According to Policy 67a, Discrimination means:

a) a distinction—intentional or unintentional, direct or indirect—because of a person’s race, ancestry, ethnic origin, creed, place of origin, colour, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, pregnancy, marital status, family status, a record of offenses, political affiliation, religious belief, disability or means to accommodate the disability and

b) that has the effect of erecting barriers or creating obligations, disadvantages, or situations of unequal treatment that withhold or limit access to privileges, advantages, or political, social, or economic rights available to other members of society.

There are different types of discrimination. 

The University of Ottawa complies with Ontario’s Human Rights Code, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act

Direct discrimination

A person discriminates ‘directly’ when their words or actions result in the unequal treatment of another person. The Policy 67a adresses this type of discrimination.

Example: An employer refuses to consider a pregnant candidate or one who has just had a child for a promotion.

Indirect discrimination

Indirect discrimination means a neutral rule or practice which unintentionally has a negative impact on certain individuals or groups. Indirect discrimination can also occur by the words or actions of one person through another person. The Policy 67a adresses this type of discrimination.

Example: An internal policy that provides an attendance bonus for employees who work over a certain number of overtime hours a year.

Systemic discrimination

Systemic discrimination results when organizational policies, practices, and cultures create or perpetuate unequal treatment of a person or persons. The Policy 67a adresses this type of discrimination.

Example: A policy stipulating that firefighters must meet a height requirement of six feet, which disadvantages most women, for example.

For more information on discrimination, please visit the Ontario Human Rights Commission website.

Do you need help now?

Protection Services: 613-562-5499
Protection Services (Emergency): 613-562-5411
Police: 911

Contact us

Human Rights Office

1 Stewart St.
(Main Floor – Room 121)
Ottawa, ON, Canada
K1N 6N5

Tel.: 613-562-5222
Email: [email protected]

Monday to Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Human Rights Office social media