Human Rights - Discrimination

Human Rights

What is the Human Rights Code?

The Human Rights Code is a law that protects people in Ontario from discrimination and harassment in five areas:

  • employment
  • accommodation (housing)
  • goods, services and facilities
  • contracts
  • membership in trade and vocational associations

The grounds of discrimination and harassment that the Code prohibits:

  • Colour
  • Race
  • Age
  • Disability (mental, physical and perceived)
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity
  • Gender expression
  • Sex, including sexual harassment
  • Pregnancy
  • Marital status
  • Citizenship
  • Ancestry
  • Place of origin
  • Ethnic origin
  • Creed, religion
  • Family status
  • Receipt of public assistance (Applies only to claims about housing.)
  • Record of offences (Applies only to claims about employment and to criminal convictions for which you have received a pardon.)

Is harassment a part of discrimination?

Yes, harassment is a form of discrimination. The Code defines harassment as “a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known, or reasonably to be known, to be unwelcome.” It includes offensive actions or statements directed at you related to any of the Human Rights Code grounds such as sexual solicitation or advances by a person who is in a position to give or deny a benefit.

Human Rights discrimination

Discrimination by association

The Code also prohibits:

Discrimination against a person because they have an association, relationship, or dealing with someone identified by one of the grounds listed above.

See how we can help you

Whether your complaint falls under provincial or federal jurisdiction, we will file your complaint with either the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario or the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Also, if a complaint of discrimination is filed against you, we will help you rebuke it by showing that your actions were justified.

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