Human Rights
In Canada, both the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act stand as unwavering safeguards against discrimination and unequal treatment. These vital legal frameworks ensure that every individual, regardless of race, gender, religion, or other protected grounds, is entitled to equal opportunities and fair treatment. Our commitment is to stand by your side, advocating for your rights, and ensuring that these fundamental principles of justice are upheld in all aspects of your life.
Ontario Human Rights Code
The Ontario Human Rights Code is a cornerstone of ensuring fairness and equity for all individuals in the province. It prohibits discrimination based on various grounds, including race, gender, disability, and more. This essential legal framework empowers individuals to assert their rights, holding those who infringe upon them accountable.
Canadian Human Rights Act
The Canadian Human Rights Act ensures that every Canadian is protected from discrimination based on several grounds. Enforced at the federal level, this act prohibits discrimination on protected grounds, including race, gender, and disability, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and fair treatment.
Protected Grounds
The protected grounds in the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act include race, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, creed, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered.
Process
Filing an application and complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal or the Canada Human Rights Commission is a crucial step toward achieving justice and equality. The process involves meticulous documentation, clear articulation of your case, and adherence to specific procedures. Our role is to guide and support you through each step, from initiating your application or complaint to participating in mediations, hearings, and negotiations.
Remedies and Awards
Remedies and awards provided by the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal and the Canada Human Rights Commission encompass a range of measures aimed at rectifying discrimination. These may include financial compensation, reinstatement, policy changes, and educational or anti-discrimination initiatives. Both entities are dedicated to ensuring that individuals who have experienced discrimination receive fair and appropriate remedies and awards, fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.
Limitation Period
Navigating the human rights complaint process involves understanding the essential element of time. In Ontario, the Human Rights Tribunal enforces a one-year limitation period, meaning that complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged incident. Meanwhile, the Canada Human Rights Commission operates under a similar timeframe, requiring complaints to be filed within one year of the discriminatory act. These limitation periods emphasize the importance of seeking justice promptly, ensuring that cases are addressed efficiently and effectively.