Dear colleagues,
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is releasing a public statement (attached) clarifying the legitimate status of preferential employment and contracting provisions within Impact and Benefit Agreements (IBAs) under Ontario’s Human Rights Code (the Code). Our position is that the preferential employment and contracting provisions in IBAs are consistent with “special programs” under section 14 of the Code.
When Aboriginal governments enter into IBAs with resource developers, the OHRC supports developing and implementing such preferential employment and contracting provisions to address historical disadvantage and promote substantive equality for Aboriginal Peoples in Ontario.
Barbara Hall, B.A, LL.B, Ph.D (hon.)
Chief Commissioner
Ontario Human Rights Commission