Skip to main content
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 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.  
Read more
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.
Read more
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). 
Read more
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). 
Read more
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.  
Read more
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).
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Ontario Human Rights Commission is Calling for Written Submissions to Develop an Action Plan to Tackle Anti-Black Racism in Education
TORONTO — The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has reached an important milestone with the release of its What We Heard Report on anti-Black racism in Ontario’s publicly-funded Education System.
Read more
Anti-Black Racism in Education: Call for Written Submissions
The OHRC launched its What We Heard Report on anti-Black racism in education. To continue engaging in dialogue with other key partners and stakeholders in education, the OHRC is issuing a call for written submissions on concrete solutions to address anti-Black racism in Ontario’s publicly funded education system. The goal is to gather additional information including recommendations for solutions and action to empower and hold duty-holders accountable.
Read more