Course HRDD 4093

1. Module 1
Human Rights 101
Introduction to the Ontario
Human Rights Code (part a)

2. M1
Icebreaker
• Icebreaker Video

3. M1
The Ontario Human Rights Code (Code)
In this module we will:
• Briefly review the Ontario Human Rights Code
(Code)
• Watch a Human Rights 101 Q & A webinar
• Apply the Code to scenarios as appropriate
• Demonstrate understanding of the topics covered
by complete a human rights quiz

4. M1
The Code
What is it?
• A provincial law in the province of Ontario, that
gives all people equal rights and opportunities
without discrimination in specific areas called
Social Areas.
• The Code prohibits actions that discriminate
against people based on a protected ground in a
protected social area.
• The Code's goal is to prevent discrimination and
harassment.

5. M1
The Code - Social Areas
PART 1 of the Code ensures that Ontarians enjoy
freedom from discrimination in 5 areas, called
‘’Social Areas'':
• Services, goods and facilities
• Housing accommodation
• Contracts
• Employment
• Vocational Associations

6. M1
The Code - Protected Grounds
PART 1 of the Code lists the grounds of
discrimination. You cannot discriminate against
another person or group of people because of
their…
What are the Protected Grounds covered under
the Ontario Human Rights Code?
(more commonly referred to as “Code Grounds”)

7. M1
The Code - Protected Grounds
 Race
 Ancestry
 Place of Origin
 Ethnic Origin
 Colour
 Citizenship
 Creed (Religion)
 Sex (Gender)
 Disability
 Family Status
 Marital Status
 Sexual Orientation
 Gender Identity
 Gender Expression
 Age
 Receipt of Public
Assistance*
 Record of Offences*

8. M1
The Code – Discrimination
What is ‘Discrimination’?
A distinction, whether intentional or not, but based
on the grounds, which has the effect of imposing
burdens, obligations or disadvantages not imposed
on others, or which withholds or limits access to
opportunities, benefits or advantages available to
others.

9. M1
The Code – Harassment
What is ‘Harassment’?
(Code definition) Engaging in a course of vexatious
comment or conduct that is known or ought
reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.

10. M1
The Code – Harassment/Discrimination
• Harassment/Discrimination
• Poisoned environment
• Adverse Impact
• Systemic discrimination
• Intent is irrelevant. Effect is key to investigation.
• Overlap of legislation – OHR Code, Bill 168, PSA

11. M1
The Code – a prima facie case
To demonstrate prima facie discrimination, the test
requires that the complainant prove the following:
• The incident happen in one of the 5 Social Areas
• One of the Protected Grounds was involved
• There was adversedifferential treatment,
• A nexus between the Ground and the treatment
• The complaint is believable.

12. M1
The Code – Module 1 Discussions
Instructions:
• Students will be placed in break-out rooms in groups
of approximately 4 students.
• We will discuss 4 scenarios, 1 at a time. Each group
will have 5 minutes to discuss the scenario
• A representative from each group will present the
group findings. A class discussion will follow.
• A different group representative will be used to
present each scenario

13. Up Next - Module 2
Human Rights 101
Introduction to the Ontario Human
Rights Code (part b)