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OHRC submission to the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights regarding the role of human rights commissions in addressing anti-Black racism and other forms of systemic discrimination

June 9, 2023

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights (the Committee) invited the Ontario Human Rights Commission (the OHRC) to make a brief submission to the Committee on best practices or policies for combatting anti-Black racism and to share the OHRC’s perspective on a direct tribunal access model compared to a commission screening model for dealing with human rights complaints.

Accountability and timely action key to addressing systemic discrimination in policing

February 15, 2023

On February 1, 2023, five Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers in British Columbia were charged with manslaughter and obstruction of justice in the 2017 death of Dale Culver, a member of Wet’suwet’en and Gitxsan First Nations, and father of three children who was killed in custody. 

OHRC statement on human rights and encampments and shelter closings

December 15, 2022

Ontario is facing a homelessness crisis that is causing deep and devastating impacts on our communities. Informal encampments and forced evictions are a stark example of this crisis. Solutions to homelessness and informal encampments must be grounded in human rights-based approaches and delivered with respect and compassion. 

Policy statement on Indigenous-specific hiring

Over the past several years, the OHRC has learned that there is significant demand from non-Indigenous employers for guidance on how to appropriately hire for Indigenous-specific positions, while meeting their obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code (Code). The need for this guidance has been exacerbated by widespread reports of alleged Indigenous identity fraud by non-Indigenous people. In response, Indigenous Peoples and organizations have called for action, and it has become essential that hiring practices and policies for Indigenous-specific positions include a process to confirm claims of Indigenous identity.

Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) submission to the legislated review of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA)

The OHRC made previous submissions in 2014 , and in 2017  regarding Bill 89 Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act. The OHRC is pleased that many of its recommendations were incorporated into the current legislation.