Human rights are rights that belong to all human beings, regardless of their personal characteristics, ethnic origin, abilities or other status. All humans are equally entitled to human rights without discrimination.
In Ontario human rights are protected by the Human Rights Code, which prohibits actions that discriminate against people on the basis of a protected ground in a protected social area.
The protected grounds are:
- Age
- Ancestry, colour, race
- Citizenship
- Ethnic origin
- Place of origin
- Creed
- Disability
- Family status
- Marital status (including single status)
- Gender identity, gender expression
- Receipt of public assistance (in housing only)
- Record of offences (in employment only)
- Sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding)
- Sexual orientation
The protected social areas are:
- Accommodation (housing)
- Contracts
- Employment
- Goods, services and facilities
- Membership in unions, trade or professional associations
Read our blogs for more information on human rights in the workplace.
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