Background/Overview
On April 26, 2006, the Attorney General of Ontario introduced Bill 107, the Human Rights Code Amendment Act, 2006 to modernize Ontario’s human rights system.
In December 2006, the Human Rights Code Amendment Act, 2006, received Royal Assent.
The new Ontario human rights system is in full effect as of June 30, 2008 and consists of:
- Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
- Ontario Human Rights Commission
- Human Rights Legal Support Centre
Under this new system, a person who believes their human rights have been violated can apply directly to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. You can contact the Tribunal and get a copy of its application form and Applicant’s Guide by visiting the Tribunal’s website at: www.hrto.ca
The Ontario Human Rights Commission now focuses on promoting a culture of human rights in Ontario through public education, public inquiries, research, analysis and policy development. Under its new mandate, the Commission can also intervene in, or initiate public interest applications to the Tribunal.
If you want to find out more about the Commission, you can visit its website at: www.ohrc.on.ca
The Human Rights Legal Support Centre provides legal advice and assistance to individuals across Ontario who believe they have experienced discrimination. The Legal Centre can provide assistance to:
- Resolve a dispute involving rights under the Human Rights Code
- File an application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario to resolve a human rights claim through mediation or at a hearing
- Provide legal assistance at mediation or at a hearing before the Tribunal
- Enforce an Order of the Tribunal if the Tribunal determines that discrimination has occurred.