On November 25, 2014, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released a statement on “Sexual Harassment and the Ontario Human Rights Code” (link to statement).  In the statement, the OHRC notes that it was prompted to issue the statement as a result of ‘recent events’ (i.e.  the allegations of sexual harassment both on Parliament Hill and at the CBC), triggering “a nationwide discussion about the continued occurrence of sexual harassment and violence against women throughout Canadian society.”

The statement is primarily aimed at sexual harassment in the workplace and is intended to assist employers by shedding light on what constitutes sexual harassment, how to prevent it, and how to recognize and subsequently handle it in the workplace.  However, the OHRC’s statement also serves as a useful tool for individuals who believe they have experienced sexual harassment and are seeking to establish their rights, whether through internal mechanisms, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the criminal justice system, or the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.

bakerlaw is a strong advocate for victim’s rights and continues to successfully represent victims of sexual assault through various legal channels. For more information on your human rights in employment, services, and housing, please feel free to contact us (link).