Human Rights Law

Human rights laws prohibit discrimination and harassment based on certain characteristics in certain situations. These characteristics include race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital and family status. The main situations in which discrimination and harassment are prohibited are in employment, housing (accommodation) and services.

Discrimination and harassment are generally dealt with through the complaint mechanisms of human rights commissions or tribunals, or in the case of unionized employees, through the grievance arbitration process. Human rights laws are passed by both the provincial and federal levels of government. The Ontario Human Rights Code is the main provincial anti-discrimination law. If, however, a federal entity, such as a bank or airline, is involved, the federal law called the Canadian Human Rights Act applies.

We have expertise in:

• Advising and representing individuals, including employees, who believe that their human rights have been violated;
• Advising and representing respondents, including employers, who must respond to allegations or potential allegations that human rights have been violated;
• Fact-finding, investigating, mediating and resolving disputes concerning human rights; and
• Education, training, and media commentary on human rights issues.