The consultations are in keeping with the Commission's mandate to promote understanding and encourage research designed to eliminate discriminatory practices.
Discussion papers are a first step in the development of policies.
The purpose of the Commission's policies and guidelines is to help Commission staff and the public in their understanding and interpretation of how the Human Rights Code is applied in a variety of circumstances. The process involves a review of case law and legislation in Canada and in other jurisdictions, existing literature on the subject and other human rights commission policies, and consultations with members and representatives of the community involved and appropriate provincial government institutions and staff. This year, the Commission's consultations include gender identity, insurance, disability including accommodation and access to mass transit, and sexual orientation. The underlying principle of the Commission's consultative work is to ensure that the Human Rights Code addresses the rights of all people to be protected from discrimination. Gender Identity Transgendered persons experience discrimination in every aspect of their daily lives.