Canadian Human Rights Commission
Canadian Human Rights Act

Protected Grounds
Prohibited grounds of discrimination
3 (1) For all purposes of this Act, the prohibited grounds of discrimination are race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered.

Suggested Changes of the Act with Respect to Volunteers
From
25 Definitions
employment includes a contractual relationship with an individual for the provision of services personally by the individual;

To
25 Definitions
employment includes a contractual relationship with an individual for the provision of services personally by the individual, paid or unpaid (volunteer),

Suggested Changes of the Act with Respect to Visible Identity
From:
10 Discriminatory policy or practice
It is a discriminatory practice for an employer, employee organization or employer organization
(a) to establish or pursue a policy or practice, or
(b) to enter into an agreement affecting recruitment, referral, hiring, promotion, training, apprenticeship, transfer or any other matter relating to employment or prospective employment,

that deprives or tends to deprive an individual or class of individuals of any employment opportunities on a prohibited ground of discrimination.

To
10 Discriminatory policy or practice
It is a discriminatory practice for an employer, employee organization or employer organization
(a) to establish or pursue a policy or practice, or
(b) to enter into an agreement affecting recruitment, referral, hiring, promotion, training, apprenticeship, transfer or any other matter relating to employment or prospective employment,

that deprives or tends to deprive an individual or class of individuals of any employment opportunities on a prohibited ground of discrimination, including individuals who self-identify with respect to the prohibited grounds who wears symbolic items reflecting their individual identities.

Suggested Petition
Information about Petitions
Whereas
The Human Rights of volunteers have been protected by legal practice it is essential that this protection be codified in the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA).

And Whereas
Diversity is not always visible, and it should be celebrated, not a target of hate, so protection is needed in the CHRA for persons who’ choose to display their individual identities with respect to the protected grounds of the CHRA, while employed or volunteering.

And Whereas
This is a complex issue and the Canadian Human Rights Commission is best suited to develop a working policy on implementation.

And Whereas
One should not be judged by their identities displayed rather by their actions as a volunteer or employee.

We the Undersigned Citizens of Canada request the Members of Parliament to:

Amend the CHRA to protect persons who volunteer.

AND

Amend the CHRA to protect individuals who’s individual identities are based on the protected grounds of the CHRA from removal, refusal, reassignment or retaliation, while choosing to wear symbolic items, that reflects their individual identities, while volunteering or employed.

Suggested Letter to Member of Parliament (MP)
Members of Parliament
Notes: Copy, paste and edit to your liking. MP’s will prioritize responding from persons in their riding.

Dear Member of Parliament Full Name.

The Human Rights of volunteers have been protected by legal practice. It is essential that this protection be codified in the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA).

Diversity is not always visible, and it should be celebrated, not a target of hate, so protection is needed in the CHRA for persons who’ choose to display their individual identities with respect to the protected grounds of the CHRA , while employed or volunteering.

This is a complex issue and the Canadian Human Rights Commission is best suited to develop a working policy on implementation.

One should not be judged by their identities displayed rather by their actions as a volunteer or employee.

Please consider the following amendments to the CHRA as listed below.

In Solidarity
Your Full Name
Your Address
Your Telephone Number

Amendment 1 Add the following text “, paid or unpaid (volunteer)” after the text “individual” in section 25 Definitions

Resulting In
25 Definitions
employment includes a contractual relationship with an individual for the provision of services personally by the individual, paid or unpaid (volunteer),

Amendment 2 Add the following text “, including individuals who self-identify with respect to the enumerated grounds and wear symbolic item(s) in relation to that identity. “ to the end of section 10 Discriminatory policy or practice

Resulting In
10 Discriminatory policy or practice
It is a discriminatory practice for an employer, employee organization or employer organization
(a) to establish or pursue a policy or practice, or
(b) to enter into an agreement affecting recruitment, referral, hiring, promotion, training, apprenticeship, transfer or any other matter relating to employment or prospective employment,

that deprives or tends to deprive an individual or class of individuals of any employment opportunities on a prohibited ground of discrimination, including individuals who self-identify with respect to the prohibited grounds who wears symbolic items reflecting their individual identities.