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As part of Human Rights First: Strategic Plan 2023-25, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is committed to work with other institutions to challenge and address the increase in hate expression and help ensure public institutions, individuals and groups know how to use the human rights system to respond to hate.
The OHRC aims to build awareness about the real consequences of hate on people’s right to be free from discrimination. Promoting a climate of understanding and mutual respect so everyone feels welcome in our community is what Ontario’s Human Rights Code (the Code) is all about.
In recent years, Ontario has seen a rise in hate activities against individuals and groups based on colour, ethnicity, race, creed, gender, and sexual orientation, among other grounds.
The Supreme Court of Canada said that hatred involves vilification and detestation of identifiable groups, implying that individuals are to be despised, scorned, denied respect, and subjected to ill treatment based on their group affiliation. Hatred thrives on insensitivity, bigotry, and destruction of both the target group and of the values of our society.
The rise in hate activities is a critical issue that requires a multi-faceted approach involving government, public and private sector organizations and civil society alike.
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