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You have the right to be free from discrimination when you receive goods or services, or use facilities. For example, this right applies to:

  • stores, restaurants and bars
  • hospitals and health services
  • schools, universities and colleges
  • public places, amenities and utilities such as recreation centres, public washrooms, malls and parks
  • services and programs provided by municipal and provincial governments, including social assistance and benefits, and public transit
  • services provided by insurance companies
  • classified advertisement space in a newspaper.

Relevant policies and guides:

OHRC Makes Recommendations Regarding Bill 33

August 18, 2025
In a recent submission to the Ministry of Education, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) reiterated its call for an evidence-based approach to the routine presence of police in Ontario’s schools. In its submission to the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, the OHRC also highlights that colleges and universities admissions should uphold the principles of substantive equality.

Systemic barriers tarnish progress marking 20th anniversary of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

Twenty years ago, on June 13, 2005, the AODA took effect after all parties of the Legislature unanimously passed this ground breaking law. This landmark legislation set 2025 as the target year for achieving accessibility in Ontario. Although there has been much progress, in the targeted year, that goal is largely unmet.

OHRC Submissions on proposal for regulations under the Education Act, related to school boards and local police services

March 5, 2026

Introduction

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) welcomes the opportunity to offer this submission on a proposed regulation under the Education Act, which would govern requirements on school boards to provide local police services with access to school premises, permit local police services to access and participate in school programs, and implement school resource officer programs. 

This regulation allows police services to implement programs for students as young as three years old, without approval from a school board.

Combatting anti-Indigenous discrimination and harassment in retail settings

July 17, 2025
TORONTO – Today, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), and the Indigenous Human Rights Program (a partnership between Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC)) released a guide and two fact sheets, to address anti-Indigenous discrimination and harassment in retail. These resources provide practical human rights information to retailers and Indigenous people (shoppers or retail staff members) on recognizing, preventing, and remedying anti-Indigenous discrimination and harassment in retail settings.
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