Ontario Human Rights Code

The Human Rights Code of Ontario is a provincial law in the province of Ontario, Canada that gives all people equal rights and opportunities without discrimination in specific areas such as jobs, housing and services. The code's goal is to prevent discrimination and harassment because of race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, disability, creed, age and other grounds.

History

The code was one of the first laws of its kind in Canada. Before 1962, various laws dealt with different kinds of discrimination. The code brought them together into one law and added some new protections.

Administration

The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario is the administrative, quasi-judicial tribunal tasked with hearing complaints that the Code has been violated. It has the power to grant damages and specific performance to remedy discriminatory acts. The HRTO is subject to judicial review by the Divisional Court of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Content

The Code is divided into an introductory section, or "preamble", followed by five parts. Part I sets out basic rights and responsibilities. Part II explains how the code is interpreted and applied. Part III explains the role and structure of the commission and Part IV explains how the code is enforced. Finally, Part V deals with general matters such as the power to make regulations.

Application

The Code does not apply to federally regulated activities, such as aeronautics and telecommunications, which are subject to the Canadian Human Rights Act.

See also

• Canadian Human Rights Act
• British Columbia Human Rights Code
• Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
• Saskatchewan Bill of Rights
• Human rights in Canada

External links

• Ontario Human Rights Code (full text)
• Ontario Human Rights Code at the Ontario Human Rights Commission
• Human Rights (Ontario) Legal Guide