Manitoba Human Rights Commission
Manitoba Human Rights Code

Protected Grounds
Applicable Characteristics 9(2):
(a) ancestry, including colour and perceived race; (b) nationality or national origin;
(c) ethnic background or origin; (d) religion or creed, or religious belief, religious association or religious activity; (e) age; (f) sex, including sex-determined characteristics or circumstances, such as pregnancy, the possibility of pregnancy, or circumstances related to pregnancy; (g) gender identity; (g1) gender expression; (h) sexual orientation; (i) marital or family status; (j) source of income; (k) political belief, political association or political activity; (l) physical or mental disability or related characteristics or circumstances, including reliance on a service animal, a wheelchair, or any other remedial appliance or device; (m) social disadvantage.

Suggested Changes of the Code with Respect to Volunteers
From
“Employment or occupation” defined 14(13)
In this section, “employment or occupation” includes

(a) work that is actual or potential, full-time or part-time, permanent, seasonal or casual, and paid or unpaid; and

(b) work performed for another person under a contract either with the worker or with another person respecting the worker’s services.

To
“Employment or occupation” defined 14(13)
In this section, “employment or occupation” includes

(a) work that is actual or potential, full-time or part-time, permanent, seasonal or casual, and paid or unpaid (volunteer); and

(b) work performed for another person under a contract either with the worker or with another person respecting the worker’s services.

Suggested Changes of the Code with Respect to Visible Identity
From
“Any aspect”, etc. defined
14(2) In subsection (1), “any aspect of an employment or occupation” includes

(a) the opportunity to participate, or continue to participate, in the employment or occupation;

(b) the customs, practices and conditions of the employment or occupation;


(c) training, advancement or promotion;

(d) seniority;

(e) any form of remuneration or other compensation received directly or indirectly in respect of the employment or occupation, including salary, commissions, vacation pay, termination wages, bonuses, reasonable value for board, rent, housing and lodging, payments in kind, and employer contributions to pension funds or plans, long-term disability plans and health insurance plans; and

(f) any other benefit, term or condition of the employment or occupation.

To
“Any aspect”, etc. defined 14(2)
In subsection (1), “any aspect of an employment or occupation” includes

(a) the opportunity to participate, or continue to participate, in the employment or occupation;

(b) the customs, practices and conditions of the employment or occupation;

(c) training, advancement or promotion;

(d) seniority;

(e) any form of remuneration or other compensation received directly or indirectly in respect of the employment or occupation, including salary, commissions, vacation pay, termination wages, bonuses, reasonable value for board, rent, housing and lodging, payments in kind, and employer contributions to pension funds or plans, long-term disability plans and health insurance plans; and

(f) any other benefit, term or condition of the employment or occupation.

(g) the wearing of symbolic items based on one’s individual identities with respect to section 9(2), Applicable Characteristics, in the employment or occupation.

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 Manitoba Human Rights Code (MHRC).

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

And Whereas.
This is a complex issue and the Manitoba 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 Manitoba request the Legislative Assembly to:

Amend the MHRC to protect individuals who’s individual identities are based on the protected grounds of the MHRC 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 the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Members of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly
Notes: Copy, paste and edit to your liking. MLA’s will prioritize responding from persons in their riding.

Dear Member of the Legislative Assembly Full Name.

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

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

This is a complex issue and the Manitoba 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 MHRC as listed below.

In Solidarity.
Your Full Name
Your Address
Your Telephone Number

Amendment 1. Insert the text “ ( volunteer) in 13(13)a after the word unpaid.

Resulting In
“Employment or occupation” defined 14(13)
In this section, “employment or occupation” includes

(a) work that is actual or potential, full-time or part-time, permanent, seasonal or casual, and paid or unpaid (volunteer); and

(b) work performed for another person under a contract either with the worker or with another person respecting the worker’s services.

Amendment 2. Under section 14(2) add the following subsection:
(g) the wearing of items based on one’s individual identity with respect to section 9(2), Applicable Characteristics, in employment or occupation.

Resulting In
“Any aspect”, etc. defined 14(2)
In subsection (1), “any aspect of an employment or occupation” includes

(a) the opportunity to participate, or continue to participate, in the employment or occupation;

(b) the customs, practices and conditions of the employment or occupation;

(c) training, advancement or promotion;

(d) seniority;

(e) any form of remuneration or other compensation received directly or indirectly in respect of the employment or occupation, including salary, commissions, vacation pay, termination wages, bonuses, reasonable value for board, rent, housing and lodging, payments in kind, and employer contributions to pension funds or plans, long-term disability plans and health insurance plans; and

(f) any other benefit, term or condition of the employment or occupation.

(g) the wearing of symbolic items based on one’s individual identities with respect to section 9(2), Applicable Characteristics, in the employment or occupation.