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Human Rights Policy In Ontario Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) |
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This fourth edition of Human Rights Policy in Ontario, a publication first introduced in 1998, sets out how the Ontario Human Rights Code will be interpreted and applied in dealing with human rights complaints. For this reason, the general public, human rights lawyers, community advocates, as well as courts and tribunals, often reference this publication for clarification of rights and responsibilities. Since the Code was introduced, society’s understanding of human rights has evolved, and protections under it have expanded to reflect these changes. Where the Code once covered six grounds -- race, creed, colour, nationality, ancestry and place of origin, today there are 15 protected grounds including the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of gender, marital and family status, disability, and sexual orientation. Despite 45 years of work, discrimination still persists, calling for continued efforts to address new and varied human rights issues. In this regard, the Commission’s research and policy function is essential because it educates as well as advances awareness and understanding of existing and emerging human rights issues. Over the years, the Commission has accordingly developed a considerable collection of policy statements on a wide range of human rights issues, many of which have received national, and even international attention. About The Ontario Human Rights Commission The Ontario Human Rights Commission was established in 1961 to administer the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Commission is an arm's length agency of government accountable to the Legislature through the Attorney General. The Commission's mandate under the Code includes: investigating complaints of discrimination and harassment; making efforts to settle complaints between parties; preventing discrimination through public education and public policy; and looking into situations where discriminatory behaviour exists. New For 2008 Key features of this particular edition include new policies and guidelines on racism and racial discrimination, family status and accessible education, as well as updated versions of discrimination policies for age, pregnancy, breastfeeding and sexual orientation. In keeping with the Commission’s new vision for “an Ontario in which everyone is valued, treated with dignity and respect, and where human rights are nurtured by us all ”, this compendium will serve as an indispensable tool for ensuring that these ‘written rights’ become ‘lived rights’. |
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