The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is seeking the public’s input on the development a new policy statement on the discriminatory display of names, words and images.

The purpose of the policy statement is to:

• Recognize the enduring impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples and Ontario’s historical links to slavery by promoting awareness about the negative impacts the discriminatory display of names and images has on individuals and groups;
• Promote understanding and compliance with legal obligations under the Human Rights Code, including the duty to respond, investigate and resolve allegations of discrimination;
• Set out a human rights-based analysis and procedure framework for dealing with issues in the community and before tribunals and courts;
• Encourage municipalities and other obligated organizations to develop their own policies through community input; and
• Help avoid situations that may lead to discrimination or a poisoned environment. 

The policy would apply to organizations that provide services within the meaning of section 1 of the Human Rights Code including provincial and municipal governments, public- and private-sector organizations.

Ontarians are invited to complete an online survey or provide input in writing to surveys@ohrc.on.ca by October 22, 2021.

News Release: OHRC engages the public to develop a new policy on discriminatory display of names, words and images

Propose content for an OHRC policy on the discriminatory display of names, words and images