January 28, 2015

St. Clares Multifaith Housing Society

138 Pears Avenue
Toronto, ON M5R 3K6
Attention:
Re:

Jon Harstone, Executive Director

Request that training be made available to staff and tenants

I am writing in regards to some questions and concerns that were brought to our
attention by Jesse Larabee, a current resident of 138 Pears Avenue.
Jesse has indicated that they feel as though some of their concerns about
discriminatory incidents based on their gender identity and race have not been
adequately addressed by St. Clares Multifaith Housing Society. CERA is interested
in supporting a safe space for all parties in transitional housing settings, and is
writing this letter as an opportunity to a) suggest learning opportunities for staff and
residents of 138 Pears Avenue and b) to introduce the ways that CERA is able to
provide supports in the future.
Jesse has raised concerns about discriminatory remarks from a maintenance staff
person about Jesses and other tenants Aboriginal ancestry. Jesse has also
indicated that rumours related to their gender have also created a poisoned living
environment. Jesse also has concerns about the attitudes of residents and the
responses of staff to people living with complex mental health issues.
CERA understands the complexities that transitional housing providers face when
working with residents that have varied needs. CERA would like to take this
opportunity to request on Jesses behalf that staff and residents of 138 Pears
Avenue receive information and training on human rights and anti-discrimination. As
well, sensitivity and awareness training about Aboriginal issues, mental health and
gender identity and expression are recommended.

215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 164

Toronto, ON M5T 2C7
Tel: 1.416.944.0087 / 1.800.263.1139 (outside Toronto)
Email: katie@equalityrights.org
Web: www.equalityrights.org/cera

Below is additional information about Ontarios Human Rights Code, which protects
tenants on all three grounds identified above. CERA is always available to assist
housing providers to better understand their role in upholding and promoting
human rights, and we are also available to connect you with other resources and
training opportunities.
Ontarios Human Rights Code
The Code is the most important piece of legislation in the province of Ontario. Its
purpose, as stated in the Preamble, is to provide for equal rights and opportunities
without discrimination and to create a climate of mutual respect for the dignity
and worth of each person. The Codes provisions concerning housing state:
s. 2(1) Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to
the occupancy of accommodation, without discrimination because of
race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed,
sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, disability or
the receipt of public assistance.
What this means is that everyone in Ontario is entitled to equality in housing that
is, to be free from discrimination in the terms and conditions of a tenancy and the
tenancy application process. The Code is applicable to public and private housing,
as well as to cooperatives and condominiums. We appreciate the challenges
housing providers face in upholding and protecting the rights of tenants with a
range of lived experiences and in some cases competing needs.
I can be contacted by mail, email at Katie@equalityrights.org or at 1-800-263-1139
extension 3.
About CERA
The Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation is a not-for-profit human rights
legal advocacy organization established in 1987 to promote compliance with
Ontarios Human Rights Code (the Code) within the housing sector. We work with
individuals and families experiencing discrimination related to their housing and
represent them before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
Yours Very Truly,
Katie Plaizier
Program Manager
cc. Andrea Adams, Operations Manager via email
215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 164
Toronto, ON M5T 2C7
Tel: 1.416.944.0087 / 1.800.263.1139 (outside Toronto)
Email: katie@equalityrights.org
Web: www.equalityrights.org/cera