HARP Part 2

Contracts

• Every person with legal capacity has the right to contract on equal terms without discrimination based on prohibited grounds, including age, ancestry, citizenship, colour, creed, disability, ethnic origin, family status, gender expression, gender identity, level of literacy, marital status, place of origin, political affiliation, race, sex, and sexual orientation.
• City contracts, agreements, or permits with third-party individuals or organizations must include a signed Declaration of Compliance with Anti-Harassment/Discrimination Legislation and City Policy, and are subject to contract provisions regarding consequences for non-compliance.

Employment

• Every person has the right to equal treatment in employment without discrimination or harassment based on prohibited grounds, including age, ancestry, citizenship, colour, creed, disability, ethnic origin, family status, gender expression, gender identity, level of literacy, marital status, membership in a union or staff association, place of origin, political affiliation, race, record of offences, sex, sexual orientation, and workplace harassment.

Roles and Responsibilities

• All Toronto Public Service employees, volunteers, Accountability Officers, elected officials, and their staff are responsible for knowing the policy and complaint procedures, not engaging in harassment/discrimination, cooperating in good faith in dispute resolution processes, and abiding by confidentiality expectations.
• The Human Rights Office (HRO) provides confidential advice and assistance to Toronto Public Service recipients, facility users, and employees regarding their rights and to management regarding their obligations.

Human Rights Office

• The HRO impartially explores complaints/allegations of harassment and discrimination and undertakes independent investigations for any Toronto Public Service staff person or recipient of municipal service(s).
• HRO staff report to the City Manager through the Chief People Officer and are responsible for administering the City's Human Rights Program, interpreting and implementing this policy, conducting policy and resource research and development, education and communication, and more.
• The HRO focuses on preventing, correcting, and remedying harassing and/or discriminating behaviors that are contrary to this policy.
• Responsibilities include:

  • administer the City’s Human Rights Program

  • interpret and implement this policy

  • policy and resource research and development

  • education and communication

  • expert, independent, unbiased, confidential advice

  • assess the merits of a complaint/incident and determine appropriate investigation and resolution options, including whether concern(s) can be referred to division management to address

  • undertake impartial, independent investigations

  • provide mediations

  • retain external consultants

  • work with Legal Services Division on Ontario Human Rights Tribunal applications and orders from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development

  • review this policy on an annual basis in consultation with the Occupational Health and Safety Coordinating Committee

  • submit an annual report to City Council about statistics and trends in human rights complaint activities and other program initiatives