Grounds and Areas of Protection Under Ontario’s Human Rights Code — Including Contractual Protections

Ontario’s Human Rights Code (the “Code”) protects people from discrimination and harassment in specific areas of public life based on personal characteristics, known as “grounds.” The settings where these protections apply are called “areas.”

Knowing these protections—and how they extend to

Many companies are now using AI tools to sort through applications, with the goal of saving precious time for human resources teams. But how it’s used is as important as the fact that it’s used.

For some employers, their use of AI is resulting in some major liabilities. While we have yet to see litigation around AI implementation in Canada, in the U.S. there have already been some major cases. Continue Reading AI in Recruitment — Here’s What Companies Can Learn

Introduction

As an employer operating in a unionized environment—whether in Ontario or under federal jurisdiction—you may encounter complex workplace disputes involving human rights issues. A common question that arises is whether employees can bypass their union to file a human rights complaint directly.

Historically, the answer was uncertain, and unions were seen as the primary—if not exclusive—representative for workplace disputes. However, recent legal decisions have clarified when employees can pursue human rights claims independently. Understanding these rulings is essential for ensuring compliance, managing risk, and effectively handling workplace disputes.Continue Reading Understanding Human Rights Protections and Union Representation