Practice Area: Human Rights

Bill Adds Gender Identity, Gender Expression to Human Rights Code

· 1 min read

On June 13, 2012, a Private Member Bill with three-party support passed at Third Reading, as amended by the Standing Committee on Social Policy. Bill 33, Toby’s Act (Right to be Free from Discrimination and Harassment Because of Gender Identity or Gender Expression), 2012 amends the Human Rights Code to specify that every person has…

School Bus Transportation Policy Deemed Discriminatory

· 3 min read

A recent decision of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (“HRTO”) has added to the fast growing group of “family status” discrimination cases. J.O. v. London District Catholic School Board highlights that there are many different ways a school board may be vulnerable to claims of family status discrimination. In this FTR Now we review…

Court Clarifies Evidence Required to Establish Prima Facie Case of Discrimination

· 5 min read

For employers and service providers appearing before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (“HRTO”), a recent decision of the Divisional Court involving racial profiling will be of interest. The decision, Peel Law Association v. Pieters, provides significant clarification on the evidence required to establish a prima facie case of discrimination. In this FTR Now we…

AODA Emergency Preparedness Guides and Compliance Reporting Tool Now Available

· 3 min read

As we reported in our November 17, 2011 FTR Now “Are You Prepared for the AODA?,” private and not-for-profit sector organizations in Ontario with at least one employee were subject to a January 1, 2012 deadline to comply with the Customer Service Standards as well as the two emergency preparedness requirements under the Integrated Accessibility…

2012 Winter Edition

· 1 min read

FOCUS ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY Boundaries expanding on occupational health and safety LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS The challenges of accommodating environmental sensitivities in the workplace Ontario WSIB: Tackling unfunded liability issues PROFILE Touching all the bases Download PDF

Ontario Human Rights Code Independent Review: Consultation Paper Published

· 1 min read

As part of the independent, mandated review of the changes resulting from the enactment of amendments to the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”) which came into effect June 30, 2008, a consultation paper has been published which identifies key issues and points for discussion for the public consultation process which will take place in…

Ontario Human Rights Review Chair Invites Comments on 2008 Changes to Human Rights Code

· 4 min read

The Ontario Human Rights Review Chair, lawyer Andrew Pinto, has published a Consultation Paper inviting public commentary, further to the review process mandated by section 57 of the Human Rights Code (Code). That section requires that the Minister appoint a person to review the implementation and effectiveness of changes resulting from the 2008 amendments to…

Filing Deadline Announced for AODA Customer Service Standards Accessibility Reports

· 1 min read

On December 21, 2011, the Ontario government confirmed that private sector and not-for-profit organizations have until December 31, 2012 to file accessibility reports required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”) Customer Service Standards regulation. The government also prepared “tip sheets” to assist organizations in meeting the emergency response requirements under the…