Terms of Reference
The scope of this review is set out in section 57 of the Human Rights Code which provides:
Review
57. (1) Three years after the effective date, the Minister shall appoint a person who shall undertake a review of the implementation and effectiveness of the changes resulting from the enactment of that Act.
Public consultations
(2) In conducting a review under this section, the person appointed under subsection (1) shall hold public consultations.
Report to Minister
(3) The person appointed under subsection (1) shall prepare a report on his or her findings and submit the report to the Minister within one year of his or her appointment.
The Reviewer will consider the following:
- Whether the redesigned Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) is providing quicker and direct access for applicants, and a fair dispute resolution process for all parties, including respondents.
- Whether the new Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC) is effective in providing information, support, advice, assistance and legal representation for those seeking a remedy before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO).
- Whether the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), in its revised role, is proactively addressing systemic human rights issues through activities such as research and monitoring, policy development, and education and training.
- Stakeholder feedback: analyze and qualify perceptions and experiences of key stakeholders, human rights advocates/experts, and the public.
- Where appropriate, the Reviewer will offer advice to the government regarding any best practices that should be supported and any advice for enhancing the effectiveness of Ontario’s human rights system. Any advice developed should be cognizant of the challenging fiscal context for government and should provide corresponding costs and relative benefits.