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Discrimination law in Pickering, Ontario, is governed primarily by federal and provincial human rights legislation designed to protect individuals from unfair treatment based on specific personal characteristics. Discrimination typically involves being treated differently or unfairly because of who you are or certain traits you possess. In Pickering, the most relevant laws fall under the Ontario Human Rights Code, which prohibits discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, goods, services, and facilities. Issues of discrimination can arise in a variety of settings, and protections exist to ensure all residents and visitors are treated with dignity and respect in the community.
There are several situations where you may need the expertise of a legal professional experienced in discrimination law:
A lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, advise you on the best course of action, represent you before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal or other relevant bodies, and help negotiate settlements.
The primary legal protection against discrimination in Pickering is found in the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC). This legislation applies in key areas such as employment, accommodation (housing), contracts, and the provision of goods, services, and facilities. The OHRC prohibits discrimination based on certain protected grounds, including:
Complaints about discrimination are typically made to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO). In some cases involving federally regulated workplaces (like banks, airlines, or telecommunications), the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Canadian Human Rights Commission may be involved instead.
Employers, landlords, businesses, and service providers in Pickering have a legal duty to accommodate individuals up to the point of "undue hardship," especially regarding disabilities.
Discrimination is unfair or unequal treatment or harassment based on personal characteristics protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code, such as race, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, and more.
Discrimination can take place in employment, housing, when accessing goods or services, membership in unions or professional associations, and other public settings.
Document the incident, gather supporting evidence, and consider consulting a lawyer or contacting the Human Rights Legal Support Centre. You may file a complaint with the HRTO.
Generally, you must file a complaint within one year of the incident. Extensions may be granted in rare circumstances if there is a good reason for delay.
No. The law prohibits retaliation or punishment against anyone who files a discrimination complaint or participates in the complaint process.
While it is not strictly necessary to have a lawyer, legal assistance can be very valuable to ensure your rights are respected and your complaint is presented effectively.
Accommodation means making adjustments or changes to allow a person to fully participate, such as modifying work duties, providing accessible facilities, or allowing flexible scheduling, unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the provider.
The HRTO may help the parties mediate/resolve the dispute or may hold a hearing to decide if discrimination occurred and what remedy should be provided.
Remedies may include financial compensation, orders to stop discriminatory practices, reinstatement to a job, or policy changes.
If your complaint involves a federally regulated workplace (banks, airlines, etc.), you may need to file with the Canadian Human Rights Commission under the Canadian Human Rights Act rather than with the HRTO.
Several organizations and resources are available to individuals seeking help with discrimination issues in Pickering:
If you believe you are facing discrimination in Pickering, consider taking the following steps:
Taking action in a timely and informed manner can help protect your rights and ensure your concerns are addressed effectively.
