Intake Summary

During the reporting year, September 1, 2022 to August 31,2023, the HRB received:

  • 53 requests for support
  • 42 new complaints 

This made for a total of 96 new intake files.

Complaints

Complaints come to the HRB from various sources. These include:

  • Referrals from internal and external stakeholders
  • The Incident Reporting Form
  • The human-rights@wrdsb.ca email address
  • Through direct contact with an HRB staff member 

The table below illustrates the social areas and protected grounds that were identified through complaints. Please note that a single complainant may have multiple intersecting grounds of identity. Therefore, the number of social areas will not match the number of complaints.

Code-Protected Ground Social Area
Employment Services
Age 1 0
Ancestry, colour, race 7 4
Citizenship 0 0
Ethnic origin 4 0
Place of origin 1 0
Creed 1 1
Disability 11 10
Family Status 1 0
Marital status 1 0
Gender Identity 1 6
Gender Expression 1 6
Sex 1 1
Sexual Orientation 3 4
Record of Offences 0 Applies in employment only
Receipt of Public Assistance
Applies to housing only

Resolution Process

Of the 42 complaints that were received:

  • 5 (12%) were addressed formally
  • 37 (88%) were addressed informally 

As outlined in AP 1210 and AP 1215 there are multiple legitimate ways to respond to human rights complaints: 

  • Early resolution
  • Alternative resolution
  • Formal resolution

Early Resolution

Regardless of the pathway to resolution, complaints are taken seriously. Early Resolution is a process where a concern is directly addressed at the site level (i.e. at the school or department level) by a manager or supervisor. 

Alternative Resolution

Alternative resolution processes seek to bring resolution to human rights concerns without investigating or assessing the merits of the allegations. Alternative resolution processes could involve mediation, dialogue or restorative justice. They are only appropriate where all parties voluntarily agree to participate.  

Formal Resolution 

Formal resolution involves a full investigation of the allegations by the Human Rights Branch or a designated independent third-party investigator. 

Consultations, Coaching and Requests for Support

The HRB responds to requests for support from WRDSB staff who are seeking guidance and clarity on human rights matters, where there is not a specific complaint or incident. 

In the 2022-2023 school year, the HRB received 53 requests for support. These requests come from:

  • The staff facing “Human Rights Request for Support Form” 
  • Direct contact to HRB staff members
  • Email requests to human-rights@wrdsb.ca
  • Referrals from Human Resource and Equity Services

Such requests may result in a consultation, identification of opportunities for training and education or proactive efforts to establish and sustain a human rights culture.