Notable Changes To The Ontario Human Rights Code Likely On Their Way

In October 2017, we advised of some important changes to the Ontario Human Rights Code proposed through Bill 164, the Human Rights Code Amendment Act – a private member's bill put forward by Liberal MPP Nathalie Des Rosiers.

At the time, we advised that Bill 164 had only received First Reading and would still be subject to legislative and committee debate. Bill 164 has now passed Second Reading and been referred to the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills.

Notably, however, the debate on the Bill at second reading seems to indicate that it will likely to get through Committee with few (if any) substantial amendments. While opposition members commented on Bill 164, little was said to indicate that the proposed Human Rights Code amendments will face heavy opposition when voted upon.