Federal Reforms to Prohibit Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity or Gender Expression

Editor’s Note: Bill C-16 received Royal Assent on June 19, 2017 and is now in force. Bill C-16, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code, passed third reading, without amendment, in the Senate on June 15, 2017. As we previously reported, Bill C-16 was introduced in the House of…

New Human Rights Commission Strategic Plan to Focus on Criminal Justice System & Policing Practices

With the recent release of the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Strategic Plan for 2017 to 2022, renewed focus will be placed on criminal justice system accountability and issues around systemic discrimination. Find out what’s in store for your organization – and what you should be doing to ensure that you’re prepared…

Lancaster House: Gender Identity and Gender Expression: Best practices in the workplace

When an employee requires accommodation in relation to gender identity or gender expression, the process can be challenging for the employer, the union, and especially the employee. This audio conference will explore best practices for creating an inclusive, accommodating environment, and dealing with trans-specific issues such as washroom accessibility, training, and reluctant co-workers. Topic Understanding…

What Nexus is Required to Establish a Tribunal’s Jurisdiction over Discriminatory Conduct Arising at a Workplace?

The Supreme Court of Canada will be delivering a decision likely to provide further clarity on the scope of the jurisdiction of British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal (Tribunal) to hear a complaint alleging discrimination regarding employment involving parties who work for different employers. On October 13, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada granted leave to…

Tribunal Rejects the Johnstone Test for Establishing Family Status Discrimination in New Eldercare Case

In a significant recent decision relating to eldercare accommodation, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (Tribunal) indicated its intention to depart from the test for family status discrimination outlined by the Federal Court of Appeal in Canada (Attorney General) v. Johnstone and Canadian National Railway v. Seeley