DEFINITION:
Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC): The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is an agency of the government of Ontario, Canada, responsible for protecting, promoting, and enforcing human rights in the province. Its main mandate is to prevent discrimination and harassment, and to advance the principles of equal treatment and dignity for all individuals.
FAQs:
1. What is the role of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC)?
The role of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is to enforce and promote human rights in the province of Ontario. It works to prevent discrimination and harassment based on protected grounds, such as race, gender, disability, and religion. This includes providing education, conducting investigations, and mediating disputes.
2. Who can file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC)?
Anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination or harassment based on a protected ground under Ontario’s Human Rights Code can file a complaint with the OHRC. This includes individuals, employees, tenants, and even organizations or groups that believe they have been discriminated against.
3. How does the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) handle complaints?
When a complaint is filed with the OHRC, it goes through a multi-step process. Initially, the commission may attempt to mediate a resolution between the parties involved. If mediation fails, an investigation may be conducted to provide a formal decision on the complaint. The OHRC can also intervene in significant legal cases to provide its expertise or submit legal arguments.
4. What are some examples of the OHRC’s work?
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) works on a wide range of human rights issues. Some examples of its work include addressing systemic discrimination in housing, employment, and the justice system, advocating for accessibility and accommodations for persons with disabilities, combatting racism and Islamophobia, and promoting gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
5. What are the powers of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC)?
The OHRC has several powers, including the power to investigate complaints, initiate public inquiries, conduct research and policy development, provide education and resources, intervene in significant legal cases, and review and make recommendations regarding legislation or government policies related to human rights. These powers enable the OHRC to fulfill its mandate and protect the rights of individuals in Ontario.