OHRC- Ontario Human Rights Code, R.S.0. 1990
The Ontario Human Rights Code (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19) guarantees every person equal rights and opportunities without discrimination in key areas such as services, housing, employment, contracts, and membership in organizations, based on protected grounds like race, sex, disability, age, and more. It establishes the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Human Rights Tribunal to promote, protect, and enforce these rights, aiming to foster a society of dignity, respect, and inclusion for all.
IASR – Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (O. Reg. 191/11
The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), O. Reg. 191/11, under the AODA, sets out mandatory accessibility requirements for Ontario organizations in five key areas: information and communications, employment, transportation, design of public spaces, and customer service. It applies to public, private, and non-profit organizations with at least one employee, requiring them to develop policies, provide training, and remove barriers to ensure equitable access and participation for people with disabilities across all aspects of public life.
FIPPA – Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), R.S.O. 1990, c. F.31, grants individuals the right to access information held by Ontario public institutions, while ensuring that personal information is protected and only disclosed under specific, limited circumstances. It also establishes independent oversight through the Information and Privacy Commissioner to ensure transparency and accountability in government information practices.
Pay Transparency Act, 2018, S.O. 2018, c. 5
The Pay Transparency Act, 2018 (Bill 3) requires Ontario employers to disclose compensation information in job postings and prohibits them from asking applicants about past salary history. Employers with 100 or more employees must submit annual pay transparency reports detailing workforce composition and pay disparities, and employees are protected from reprisals for discussing or inquiring about compensation.
AODA – Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is a provincial law enacted in 2005 that requires public, private, and non-profit organizations in Ontario to follow accessibility standards aimed at identifying, removing, and preventing barriers for people with disabilities, with the goal of achieving a fully accessible province by 2025. These standards cover five key areas—customer service, employment, information and communications, transportation, and the design of public spaces—and organizations must develop policies, train staff, and report on compliance to ensure equal participation for all Ontarians.
OHSA – Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1 is Ontario’s foundational workplace safety legislation that sets out the rights and duties of all workplace parties—employers, supervisors, and workers—to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. It mandates proactive measures such as hazard identification, training, joint health and safety committees, and gives workers the right to refuse unsafe work, while empowering Ministry inspectors to enforce compliance through inspections, orders, and penalties.
ESA - Employment Standards Act, 2000
The Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), S.O. 2000, c. 41 sets out the minimum standards for employment in Ontario, including rules on wages, hours of work, overtime, vacation, public holidays, leaves of absence, and termination and severance. It ensures that employees are treated fairly and protects their rights, while also outlining employer responsibilities and enforcement mechanisms through the Ministry of Labour.
Education Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.E.2
The Education Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.2 governs Ontario’s publicly funded education system, outlining the roles and responsibilities of the Minister of Education, school boards, educators, and other stakeholders. Its purpose is to ensure all students have access to quality education that supports their development into skilled, knowledgeable, and caring citizens, while promoting equity, student well-being, and accountability across the education sector.