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....”
Preventing discrimination because of mental health disabilities and addictions
Policy on preventing discrimination because of mental health disabilities and addictions overview and Q&A.
Lack of progress in addressing racial profiling in policing: An Ontario Human Rights Commission statement
Racial profiling is a longstanding and deeply troubling concern of the African Canadian community, other affected racialized communities, and of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (the “OHRC”). In the past few years, many racialized people have experienced carding as yet another form of racial profiling.
Letter to Chief Paul Cook, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) President
Chief Paul Cook
President, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police
Dear Chief Cook,
On behalf of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), I would like to congratulate the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) for its updated version of the LEARN Guideline for Police Record Checks with a clearer presumption against disclosure of non-conviction records.
9.1. Intersections with other types of disabilities
Every diagnosis that you have creates another level of discrimination or barrier. – Toronto roundtable participant
People may be discriminated against based on a combination of mental health and other types of disabilities. We heard that people with both mental health issues and addictions are often looked down upon. Some said that because of a mental health issue, their physical disability will not be taken as seriously.[57]
9. Mental health, addictions and intersecting Code grounds
A significant theme in the consultation was how a person’s identity, based on mental health or addictions, intersects with other Code-related aspects of identity (such as race, sex or age), which can be the basis for unique or distinct forms of discrimination. People told us it was much harder to get a job, housing, or services because of discrimination based on two or more Code grounds.
Responding to public inquiries about tenancy or human rights
This section includes contact information for various government bodies that monitor both tenancy and human rights issues. Tenants have a number of options for making complaints:
Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
To file a human rights claim, tenants or prospective tenants can contact the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario at:
Toll Free: 1-866-598-0322
TTY: 416-326-2027 or Toll Free: 1-866-607-1240
Website: www.hrto.ca
IV. Relationship Between Family Status and Other Code Grounds
The experience of discrimination based on family status may differ based on other aspects of a person’s identity. Whenever an issue relating to family status is raised, it is important to take into account the intersecting impact of the person’s sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race and age, as well as whether the person or his or her family member has a disability.
III. Family status and other Code grounds
Each individual’s experience of his or her family status is profoundly influenced by other aspects of their identify, such as gender, sexual orientation, age, race, marital status, or disability: this was a major theme of the submissions the Commission received. For example, the experience of an aging parent of a child with a disability will differ from that of an Aboriginal single mother in search of housing. A heterosexual married mother seeking career advancement will experience different barriers than a lesbian couple dealing with their children’s schooling.
The intersection of family status with other Code grounds
It is important to take into account the ways in which parents and children are affected by their membership in other historically disadvantaged groups. Individuals may be subjected to discrimination based on more than one Code ground, and these grounds may “intersect”, producing unique experiences of disadvantage and discrimination.
3. The intersection of age with other grounds of discrimination
The experience of age discrimination may differ based on other components of a person’s identity. For example, certain groups of older persons may experience unique barriers as a result of the intersection of age with gender, disability, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, culture and language. Please see Time for Action for a more detailed discussion of “age and intersectionality” and the particular barriers faced by certain groups.