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

Welcome to Toronto 👋🌆The OHRC is proud to be participating in Toronto Newcomer Day 🎉For 65 years, the OHRC has been adva...
05/29/2026

Welcome to Toronto 👋🌆

The OHRC is proud to be participating in Toronto Newcomer Day 🎉

For 65 years, the OHRC has been advancing human rights across Ontario, supporting newcomers in knowing their rights and fostering a sense of belonging 💙⚖️

Welcome to Hamilton 👋🏽🌆Today, the OHRC joins the City of Hamilton in celebrating Hamilton’s Newcomer Day. To the many or...
05/29/2026

Welcome to Hamilton 👋🏽🌆

Today, the OHRC joins the City of Hamilton in celebrating Hamilton’s Newcomer Day. To the many organizations helping people find their footing, build connections, and feel at home – thank you for fostering a human rights culture in Hamilton, Ontario. 🎉

While not on-site, the OHRC is proud to be part of the day by sharing resources to help newcomers better understand their rights.

For 65 years, the OHRC has been advancing human rights across Ontario⚖️

Today is all about connection, helping newcomers find community, support, and a sense of home.

Learn more about your human rights: bit.ly/4o532mo

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.In Ontario, discrimination based on s*xual orien...
05/17/2026

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

In Ontario, discrimination based on s*xual orientation, gender identity and gender expression is prohibited under the Human Rights Code.

But legal protection alone is not enough. The Ontario Human Rights Commission works to protect 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and advocates for legal recognition, and challenged rooted in rigid norms, stigma and stereotypes.

Across healthcare, housing, and employment many individuals fac harassment, misgendering and violence because of their gender identity.

Ending homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia requires confronting bias, removing systemic barriers, and building services and workplaces grounded in dignity, equality and respect.

Learn more here: bit.ly/4dg399v

05/13/2026

🏆 Sunil Gurmukh — Juriansz and Joachim Award for Excellence in Human Rights

Please join us in congratulating Sunil Gurmukh on receiving the 2026 Juriansz and Joachim Award for Excellence in Human Rights. Special thanks to Torkin Manes LLP for sponsoring this award and helping recognize individuals whose work continues to advance leadership, advocacy, and excellence in the legal profession.

We look forward to celebrating together at the 2026 SABA Toronto Annual Gala.

Sunil Gurmukh is a nationally recognized human rights lawyer, legal academic, and Legal Counsel at the Ontario Human Rights Commission. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Western Law and previously served as Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization.

Sunil has led major human rights initiatives, including the OHRC’s inquiry into anti-Black racism by the Toronto Police Service, the Hate Indicators tool developed with the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and Western Law, and Unlawful Enforcers, a report documenting systemic Charter violations by police services in Ontario. His litigation and advocacy have advanced equality rights in areas including racial profiling, hate speech, refugee licensing, and age discrimination

On April 30, Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire was engaged in a frank fireside chat on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion...
05/12/2026

On April 30, Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire was engaged in a frank fireside chat on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and its role in today’s .

The chat, with Qs&As, moderated by Conference Chair, Archana Mathew, is part of the Lancaster House’s 2026 Human Rights and Accommodation Conference in Toronto.

The OHRC thanks Lancaster House Publishing and and the audience for the gracious invite and engaging discussion!

The Chief Commissioner reminded attendees, that while can be a helpful tool, it must be positioned in a human rights framework because the Ontario Human Rights Code is the law. It requires employers to ensure workplaces are free from discrimination and harassment.

A healthy economy starts with healthy and inclusive working environments, built on a approach.

05/11/2026

? 📚
Dr. Daniel G. Hill was the first Director of the OHRC and an innovator in the fight for equity and justice.

His legacy continues to shape how Ontario confronts racism and discrimination laying the groundwork for a province rooted in dignity, respect, and human rights for all.


Do you know someone who contributes to advancing human rights in Ontario? Nominate them for a Daniel G. Hill Award.

Fill out a nomination form by May 29: bit.ly/4bNEDgD


Described video transcript: https://youtu.be/zzAg3D7TW7s

📍 TorontoOn May 7, Ontario Heritage Fairs - OHFA 2026 wrapped up its Toronto stop at Centennial College, bringing togeth...
05/11/2026

📍 Toronto

On May 7, Ontario Heritage Fairs - OHFA 2026 wrapped up its Toronto stop at Centennial College, bringing together students and educators to highlight Ontario’s rich history, culture, and heritage.

The OHRC was honoured to support the Ontario Human Rights Award, celebrating student work that promotes , , and .

Learn more 🔗: https://ohfa.ca/

Mental health and addiction are under the Ontario Human Rights Code and case law. Although they are often invisible an...
05/07/2026

Mental health and addiction are under the Ontario Human Rights Code and case law. Although they are often invisible and episodic, they are protected by the Code. Discrimination, stigma, and stereotypes can create real barriers. Service providers have a legal duty to accommodate disability-related needs to the point of undue hardship.

In Ontario, everyone has the right to dignity, equal access, and freedom from discrimination in services, housing, employment, and public spaces.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, let us move beyond awareness to action:
• Challenge stigma 📣
• Remove barriers 🚧
• Design services that are inclusive by default 🧩

An inclusive Ontario is a stronger Ontario. Learn more here: 🔗 bit.ly/4tSqRzP

📍 OttawaOn April 28, students gathered at the Canadian Museum of History for Ontario Heritage Fairs - OHFA 2026 showcasi...
05/04/2026

📍 Ottawa

On April 28, students gathered at the Canadian Museum of History for Ontario Heritage Fairs - OHFA 2026 showcasing projects that explore Ontario’s history, culture, and heritage.

The OHRC was proud to sponsor the Ontario Human Rights Award, recognizing student projects that promote , , and in Ontario.

Learn more 🔗: https://ohfa.ca/

Consistent with its goal of improving opportunities for students disproportionately affected by discrimination in Ontari...
04/24/2026

Consistent with its goal of improving opportunities for students disproportionately affected by discrimination in Ontario, the OHRC provided a submission to Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security on Bill 33 regarding admissions policies used by colleges and universities and is a response to the Ministry about considering merit in post-secondary education admissions.

Read our response: bit.ly/4etbkBB

The OHRC recognizes the value of assessing an applicant’s ability to succeed in post-secondary education. However, not everyone has equal access to the opportunity to demonstrate their potential, and this can be affected by their social, economic or historical circumstances.

To avoid perpetuating systemic human rights barriers in admissions, the OHRC has said that conceptions of merit and admissions criteria should be inclusive and designed to consider the circumstances of and impacts on historically disadvantaged groups.
The OHRC recommends an approach that considers the whole student, which includes grades and their lived experience.

Read our submission: bit.ly/4vQ6B3c

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