The Ontario Human Rights Commission recently released a new ‘Policy on preventing discrimination based on mental health disabilities and addiction’. The interactive policy reflects the Commission’s interpretation of the Ontario Human Rights Code. It provides guidance to employers on recognizing, managing or addressing mental health and addiction-related human rights issues in the workplace. In addition, it contains a comprehensive overview of discrimination, responsibilities and duties during the accommodation process, as well as the concept of undue hardship.
Although the Commission’s policy is of particular importance to employers in Ontario, it may also be useful to employers and service providers in British Columbia, since many of the principles discussed apply under the BC Human Rights Code.
Question relating to the content in this article should be directed to Adriana Wills, Partner.