Discrimination and human rights
The Ombudsman de Montréal is the guardian of the City of Montréal’s commitments set forth in the Montréal Charter of Rights and Responsibilities, including those aimed at combatting all forms of discrimination in its spheres of activity.
Discrimination is the act of treating a person differently because of their personal characteristics and preventing them from exercising their rights. There are 14 personal characteristics that constitute prohibited grounds for discrimination: race, skin colour, sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, age, religion, political beliefs, language, ethnic or national origin, social status, and disability.
The Ombudsman de Montréal can hear complaints from citizens who believe they have experienced discrimination in their interactions with the City of Montréal’s administration.
In April 2021, the City of Montréal amended the Montréal Charter of Rights and Responsibilities to clarify certain of its responsibilities regarding all forms of prohibited discrimination. It thus commits to combatting racial and social profiling, as well as other forms of discriminatory profiling, poverty, social exclusion, sexism, racism, ageism, ableism, homophobia, lesbophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia—all of which may be direct, indirect, systemic, or cross-cutting in nature and which undermine the foundations of a free, just, and democratic society.
When we receive a discrimination complaint, we rigorously examine the underlying facts and analyze them in light of, among others, the legislative framework and the principles enshrined in the Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, as interpreted by the courts, while taking into account all relevant circumstances. If we determine that there has been a violation or discriminatory conduct, we will intervene with the entity in question to ensure that the discrimination ceases and, where appropriate, that the victim receives the necessary compensation. We will also seek to identify ways to improve services so that a similar situation does not recur.
We can also investigate complaints in which citizens believe their fundamental rights have been violated, such as the right to freedom of expression or the right to privacy.