Human Resources Legislative Update - Legislative Developments in Human Resources Law

As part of the independent, mandated review of the changes resulting from the enactment of amendments to the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”) which came into effect June 30, 2008, a consultation paper has been published which identifies key issues and points for discussion for the public consultation process which will take place in January and February of 2012.

The review, chaired by Andrew Pinto, is prescribed by section 57 of the Code. It will consider the “implementation and effectiveness” of these amendments, including an assessment of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario’s “direct access" model. 

Public consultations are also prescribed under that section, prior to the Chair’s submission of a Report to the Minister, which must occur within one year of the Chair’s appointment, which occurred on August 12, 2011.

For more information on the Consultation Paper and the review process, see our FTR Now of January 3, 2012, entitled "Ontario Human Rights Review Chair Invites Comments on 2008 Changes to the Human Rights Code."

On May 31, 2010, the government released Charles Beer's independent review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

The government also announced that it is in the process of combining the information and communications, employment and transportation standards into a single, integrated regulation. This initiative is intended to make them "more flexible" for business. It further responds to some of Beer's recommendations regarding the need to harmonize the standards and avoid the "silo" effect that creates duplication, overlap and uncertainty.