Ontario Human Rights Commission

Ontario Human Rights Commission Official account of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC). Follow us for human rights info, events and resources in Ontario.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission promotes and enforces human rights to create a culture of human rights accountability. The Ontario Human Rights Code is a provincial law that gives everybody equal rights and opportunities without discrimination in specific social areas such as jobs, housing, services, facilities, and contracts or agreements. The Code’s goal is to prevent discrimination and hara

ssment because of race, s*x, disability, and age, to name a few of the 17 grounds. All other Ontario laws must agree with the Code. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, the Human Rights Legal Support Centre can help you determine if what you experienced is protected under the Code. Info: www.ohrc.on.ca/en/about-commission/contact-us

The OHRC is pleased to share that Patricia DeGuire’s term as Chief Commissioner has been extended to February 18, 2027. ...
08/31/2026

The OHRC is pleased to share that Patricia DeGuire’s term as Chief Commissioner has been extended to February 18, 2027.

The OHRC is pleased to continue its work to advance human rights, address systemic barriers, and help build an where the dignity and worth of every person is respected.

🔗 bit.ly/4zLaN68

This August, the OHRC recognizes marked on August 1, the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act coming into force i...
08/26/2026

This August, the OHRC recognizes marked on August 1, the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act coming into force in 1834, which led to the end of legal enslavement of people of African descent across the British Empire, including what is now Canada.
Black communities in Ontario have commemorated this day since 1834. Ontario proclaimed August 1 as Emancipation Day in 2008, and Canada recognized it nationwide in 2021.

Freedom was not given, it was won. Harriet Tubman guided freedom-seekers from her base in St. Catharines, risking everything to make abolition real. Generations later, Rosemary Sadlier carried that work forward, leading the decades-long campaigns that won national recognition for both Emancipation Day and Black History Month, so their stories, and their meaning, would never be forgotten.

That work is now ours to carry. Just as Dr. Chantal Phillips works towards opening doors for the next generation of Black physicians.

Every barrier broken, every door opened, and every achievement expands what future generations believe is possible. Guided by the spirit of ubuntu, "I am because we are" — we honour those who came before, and clear the path for those still to come.

The Ontario Human Rights Code protects everyone in this province from discrimination and harassment, and the OHRC is committed to confronting anti-Black racism and building an Ontario where everyone can belong.

This month, take a moment to:
✔️ Celebrate freedom and the contributions of Black communities
✔️ Honour the strength and resistance of Black communities and leaders
✔️ Recommit to dignity, equality, and respect for all

Join us, learn to recognize and respond to racism. Take the OHRC's free Call It Out course at ohrc.on.ca

🔗 Learn more: https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/learning/call-it-out-racism-racial-discrimination-and-human-rights

08/24/2026

Across Ontario, students struggle to learn to read because they have reading disabilities that are often undetected and receive inadequate support.

In the OHRC’s second podcast episode, Reema Khawja, Senior Counsel, Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire, and Alicia Craig-Smith, Executive Director of Dyslexia Canada, engage in discussion about an essential need for all students: access to equitable reading education.

The inquiry recommendations highlight the need for evidence-based, inclusive approaches to the development of reading skills in Ontario’s public education system.

Through the strong support of educators, school boards, parents and communities, we can take steps towards a brighter future for students in Ontario.

Right to Read podcast episode 🔗 https://bit.ly/4qBHxuA

Described video transcript 🔗 https://bit.ly/4qDi8Rh

Today, the OHRC, Peel Regional Police and the Peel Police Services Board announced the signing of a Binding Arbitration ...
08/18/2026

Today, the OHRC, Peel Regional Police and the Peel Police Services Board announced the signing of a Binding Arbitration Agreement which makes the recommendations developed through the Human Rights Project enforceable.

🔗 Learn more https://bit.ly/4ihfePP

The agreement marks a significant milestone in efforts to address systemic racism and discrimination in policing across Peel Region.

A binding arbitration process will now be in place to resolve any disputes related to the interpretation or implementation of these recommendations and ensure accountability.

This August, the OHRC recognizes marked on August 1, the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act coming into force i...
08/18/2026

This August, the OHRC recognizes marked on August 1, the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act coming into force in 1834, which led to the end of legal enslavement of people of African descent across the British Empire, including what is now Canada.

Black communities in Ontario have commemorated this day since 1834. Ontario proclaimed August 1 as Emancipation Day in 2008, and Canada recognized it nationwide in 2021.

Freedom was not given, it was won. Harriet Tubman guided freedom-seekers from her base in St. Catharines, risking everything to make abolition real. Generations later, Rosemary Sadlier carried that work forward, leading the decades-long campaigns that won national recognition for both Emancipation Day and Black History Month, so their stories, and their meaning, would never be forgotten.

That work is now ours to carry. Just as Dr. Chantal Phillips works towards opening doors for the next generation of Black physicians.

Every barrier broken, every door opened, and every achievement expands what future generations believe is possible. Guided by the spirit of ubuntu, "I am because we are" — we honour those who came before, and clear the path for those still to come.

The Ontario Human Rights Code protects everyone in this province from discrimination and harassment, and the OHRC is committed to confronting anti-Black racism and building an Ontario where everyone can belong.

This month, take a moment to:
✔️ Celebrate freedom and the contributions of Black communities
✔️ Honour the strength and resistance of Black communities and leaders
✔️ Recommit to dignity, equality, and respect for all

Join us, learn to recognize and respond to racism. Take the OHRC's free Call It Out course at ohrc.on.ca

🔗 Learn more: https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/learning/call-it-out-racism-racial-discrimination-and-human-rights

The OHRC has updated its Policy on scholarships, bursaries, and other awards to help organizations promote substantive e...
08/07/2026

The OHRC has updated its Policy on scholarships, bursaries, and other awards to help organizations promote substantive equality and comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

The revised Policy is expanded to include Code-related guidance, updated case law, additional examples and resources, and direction on more complex situations.

The Code prohibits discrimination when granting scholarships, bursaries, and other awards.

However, exceptions such as special programs are permitted where their purpose is valid under the Code.

The Policy explains these exceptions and provides guidance to organizations on complying with the Code.

🔗 https://bit.ly/4hPUH4H

On July 22, OHRC Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire keynote speaker, joined leaders, advocates and community members in...
07/29/2026

On July 22, OHRC Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire keynote speaker, joined leaders, advocates and community members in Fredericton, N.B., for the inaugural celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent.

The event recognized the leadership, resilience, and contributions of women and girls of African descent and marked the launch of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034), representing a global call to advance recognition, justice, and development.

As Chief Commissioner DeGuire noted, meaningful progress requires moving from promises to action by removing barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring that women and girls of African descent can thrive in every aspect of society.

🔗 https://bit.ly/45ffK9D
🔗 https://bit.ly/3TM6vLn
🔗 https://bit.ly/4wMV9Wl

On June 25th, Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire enjoyed a meaningful discussion with the LaSalle Towers Tenant Associa...
07/17/2026

On June 25th, Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire enjoyed a meaningful discussion with the LaSalle Towers Tenant Association on , empowering tenants with information about their rights under Ontario’s Human Rights Code. 🏠

The OHRC thanks the LaSalle Towers Tenant Association for the opportunity to bring awareness to the duty to accommodate, which is essential for advancing and protecting in Ontario. 🏢

This Canada Day, we celebrate the people, cultures, and communities that make Ontario a place where everyone can belong....
07/01/2026

This Canada Day, we celebrate the people, cultures, and communities that make Ontario a place where everyone can belong. 🍁

Canada Day is also a time to reflect on the lands we share, and on the ongoing journey of reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The Ontario Human Rights Code protects everyone in this province from discrimination. The OHRC is committed year-round to building an Ontario where everyone can live with dignity, equality, and respect.

This July 1st, take a moment to:

✔️ Celebrate the diversity that makes Ontario strong

✔️ Reflect on the journey of reconciliation

✔️ Recommit to dignity, equality, and respect for all.

🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/3VCT5PF

On June 24, Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire led a discussion on advancing human rights in during a senior manageme...
06/26/2026

On June 24, Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire led a discussion on advancing human rights in during a senior management training hosted by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO). 🏫

The OHRC thanks ETFO and its members for the warm engagement. Non-discriminatory and inclusive learning and working environments for students, educators, and administrators are essential to upholding across Ontario.

Address

180 Dundas Street W
Toronto, ON
M7A2G5

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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