Backgrounder

April 9, 2008

Ontario’s Human Rights System

A new and strengthened human rights system consisting of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and a new Human Rights Legal Support Centre is set to launch on June 30, 2008. 

The Ontario Human Rights Commission will continue to promote, protect and advance human rights through activities including inquiries, research and analysis, education and training, policy development and by working to build an active human rights culture.

All discrimination claims will be filed directly with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and all cases that are timely and within the Tribunal’s jurisdiction will receive early access to an adjudicator to be resolved fairly, effectively and quickly. 

A new Human Rights Legal Support Centre will offer independent human rights information and support services to individuals throughout Ontario, ranging from advice and support to legal representation. 

FUNDING

As part of the 2008 Budget, the McGuinty government has committed to additional, one-time funding of $14.1 million in 2008-09 for Ontario’s human rights system. These additional funds include:

• $7.6 million to build and start up the new system. Transition funding includes the development and implementation of the new human rights complaint processes and more easily navigable organizational structures.
• $3.6 million for new and upgraded accessible office space for the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and the new Human Rights Legal Support Centre.   
• $2.9 million to help resolve current cases, in preparation for a faster, more effective system.

This is in addition to the $17.6 million already allocated to the system for 2008-09.