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Code Grounds /

Race and related grounds

Under the Code, every person has the right to be free from racial discrimination and harassment in the social areas of employment, services, goods, facilities, housing accommodation, contracts and membership in trade and vocational associations. You should not be treated differently because of your race or other related grounds, such as your ancestry, ethnicity, religion or place of origin.

Canada, its provinces and territories have strong human rights laws and systems in place to address discrimination. At the same time, we also have a legacy of racism – particularly towards Indigenous persons, but to other groups as well including African, Chinese, Japanese, South Asian, Jewish and Muslim Canadians – a legacy that profoundly permeates our systems and structures to this day, affecting the lives of not only racialized persons, but also all people in Canada.

Relevant policies:

Under the Code, every person has the right to be free from racial discrimination and harassment in the social areas of employment, services, goods, facilities, housing accommodation, contracts and membership in trade and vocational associations. You should not be treated differently because of your race or other related grounds, such as your ancestry, ethnicity, religion or place of origin.

Canada, its provinces and territories have strong human rights laws and systems in place to address discrimination. At the same time, we also have a legacy of racism – particularly towards Indigenous persons, but to other groups as well including African, Chinese, Japanese, South Asian, Jewish and Muslim Canadians – a legacy that profoundly permeates our systems and structures to this day, affecting the lives of not only racialized persons, but also all people in Canada.

Relevant policies:

OHRC’s Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) prepares this submission to provide information to the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism on the OHRC’s work over two decades navigating intersectionality from a racial justice perspective. This submission aims to assist the Special Rapporteur in the preparation of her report to the 59th session of the Human Rights Council as well as support human rights advocacy in Ontario.
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OHRC Endorses Consensus Statement on Race-Based Data for Health
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is pleased to endorse the Wellesley Institute’s Consensus Statement on Race-Based Data for Health, calling on all levels of the healthcare system, including governments, organizations, and healthcare providers, to collaborate in strengthening their capacity for the collection, use, and governance of race-based data to address inequities and promote health.
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OHRC submission to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy on Bill 194
Today, the OHRC made a submission to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy on Bill 194, the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, to call for embedding human rights principles in the public sector’s use of artificial intelligence.
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OHRC deputation to the Toronto Police Services Board on implementing the recommendations from inquiry report into anti-Black racism in policing
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released "From Impact to Action", its final report on anti-Black racism by the Toronto Police Service (TPS) in December 2023. The OHRC's report and recommendations underscore the importance of effectively addressing systemic racism and discrimination in law enforcement to build safer and more inclusive communities. This is the OHRC’s written deputation to the Toronto Police Services Board (TPSB). It is a response to the TPS and TPSB's written update to the Board on the status of implementing over 100 recommendations provided in the OHRC’s final report.  
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Approval of high-risk technologies under the Toronto Police Services Board's Policy on the use of artificial intelligence technology
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) welcomes the Toronto Police Services Board’s (TPSB) update on its implementation of the Policy on Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology (AI Policy), as well as the inventory of technologies and the details of their use by the Toronto Police Service (TPS), which will be presented at the TPSB meeting on January 11, 2024.
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OHRC’s Policy position on caste-based discrimination
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has prepared this policy statement to raise awareness of people’s rights and legal obligations to prevent and address caste-based discrimination under Ontario’s Human Rights Code (Code). 
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OHRC working to ensure equality in the education system
On September 6, 2023, the Ontario Court of Appeal granted the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) leave to intervene in the case of Ontario Teacher Candidates’ Council et al. v Ontario (Ministry of Education). 
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OHRC Statement: No Room for Hate in Schools
As the school year begins, we must actively and intentionally work to end the scourges of hate and violence in our education systems and communities.  
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Proposed Adequate and Effective Policing (General) Regulation under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) welcomes the opportunity to provide this submission on the proposed Adequate and Effective (General) Regulation (the Regulation) under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA).
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Tribute to the late Honourable James K. Bartleman
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) extends deep condolences to the family and friends of the late Honourable James K. Bartleman, the 27th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
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