The Ontario Human Rights Code

The Ontario Human Rights Code (the "Code") is for everyone. It is a provincial law that gives everybody equal rights and opportunities without discrimination in specific areas such as jobs, housing and services. The Code's goal is to prevent discrimination and harassment because of race, colour, sex, handicap and age, to name some of the sixteen grounds.

The Code was one of the first laws of its kind in Canada. Before 1962, various laws dealt with different kinds of discrimination. The Code brought them together into one law and added some new protections. The Ontario Human Rights Commission (the "Commission") administers and enforces the Code. However, an independent body separate from the Commission, called a board of inquiry, makes the ultimate decision in a complaint.

The Code is divided into an introductory section, or "preamble", followed by five Parts. Part 1 sets out basic rights and responsibilities. Part II explains how the Code is interpreted and applied. Part III explains the role and structure of the Commission and Part IV explains how the Code is enforced. Finally, Part V deals with general matters such as the power to make regulations.

For more information:

• Click here to browse a copy of the Ontario Human Rights Code (provided by e-laws).
• For a plain language explanation of the Code, please see the Guide to the Human Rights Code.