**ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION NEWS RELEASE**

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) will be returning to Timmins, Ontario to engage with civic and Indigenous leaders and build the capacity of local service agencies to meet their legal obligations under Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

On June 18, the OHRC will meet with civic and Indigenous leaders to discuss how to best advance reconciliation and better protect the human rights of First Nations, Métis and Inuit (Indigenous) peoples who live and/or access services in Timmins.

On June 19, the OHRC, in partnership with the City of Timmins, will host Taking it Local: An Update on Human Rights. This free one-day event will feature plenary and concurrent sessions on a variety of human rights topics (see Program). Featured speakers include Commissioners and staff from the OHRC, guests from the City of Timmins and local community leaders.

On June 20, the OHRC will host free education sessions on accommodation of Indigenous spiritual practices:

  • The morning session is open to Indigenous individuals and community groups seeking information about their rights under Ontario’s Human Rights Code and will offer practical guidance on how to address discrimination based on spirituality.
  • The afternoon session is geared to employers and organizations providing services to Indigenous peoples and will provide an overview of how to accommodate Indigenous spiritual practices.

 

–With files from Timmins Today