City of Toronto: Office of Equity, Diversity and Human Rights

Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards
On December 8, four individuals and one organization were recognized for their ongoing efforts to build a city where everyone can participate fully in the social, cultural, economic, recreational and political life of Toronto.

Office of Equity, Diversity & Human Rights now at City Hall
The Office of Equity, Diversity & Human Rights has re-located to City Hall, 14th floor, West Tower effective October 11. Telephone numbers and e-mails for staff in the division will remain the same.

Access, Equity and Human Rights achievements
The City of Toronto tracks its progress in achieving its equity, diversity and human rights goals using indicators in four broad categories: City as an employer; Leadership, governance and building community capacity; Economic participation and Community programs and service delivery. The Office of Equity, Diversity & Human Rights is consulting with City Divisions to develop a new report format that will better highlight progress in achieving our equity goals. More information about the new report will be available later this year.

Aboriginal Affairs
Toronto City Council adopted a Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal Communities in Toronto:Building Strong Relationships, Achieving Equitable Outcomes (PDF). National Aboriginal Day Celebrations are held every year at Toronto City Hall. Celebrations include a sunrise ceremony and flagraising held on the Podium Roof at 5.30 a.m. Together with community partners, workshops, a craft fair and an art exhibition are held at City Hall.

Human Rights Office is here for you
The City of Toronto's Human Rights Office provides advice, information and help about City-related human rights and harassment issues. Services are available to members of the public, members of the Toronto Public Service and Members of Toronto City Council.

Disability issues

Accessible Customer Service: The City of Toronto is committed to building an inclusive society and providing an accessible environment in which all individuals have access to the City's services and programs in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.

Accessibility Design: Toronto Resource Guide: Accessibility Design Guidelines were endorsed by City Council in May 2005.
City Council has approved an implementation approach (PDF) for these guidelines.

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) 2005 will require additional standards to be in place. Information about the status of this legislation.

Are you an internationally-trained professional new to Canada?
The Profession to Profession Mentoring Immigrants Program is an in-house program that matches members of the Toronto Public Service with recent immigrants, internationally-trained professionals looking for employment in their field/occupation in Toronto. If you're a newcomer to Canada internationally trained professional this program may be helpful to you.

Meditation room relocated
The meditation room at Toronto City Hall has been relocated from the mezzanine area to the basement level. The meditation room is provided for use by members of all faiths. City employees can obtain card access by e-mailing a request to "Security Access" at secacc@toronto.ca. Members of the public can use the room during the building's public hours by checking in at City Hall's main security desk.

Equity Lens
The Roundtable on Access Equity and Human Rights developed an Equity Lens to be used by Council and the Toronto Public Service when reviewing or preparing reports. This tool will guide staff and Council in removing human rights barriers as they plan, develop and evaluate policies, services and programs. Guidelines (PDF) are being used by City Divisions to include equity impact statements and equity analyses in significant policy and program reports to City Council.

You may need the free Adobe Acrobat Viewer to view PDF files.