Language selector

OHRC and HRPA webinar on a human rights approach to COVID-19

Page controls

Page content

Webinar Information

OHRC and HRPA webinar on a human rights approach to COVID-19

June 25, 2020 at 1:00 pm

60 minutes

Employers must recognize their human rights obligations and consider the potential disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on the vulnerable groups they employ or serve.

In employment and in delivering services, discrimination (including harassment) against any persons or communities related to COVID-19 is prohibited when it involves a ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, such as race, age, citizenship, sex, etc.

At the same time, the OHRC and relevant human rights laws recognize the importance of balancing people’s rights to non-discrimination and civil liberties with public health and safety, including the need to address evidence-based risks associated with COVID-19.

Learning objectives:

  • The current law in Ontario related to human rights and COVID-19
  • Employees’ human rights during pandemics such as COVID-19
  • Employers’ obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code and duty to accommodate, in situations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This webinar will be conducted in English only.

Speaker: Jeff Poirier

Jeff Poirier is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Ontario Human Rights Commission. He develops public policy statements and submissions on various issues, including gender identity, competing rights, disability accommodation and the human rights implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Resources: