The human rights of Indigenous people in Ontario (including status, non-status, First Nations, Métis and Inuit) are protected by the all Code grounds. However, discrimination because a person identifies as Indigenous involve the grounds of race, creed and ancestry.
Combatting anti-Indigenous discrimination in healthcare
Please see description below.
OHRC Statement on Fair Change v. Ontario (Safe Streets Act)
In a decision issued on April 2, 2024, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice struck down sections of the Safe Streets Act that prohibit panhandling in certain circumstances, effective immediately.
Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) submission to the legislated review of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA)
The OHRC made previous submissions in 2014 , and in 2017 regarding Bill 89 Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act. The OHRC is pleased that many of its recommendations were incorporated into the current legislation.
OHRC and OFIFC continue their joint commitment to reconciliation
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) have renewed their agreement to work together in a spirit of collaboration and partnership to address anti-Indigenous discrimination across Ontario and supporting urban Indigenous self-determination. This is the second renewal of an agreement originally signed in 2017.
Proposed Amendments to Clarify and Enhance Rental Rules Related to Air Conditioning
May 6, 2023
Context
The government of Ontario is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) which would clarify and enhance rules related to the installation of air conditioning (A/C) units.
OHRC Statement on unmarked graves found at former Ontario residential school site[s]
The Ontario Human Rights Commission is deeply saddened by the news about the discovery of 171 plausible burials found in the traditional lands of Wauzhushk Onigum Nation, at the former St. Mary’s Indian Residential School in Kenora, 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.
Letter to the Toronto District School Board on its Collaborative Approach to School and Community Safety Report
The OHRC is aware the TDSB has taken a decision to end the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program. It recognizes your obligation as a duty-holder to protect the safety of students. However, to the extent that there are bona fide and legitimate reasons to seek external help, the OHRC reminds all parties that the discussion and decision should be informed by human rights principles as set out in the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code).
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.