Labor & Employment Law

The Debate Over Human Rights Reform Continues

By Michael Fitzgibbon

The Law Times has an article about Concerns continue over new human rights system launching next summer.  There are many open questions raised by Bill 107. 

One of the most talked about is the impact of the "direct access" system that will take effect on June 30, 2008.  When that happens, the Ontario Human Rights Commission will no longer screen complaints, as they do today.  Many argue that this will "open the floodgates" because so-called "frivolous" complaints will simply proceed unchecked by some filtering mechanism.

I have seen a number of reforms of the human rights process in this province.  Do I agree with all of the Bill 107 changes?  No.   What is undeniable is that something had to be done and it remains to be seen whether Bill 107 goes too far or not far enough.  Like all legislative reforms, this one is not perfect, nor will it be satisfactory to everyone.  We'll have to work with the changes for awhile and allow them to play out somewhat before passing judgment.  If they prove to be unsatisfactory, I hope that whatever government is in power will act quickly to right the ship (or try to).

Full post as published by Thoughts from a Management Lawyer on September 11, 2007 (boomark / email).