How Do I Know If My Human Rights Were Violated in Ontario?
Think Your Human Rights Were Violated in Ontario? Here's What You Need to Know.
It can be difficult to know whether your human rights have been violated, especially when you're facing problems at work, home, school, or when accessing public services. This article explains what the Ontario Human Rights Code protects, highlights common violations, and clarifies the difference between discrimination and unfair treatment. By the end, you'll be better prepared to recognize possible infringements and understand the next steps.
What the Ontario Human Rights Code Protects
The Ontario Human Rights Code is a provincial law that protects people's dignity and ensures equal treatment. It prohibits discrimination and harassment based on specific characteristics, known as "protected grounds." These include:
Race, colour and ethnic origin
Sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding)
Sexual orientation and gender identity or expression
Age
Disability (physical or mental)
Religion
Marital status and family status
Receipt of public assistance
Citizenship
The Code applies in key areas such as employment, housing, services (including public services), and education. Its purpose is to prevent discriminatory systems and ensure fair treatment and equal access regardless of protected grounds.
Common Violations in Workplaces, Housing, Education, or Services
Despite these protections, violations still occur. Below are common examples you may encounter.
Workplace
Being passed over for promotion, training, or other opportunities because of race or gender.
Unfair discipline, demotion or dismissal after requesting a disability or religious accommodation.
Harassment or hostile treatment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Housing
Refusal to rent or sell because of family status (for example, having children).
Different lease terms or conditions applied because of disability or race.
Failure to provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities.
Education
Different treatment by faculty or administration because of disability or race.
Ignored harassment or bullying related to gender identity or sexual orientation.
Failure to provide required accommodations for students with disabilities.
Services
Denial of service or receiving substandard service in businesses or public places because of race, religion or another protected ground.
Harassment by service providers or failure to accommodate special needs.
Examples vs. Misconceptions: Unfair Treatment vs. Discrimination
Not all unfair or unpleasant treatment qualifies as a human rights violation. Typical situations that usually do not meet the legal test include:
Performance- or conduct-based decisions—discipline, termination, or negative performance reviews tied to actual conduct or performance rather than a protected ground.
Personality conflicts—disagreements or clashes that are not connected to a prohibited ground.
Policies that apply equally—rules that are neutral and apply to everyone generally won’t be discriminatory unless they disproportionately impact a protected group without justification.
True discrimination means you were treated differently because of a protected ground under the Human Rights Code. Identifying that causal link is essential when deciding whether you have a viable claim.
If you suspect your rights have been breached, getting professional advice can clarify your situation and outline practical next steps.
Lutfi Law: Experienced Help for Human Rights Issues
Human rights matters often require legal expertise and courtroom experience. Lutfi Law focuses on human rights law in Ontario and helps clients facing discrimination in the workplace, housing, education, and services. The firm provides clear advice, practical options, and will advocate to ensure your concerns are heard.
