Ontario Human Rights Commission : Ageism and the Rights of Older Persons in Ontario
This presentation provided and overview of the Ontario Human Rights Code (Code), the system in effect in the province and the mandate of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC).
The presenter, Bryony Halpin, Senior Policy Analyst, Ontario Human Rights Commission, explained how the OHRC’s Policy applies in situations of age discrimination and the more recent work around the intersectionality of age and the rights of older persons. Ms. Halpin provided an overview of the applicable sections of the Code which prohibit discrimination because of age, in the area of employment, service and provision of goods, facilities management, housing accommodations, contract administration and memberships in trade and vocational associations.
Presentation
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Resources
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217 A) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and it has been translated into over 500 languages. The UDHR is widely recognized as having inspired, and paved the way for, the adoption of more than seventy human rights treaties, applied today on a permanent basis at global and regional levels (all containing references to it in their preambles).
United Nations – Human Rights
www.ohchr.org/en/what-are-human-rights
Ontario Human Rights Commission
The Code prohibits actions that discriminate against people based on a protected ground in a protected social area.
www.ohrc.on.ca/en/ontario-human-rights-code
Guide to your rights and responsibilities under the Human Rights Code
www.ohrc.on.ca/en/guide-your-rights-and-responsibilities-under-human-rights-code-0
CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario / Éducation juridique communautaire Ontario)
Ontario’s online home for training, tools, and connections to help you help your clients. This web page describes ageism and age discrimination and explains that the Ontario Human Rights Code protects people against age discrimination where they work, live, or receive services.
https://cleoconnect.ca/organization/ontario-human-rights-commission-ohrc/
Human Rights 101
https://cleoconnect.ca/resource/yourlegalrights/human-rights-101/
Age Discrimination
https://cleoconnect.ca/resource/yourlegalrights/age-discrimination-1-1/
Policy on ableism and discrimination based on disability
https://cleoconnect.ca/resource/yourlegalrights/policy-on-ableism-and-discrimination-based-on-disability/
Indigenous Peoples in Ontario and the Ontario Human Rights Code (brochure)
https://cleoconnect.ca/resource/yourlegalrights/indigenous-peoples-in-ontario-and-the-ontario-human-rights-code-brochure/
Steps to Justice : A Guide to law in Ontario
Human Rights
https://stepstojustice.ca/legal-topic/human-rights/
Information and Support
Ontario Human Rights Commission
The OHRC works to promote, protect and advance human rights through research, public education, targeted legal action and policy development. Do not provide information, advice or legal opinions on individual cases or circumstances. The OHRC does not have a general intake line like the HRLSC and, since, 2008, no longer accepts Code applications.
Toll Free 1-800-387-9080
TTY (Local): (416) 326-0603
TTY (Toll Free): 1-800-308-5561
www.ohrc.on.ca
[email protected]
Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
The HRTO is one of the eight (8) tribunals at Social Justice Tribunals Ontario (SJTO). The HRTO resolves claims of discrimination and harassment brought under the Code. The HRTO offers the opportunity to settle cases through its mediation services and conducts adjudication of cases by holding hearings.
Go to the HRTO’s website for:
- Application form (for making a claim of discrimination under the Code);
- Applicant’s Guide (for help in completing an Application Form 1).
Local : (416) 326-1312
Toll Free : 1-866-598-0322
TTY (Local): (416) 326-2027
TTY (Toll Free): 1-866-607-1240
www.sjto.gov.on.ca/hrto/contact/
Human Rights Legal Support Centre
The Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC) provides legal supports and assistance to people in communities across Ontario who have experienced discrimination contrary to the Code, and who may want to file an application to the HRTO.
The HRLSC’s intake phone line can be reached at:
Tel: (416) 597-4900
Toll Free: 1-866-625-5179
TTY: (416) 597-4903
TTY Toll Free: 1-866 612-8627
The HRLSC makes every effort to provide accommodation, including for disability, language and cultural needs. The HRLSC also provides services in over one hundred and forty (140) languages, including American Sign Language.