Ontario Barrister and Solicitor Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The definition of "discrimination" under the Ontario Human Rights Code is characterized by treating someone unfairly based on specific prohibited grounds. These grounds include attributes such as race, sex, disability, age, and other factors that are protected under the Code. Discrimination occurs when individuals are treated less favorably than others due to these characteristics, thereby denying them their rights to equality and fairness.

Understanding this definition is crucial because it highlights the Code's purpose: to protect individuals from harmful practices that can arise in various settings, including employment, housing, and access to services. It emphasizes that equality isn't simply about treating everyone the same, but rather about recognizing and addressing issues that affect marginalized groups differently.

In contrast, options that suggest treating someone equally, promoting inclusivity, or providing equal opportunities do not capture the essence of discrimination. These concepts reflect positive actions toward achieving equality and inclusivity but fail to address the unfair treatment that constitutes discrimination as defined in the Ontario Human Rights Code.