Code Grounds

Ontario's Human Rights Code, the first in Canada, was enacted in 1962. 

The Code prohibits actions that discriminate against people based on a protected ground in a protected social area. ​

Ontario's Human Rights Code (the Code) identifies 17 protected grounds (Code grounds) on which discrimination is prohibited:

1. Age
2. Ancestry
3. Citizenship
4. Colour
5. Disability
6. Ethnic Origin
7. Family Status
8. Gender Expression
9. Gender Identity
10. Marital Status
11. Place of Origin
12. Race
13. Receipts of Public Assistance
14. Record of Offences
15. Religion / Creed
16. Sex
17. Sexual Orientation

The Code also prohibits discrimination in 5 social areas:

1. ​Accommodation
2. Contracts or agreements
3. Employment
4. Goods, services and facilities
5. Membership in unions, trades or professional association

A person may identify with multiple Code grounds because their social identity can overlap and intersect - this is known as intersectionality. When a person is experiencing discrimination and/or harassment, this can be experienced on multiple Code grounds at the same time due to intersectionalities.​