The Ontario Human Rights Commission released it's 2008-2009 Annual Report, the first since the Ontario Human Rights system was re-vamped.
The Commissions' new, more proactive and educational role, is laid out in the Report. As is acknowledged by the Chief Commissioner, the Commission has attracted controversy. Among other things, the Report identifies the following areas of focus this year:
".... The Commission aims to educate, empower and mobilize partners in communities across the province to raise awareness, help them identify their concerns and implement solutions.
... the OHRC will give priority to Ontarians affected by issues of race and hate crimes, housing, family status and mental health. It will work to move the issue of discrimination from the pages of various reports and inquiries (such as Ipperwash, Hate Crimes Working Group and the Falconer “School Safety” report), into real action that the people of Ontario can see, feel and contribute to."
It remains to be seen how the Commission will deliver on these promises.
