The Ontario Human Rights Code aims to protect people from being discriminated against based on personal characteristics such as race, colour, or ethnic background; religious beliefs or practices; ancestry; sex (including pregnancy and gender identity); disability; sexual orientation; or age.
Human Rights – Discrimination based on personal characteristics
Resources: Discrimination based on personal characteristics
- Human Rights - Discrimination at work
A project of Community Living Ontario, the Administrative Justice Support Network supports people who are making an appeal before an administrative board or tribunal whether or not they have legal representation. Their website has information on...
The Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC) website has Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) under these headings:
- Human Rights at Work - do you think you have been discriminated against or harassed at work?
- Human Rights and...
This web page describes ageism and age discrimination, and explains that the Ontario Human Rights Code protects people against age discrimination where they work, live, or receive services.
This two-part blog post creates a possible scenario in which young people are discriminated against to demonstrate how, as the law in Ontario currently stands, children and youth under age 18 are not protected from age-based discrimination.
Recorded on December 19, 2012, this webinar provides an overview of the Human Rights Code, highlighting the grounds and social areas which the Code applies to, exceptions to the Code, and remedies available under the Code. It acquaints listeners with...
This resource defines discrimination because of gender identity. It explains how the Ontario Human Rights Code protects people from discrimination or harassment because of their gender identity.
This section on the Ontario Human Rights Commission web site describes "family status" (being in a parent and child relationship) and the duty to accommodate, and explains how the Ontario Human Rights Code protects specific family relationships from...
The Human Rights Legal Support Centre is one of three agencies that make up Ontario's human rights system. It provides legal assistance to Ontarians who have experienced discrimination contrary to Ontario's Human Rights Code, and who may want to make...
The Hamilton Community Legal Clinic has created a toolkit of accessible materials designed for agencies and community groups to inform clients and the general public about what discrimination is and what you can do about it. Included are:
- ...
Justice for Children and Youth has produced a blog post that looks at human rights law in Ontario, how young people might encounter discrimination on the grounds of sex, and what they can if they experience it.
This Justice for Children and Youth blog post looks at what the rights are of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) young people in school, what legislation protects them, where to find help, and where to find more information about gay/straight...
This resource explains that it is against the law to harass or discriminate against someone because of their sexual orientation or because they are in a same-sex relationship. It gives examples of this kind of harassment or discrimination. The...
This zine, prepared for a youth audience, has articles and information on topics related to bullying and the law, presented with comics and other graphics.
These guides on the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario website are designed to help you understand and access the HRTO's dispute resolution process:
- Applicant's Guide
- Respondent's Guide
- Plain Language Guide
- Guide...
This module provides a basic course on rights and responsibilities under the Ontario Human Rights Code. It discusses what you should know about human rights and discrimination, what your rights and responsibilities are under the Code, and how to apply...
Designed specifically for First Nations leaders and administrators, this handbook offers information to help First Nations communities identify and resolve human rights issues.
This web site has information in question and answer form on topics such as finding a lawyer, tickets and fines, lawsuits and disputes, family and criminal law, human rights, and wills and estates. There is a toll-free number people can call to get...
This page on the Ontario Human Rights Commission website looks at what sexual harassment is, what your rights are, and what you can do if you or someone you know is being harassed. It gives examples of what sexual harassment can include, lists the...
Developed for young people, this resource offers a comprehensive definition of discrimination as well as tips and facts about what they can do if they experience discrimination. The resource includes links to web sites with more information on human...
This pamphlet briefly discusses five areas of concern in the promotion of justice for refugees and immigrants in Canada: gender justice, safe third country, trafficking, family reunification, and the Iraqi refugee crisis. The pamphlet gives links for...

