Discrimination and Harassment

Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation (WECHC) is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and healthy community for its tenants and employees, grounded in mutual respect.

Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation (WECHC) is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and healthy community for its tenants and employees, grounded in mutual respect. WECHC does not condone and will not tolerate any acts of harassment by or against any tenant or employee. Harassment may also constitute a form of discrimination as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

WECHC is committed to creating communities where the dignity and differences of all individuals are respected. To achieve this, WECHC will actively ensure that:

  •  All staff, members, tenants, applicants, contractors, and committee members have the right to equal treatment without discrimination based on race, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnic origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, receipt of public assistance, citizenship, language, age, or record of offenses.
  • All tenants live in an environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment.
  • All staff work in an environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment.
  • Policies and practices are not directly discriminatory in their effect.
  • Harmonious relations are fostered among tenants and staff.
  • Incidents leading to conflict and tension are appropriately addressed.

The Ontario Human Rights Code, the first of its kind in Canada, was enacted in 1962. The Code prohibits actions that discriminate against people based on protected grounds in specific social areas.

Protected Grounds include:

  • Creed
  • Age
  • Ancestry, Color, Race
  • Citizenship
  • Place of Origin
  • Disability
  • Family Status
  • Marital Status (including single status)
  • Gender identity and expression
  • Receipt of public assistance (in housing only)
  • Record of offenses (in employment only)
  • Sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding)
  • Sexual orientation

Protected Social Areas include:

  •  Accommodation (housing)
  • Contracts
  • Employment
  • Goods, Services, and Facilities
  • Membership in unions, trade, or professional associations

Harassment includes insulting remarks, jokes, threats, graffiti, or damage to property.

Actions You May Take:

  1. Step 1

    If possible, tell the person to stop.

  2. Step 2

    Document the harassment or discrimination as it occurs, noting the date, time, location, witnesses, and your response. You can file an incident report directly on our website.

  3. Step 3

    Report the situation to your Community Relations Worker or Tenant Services Manager.

  4. Step 4

    If a WECHC staff member or contractor has harassed or discriminated against you, file a complaint with their supervisor or in writing to the CEO’s office.

  5. Step 5

    Regardless of whether you make a formal complaint to WECHC, you may also consider the following options:
    - Criminal Code
    - Ontario Human Rights Commission
    - Civil Litigation

If you are not satisfied with these options or their outcomes, you may consider making a complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman. It is advisable to report harassing or discriminatory behavior in writing, including all details, and request a written response. Keep copies of your report or complaint and any responses you receive.