The Ontario Human Rights Code protects all employees working in Ontario and provides the legislated right to equal treatment in the workplace. The Code protects individuals from discrimination and harassment at work involving the following common protected grounds (not a complete list):

• Age
• Ancestry, colour, race
• Ethnic origin/place of origin
• Disability
• Family status
• Sexual orientation
• Marital status

It is a clear violation of the Code to dismiss an employee based on any of the prohibited grounds. It is also a clear violation of the Code to allow for a poisoned work environment that results in the harassment or bullying of an employee. Where an employer does violate the Code, the employee is entitled to general damages for injury to dignity, feelings and self-respect. The quantum of damages awarded by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario has been going up in recent years. 

It is essential to note that the Code prohibits discrimination at section 5 as follows:

5(1) Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to employment without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability. 

5(2) Every person who is an employee has a right to freedom from harassment in the workplace by the employer or agent of the employer or by another employee because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sexua orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability. 

If you believe your human rights have been breached, contact one of the lawyers at OWL LAW to review your matter to determine your proper financial entitlements and next steps.