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OHRC’s Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) prepares this submission to provide information to the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism on the OHRC’s work over two decades navigating intersectionality from a racial justice perspective. This submission aims to assist the Special Rapporteur in the preparation of her report to the 59th session of the Human Rights Council as well as support human rights advocacy in Ontario.

Submission to the United Nations International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) prepares this submission to provide information to the United Nations (UN) International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement (Expert Mechanism). This submission aims to assist the Expert Mechanism in the preparation of their fourth report to the Human Rights Council, which focuses on systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent in the criminal justice system. This submission also aims to amplify the OHRC’s advocacy against racial discrimination, particularly anti-Black discrimination, in Ontario’s criminal justice system for the benefit of all Ontarians.

A critical juncture of hate

October 5, 2020
Today, OHRC Chief Commissioner Ena Chadha released a statement on how Canada is facing two pandemics – COVID-19 and the pandemic of brazen hate, extremism and brutality.

With the rise of toxic rhetoric during the early days of COVID-19, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) publicly condemned the intensifying xenophobia and scaremongering. Yet, 10 months later, Canada continues to face a pandemic of brazen hate, extremism and brutality.  

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:

Correction: Toronto Police Service body–worn camera pilot project

May 27, 2015

Toronto - Several news outlets have recently quoted a Toronto Police Service (TPS) news release regarding body-worn cameras: http://torontopolice.on.ca/newsreleases/31840

That release says, in part:

The Service has partnered with the Information & Privacy Commissioner, the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Toronto Police Association to develop a procedure that addresses issues of privacy, retention, and disclosure. 

This statement is not accurate.

Letter to Chief Paul Cook, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) President

August 1, 2014

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.