Unit 9 - Human Rights & Accomodation

Question 1

What are the protected social areas of the Ontario Human Rights Code?

Answer 1

• Accommodation (housing)
• Contracts
• Employment
• Goods, services, and facilities
• Membership in unions, trade or professional associations

Question 2

Outline the purpose of the code

Answer 2

The Code serves a largely remedial purpose.
• It does not punish individuals, governments, or employers.
• It aims to prevent discrimination by educating society and creating awareness.

The Code does not consider the intent underpinning acts of discrimination. Instead, it looks at the effect of the discrimination.

Question 3

The Canadian Human Rights Act

Answer 3

The Canadian Human Rights Act applies to

workplaces or services under federal jurisdiction.

Question 4

Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario

Answer 4

• This tribunal serves as a forum to deal with all claims of discrimination filed under the Code.
• It strives to resolve applications through mediation or adjudication in a fair, open, and timely manner.

Question 5

Human Rights Legal Support Centre

Answer 5

• This centre offers assistance with human rights application application-related legal support services to individuals who have experienced discrimination.
• It provides helpful information on the process for starting a discrimination claim, and the steps for resolving the matter at hand.

Question 6

Ontario Human Rights Commission

Answer 6

• This commission aims to promote, protect, and advance human rights by addressing the root causes of discrimination.
• Outreach programs, co-operation, and partnerships are a few ways the commission can reinforce the assurances made in the Code’s preamble.
• Is largely preventative & seek to educate employers about discrimination in the workplace before it occurs.

Question 7

What are 3 considerations in accommodating an employee to the point of undue hardship (valid in Ontario law)?

Answer 7

There are three considerations:
• Cost;
• Outside sources of funding (gov subsidies, bank loans, and private capital)
• Health and safety requirements, if any.