The human rights office of the City of Toronto has experienced a notable surge in demand over the past five years, with no signs of slowing down in 2024, as per a recent report. Inquiries to the office, serving city employees and residents engaging with municipal services, have risen by 89% since 2019 and increased by 32% in 2024, according to the report presented before the general government committee. The majority of inquiries pertain to complaints and accommodation matters.
City employees accounted for about two-thirds of the inquiries, with 1,050 in 2024 compared to 833 in 2023, a rise that has raised concerns within the union representing numerous city workers. Nas Yadollahi, president of CUPE Local 79, emphasized the importance of preventing human rights violations rather than addressing them after they occur, noting the lasting impact of such traumas.
The office functions as a confidential and impartial entity striving to eliminate harassment and discrimination from city workplaces, services, and facilities. The report submitted to the committee includes proposals for advancing initiatives such as the introduction of a “human rights essentials” course for leaders and the implementation of an anti-oppression and trauma-informed interviewing guide.
Noteworthy trends highlighted in the report indicate notable increases exceeding 100% in inquiries related to protected grounds like place of origin, ethnic origin, and ancestry, with a substantial 281% rise in the latter. These trends are attributed to the conflict in Israel and Palestine, which garnered significant attention in 2024, with 89 inquiries referencing the conflict as a direct concern or influencing factor.
While the Toronto police report on hate-motivated incidents identifies specific labels like antisemitism or Islamophobia, the human rights office refrains from sharing similar information, as per a city spokesperson.
The annual report of the office underscores a ‘disproportionate’ surge in disability-related inquiries, witnessing a 56% increase. This rise is partly driven by queries concerning accessing accommodations, an issue frequently raised by city employees. The duty to accommodate individuals requiring services, job applicants, and employees is emphasized in the report, with a requirement to involve the human rights office if an accommodation request faces denial.
The growing acceptance of disabilities in society, particularly among younger individuals entering the workforce, is suggested as a contributing factor to the rise in inquiries. Rich Donovan, CEO of Return On Disability Group, highlighted the shifting perspectives on disabilities, with younger generations demanding accommodations in the workplace more assertively.
The human rights office is urging the committee to approve additional measures to address the escalating inquiries, including tailored training for management on disability-based accommodations. Donovan stressed the importance of accommodating disabled employees to enhance their performance, emphasizing proactive measures over liability protection.
The challenges faced by Toronto shelters in accommodating individuals with disabilities were also highlighted, with advocates calling for more inclusive conditions. Donovan emphasized the need for a collaborative effort among major cities to address the needs of disabled populations effectively.