A brief proposing measures designed to tighten Ontario’s anti-discrimination laws in employment and public accommodations has been presented by a delegation representing church, labor and civic organizations including the Canadian Jewish Congress, the CJC revealed today.
Taking note of loopholes in the present acts, the memorandum suggested that instead of merely outlawing “denial” of rights, the legislation be rephrased so as to permit prosecution when a right is refused, withheld or in some other fashion, direct or indirect, discrimination is practiced. The brief further suggested that reports of inquiries into complaints be furnished to all parties affected by the matter, as a means of enlisting public support of the program.
The brief recommended the establishment of a commission or board to administer the legislation, the board to be assisted by at least one full-time staff person who would also be responsible for the conduct of a public education program in connection with the anti-bias laws. The CJC cooperated with several other groups in the drafting of the brief.
The Manitoba Legislature has passed an amendment to the Manitoba Fair Employment Practices Act barring job application forms that ask for particulars as to race, national origin, color or religion of an applicant. The amendment had been urged by the Joint Advisory Committee on Labor Relations of the Congress and the Jewish Labor Committee.
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