disability may have been present from birth, caused by an accident, or developed over time.
There are physical, mental and learning disabilities, mental disorders, hearing or vision disabilities, epilepsy, mental health disabilities and addictions, environmental sensitivities, and other conditions.
Relevant policies:
- Policy on accessible education for students with disabilities (2018)
- Policy on drug and alcohol testing (2016)
- Policy on ableism and discrimination based on disability (2016)
- Policy on preventing discrimination based on mental health disabilities and addictions (2014)
- Policy on environmental sensitivities (Canadian Human Rights Commission, 2014)
OHRC releases its 2022–23 annual report: Building on the Legacy: Collaboration, Action and Accountability Towards an Inclusive Society
the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released Building on the Legacy: Collaboration, Action and Accountability Towards an Inclusive Society, its 2022–2023 annual report.
OHRC statement on Code obligations of education officials
The OHRC is aware and concerned about the increasing violence targeted at education officials for doing human rights work, adhering to the obligations set under the Ontario Human Rights Code (Code) and implementing government policy.
OHRC statement on human rights and access to cold weather services
Ontario is facing a homelessness crisis that is leading to profound and devastating impacts on our communities. As the crisis continues into the winter season, the OHRC echoes concerns raised by local public health units, health care workers, faith leaders and advocates about the significant lack of cold weather services in Toronto, and across the province, for people experiencing homelessness.
Tribute to the late Honourable David C. Onley
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) extends deep condolences to the family and friends of the late Honourable David C. Onley, the 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
OHRC submission on the More Homes Built Faster Act: Rent to own
In developing rent-to-own arrangement programs, it will be crucial to focus on the important social role of homes as recognized through the Code’s specific protections against discrimination in accommodation. Every effort made to create innovative pathways to homeownership must be exercised without discrimination.3
Rent-to-own arrangements present a powerful tool to address decades of discrimination in accommodation that have prevented Code-protected groups from building generational wealth.
OHRC submission on the More Homes Built Faster Act: Inclusionary zoning
The OHRC is supportive of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s (MMAH) efforts to standardize rules for inclusionary zoning, and strongly encourages MMAH to take a human rights-based approach to this work. The OHRC believes this is an opportunity to strengthen inclusionary zoning to increase access to permanent affordable housing, especially for vulnerable tenants who generally are protected by the Code. As a result, the OHRC recommends there would not be any change that weakens the rules that govern inclusionary zoning.
OHRC engagement, survey to connect poverty and human rights
The OHRC has launched Poverty POV (Point of View), to engage with the public, through a survey, key informant discussions and other steps, on their lived experiences with poverty, including homelessness, and mental health and addictions.
More Homes Built Faster Act – OHRC submissions
The OHRC welcomes the government’s effort to address the housing crisis. As the government moves to implement More Homes Built Faster, it is vital to take a human rights-based approach to housing law, policies, programs and bylaws. This includes Ontario’s obligations under the Human Rights Code (Code) and recognition of the right to housing as affirmed in the National Housing Strategy Act.
Submission of the Ontario Human Rights Commission to the Ministry of the Solicitor General call for submissions on Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Searches of People in Custody in Ontario’s Adult Correctional Institutions
October 31, 2022
Introduction
On September 29, 2022, Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General (Ontario) announced its proposal to create an updated regulatory framework under the Ministry of Correctional Services Act for strip searches of people in custody in Ontario’s adult correctional institutions.
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) supports Ontario’s decision to take steps to better regulate the use of strip searches in its correctional institutions.