Item - 2025.GG25.18

The General Government Committee recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the amended Human Rights and Anti-Harassment / Discrimination Policy contained in Attachment 2 to the report (October 8, 2025) from the Chief People Officer.

This report provides an update on human rights inquiries and complaints involving the City of Toronto in 2024. It includes data, trends, and information related to the work of the City's Human Rights Office as well as external legal processes. The report also identifies key initiatives and policy development undertaken by the Human Rights Office aimed at preventing human rights violations while promoting equity and inclusion.

In 2024, the Human Rights Office received 1,574 inquiries, marking a 32 per cent increase in a single year. Since 2019, inquiries to the Human Rights Office have grown by 89 per cent, reflecting a sharp rise in demand for services by City employees and the public. During this time, complaint-related inquiries have also increased by 32 per cent. In 2024, the Human Rights Office operated with eight staff performing case management work and resumed conducting its own investigative services, while continuing to support investigations carried out by Divisions and piloting new approaches to enhance service delivery. Although demand for services continues to increase, the Human Rights Office remains committed to ensuring service excellence and upholding the integrity of the complaints process. Accordingly, there was no backlog in the provision of the Human Rights Office's services, and each inquiry was responded to in line with service standards.

Incidences of workplace harassment and incivility continue to rise, and the Human Rights Office has seen a marked increase in inquiries citing race and related grounds, as well as creed and disability. These trends may reflect broader global dynamics, including international conflicts and social movements, which impact both residents and employees. The consistently growing demand for Human Rights Office services underscores its critical role in supporting City of Toronto workplaces, services, and facilities to be free from harassment and discrimination.