1. Learn about Ontario’s human rights laws
Question & Answer
What can I do if I experience discrimination?Most employers, landlords, representatives, and providers in Ontario must follow Ontario's Human Rights Code.
To make a claim at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, you must show that:
1. You were treated badly because of a protected personal characteristic that is listed in the Code.
There are 17 protected personal characteristics. Some examples are:
- race
- religion
- age
- sexual orientation
- , including an addiction
2. The place or situation where you were treated badly is listed in the Code
The Code only applies to unfair treatment in certain places or situations. These are called protected social areas.
For example:
- at work by your employer
- at work by your union or professional organization
- at home by your landlord
- by a service provider like a store employee, restaurant, or school
A protected must be a factor in how you were treated in one of these places or situations. For example, the Code does not apply if:
- your manager treats you differently in your job because of a personality conflict
- a doctor uses their professional judgement to decide your medical treatment
3. The Code does not apply to members of the public
For example, the Code does not apply if a stranger insults you on the street by making a racist comment. For the Code to apply, the insult must happen in a protected situation such as at your job or at a restaurant by someone who works there.
Exceptions
There are situations where some or all of the Code does not apply.
For example, some industries are covered by laws made by the Government of Canada. These laws apply throughout the country. These industries include banks, airlines, some trucking businesses, and broadcasting. Employers in these industries must follow the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Companies can have special hiring programs to try to make their workforces more diverse.
Housing providers can have homes for people who are disadvantaged because of a personal characteristic protected by the Human Rights Code (for example, people with disabilities).
Housing providers can also have buildings that are just for people who are 65 or older.