The concept of ‘intersectionality’ has been defined as “intersectional oppression [that] arises out of the combination of various oppressions which, together, produce something unique and distinct from any one form of discrimination standing alone....”
OHRC granted leave to intervene in the appeal of CCLA v Canada
October 23, 2018 - The Court of Appeal for Ontario granted the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) leave to intervene in the appeal of Corporation of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) v Canada, a constitutional challenge to the administrative segregation provisions of the federal Corrections and Conditional Release Act.
OHRC intervenes in education curriculum case at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
Toronto – Today, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) filed a notice of intervention with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) in the case of AB v Ministry of Education, involving recent changes to Ontario’s education curriculum.
New OHRC policy statement explains relationship between Ontario’s Human Rights Code and French-language rights
Toronto – Today, the OHRC released a new policy statement explaining the relationship between the Ontario Human Rights Code (Code), language-based discrimination and French-language minority rights under other laws.
Removing the ‘Canadian experience’ barrier
Prisoners' Justice Day: Significant barriers to progress remain 42 years later
On August 10, 1974, Edward Nolan died by suicide in a segregation cell at Millhaven Institution in Bath, Ontario. Each year on August 10, we commemorate Prisoners' Justice Day to remember Nolan and all of the prisoners who have died in custody, and to renew calls to respect the basic human rights of prisoners housed in jails, correctional centres, and penitentiaries across the country.
Example 5 - Code right v. common law right: Temporary sukkah hut on condo balcony
Temporary sukkah hut on condo balcony
Here is an example of a Code right (creed) versus a common law right (right to peaceful enjoyment of property).
In this example, a Jewish family is asked to remove a sukkah hut that they placed on their condominium balcony for religious celebration. The sukkah hut would normally stay up for nine days.
Example 4 - Code right v. Charter right: Employer distributing Bibles and religious advice
Employer distributing Bibles and religious advice
Here is an example of a Code right (creed) versus a Charter right (freedom of religion and expression).
encourages them to attend church meetings, gives each a Bible as a gift for Christmas and asks them if they share his opinions on a variety of matters. Employees have made it clear that they do not welcome or appreciate his comments and conduct in their workplace and that they plan to file a claim under the Ontario Human Rights Code. This could be argued as a competing rights situation because:
Example 3 - Code right v. Code right: Muslim barber and woman denied service
Muslim barber and woman denied service
Read the following excerpt from a news clipping about a competing rights case. This is an example involving two Code grounds – creed versus sex. When you’re finished reading, answer the questions at the bottom of the page.
You can also watch this CTV news video about the case.
Human rights must be at the heart of the province’s Strategy for a Safer Ontario: OHRC
Toronto – The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is calling for a comprehensive new approach to policing in Ontario that addresses long-standing concerns about systemic discrimination.
Segregation and mental health in Ontario’s prisons: Jahn v. Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
OHRC seeks Human Rights Tribunal Order against Ontario for failing to keep people with mental health disabilities out of segregation
On August 25, 2020, the OHRC filed a motion with the HRTO for an order to hold Ontario accountable for failing to meet its legal obligations under both its Jahn v MCSCS settlement and the 2018 OHRC v Ontario Consent Order to keep prisoners with mental health disabilities out of segregation.