What Are Your Human Rights?

by Jessica Pliszka, B.A. (Hons), J.D

The Ontario Human Rights Code is in place to protect everyone from discrimination and harassment.

Discrimination or harassment occurs when one experiences negative treatment because of a physical or personal characteristic, in a particular social area. More specifically the physical or personal characteristic is referred to as a “ground” under the Code. These grounds include but are not limited to the following: age, race, citizenship, and gender. Social areas include: accommodation (housing), contracts, employment, goods and services, and memberships in unions or trade and professional associations.

Establishing that one has suffered discrimination under the Code, it must be shown that:

1. The Applicant has a characteristic outlined in the Code. For example, sexual orientation.

2. The Applicant has experience discrimination or harassment in a social areas outlined in the Code. For example, employment.

3. The characteristic was a component in the negative treatment.

Human Rights issues can be very complex and difficult to navigate. The lawyers at Malicki Sanchez are experienced advocates and can assist you with your human rights questions and concerns. Our lawyers can give advice on possible human rights violations, assist you with your claim, and will discuss your options. There are two avenues a claim can possibly take – one is through mediation and settlement the other is more adversarial where there would be a full hearing at the Human Rights Tribunal.

In any instance, the lawyers at Malicki Sanchez will advise what the best possible solution would be for your particular case.