ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS ACT

EMPLOYMENT: Your Rights and Responsibilities

What are my rights in employment?

• The Ontario Human Rights Code (the "Code") states that it is public policy to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every person, and to provide for equal rights and opportunities without discrimination.
• Freedom from discrimination
• The Code prohibits discrimination in employment on the grounds of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, record of offences, marital status, same-sex partnership status, family status and handicap.
• The Ontario Human Rights Commission (the Commission) considers "employment" to include full-time and part-time work, contract work, temporary work for an agency, and probationary periods. "Employment" may even include volunteer work.