Human Rights & Equity
Overview and Contacts

Our Human Rights & Equity (HRE) Team works to enhance and promote the equal treatment of workers and freedom from discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

The HRE Team represents six equity groups, including Indigenous members, members living with disabilities, Francophone members, 2SLGBTQI members, Racialized members and Ally members. These groups recognize and support members who may experience discrimination and marginalization in their workplace. They are determined advocates who believe that workplace inequity can be solved through building relationships and spearheading action.

ONA believes that every member has the right to equal opportunity and full participation in the workplace and in the union. We recognize and value the diversity of our members and work to promote human rights, diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in the union. It is the Union’s responsibility to integrate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion throughout its organization, including in its leadership.

ONA supports members in a variety of ways including:

  • Developing guides and resources for members, including our Human Rights and Equity Guide.
  • Providing tailored workshops on a variety of topics, including bullying, workplace violence prevention, and much more.
  • Promoting special events and observances that underscore and promote equity issues.

As an ONA member, your collective agreement protects you and gives you the right to equal treatment and freedom from discrimination and harassment because of personal characteristics including race, ancestry, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability. We have won many fights defending members’ rights and advocating for new legislation to further protect workers. We take on these challenges, not just for our members, but for all workers in Ontario.

ONA Members – Get Involved!

If you would like to be more involved in our Human Rights and Equity work, fill out our Expression of Interest Form and let us know you’re interested in joining our Provincial Human Rights and Equity Team or our Anti-Racism Member Advisory Team.

Contact the Human Rights and Equity Team

The team is led by Karen McKay-Eden, Vice-President, Region 3 (Human Rights and Equity portfolio) and Leanne Cooke, Project Manager (Staff.)

You may contact us with a confidential message and we will connect with you.

By Email: HREIntake@ona.org

By Mail: Human Rights and Equity Team, Ontario Nurses’ Association, 85 Grenville Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3A2

If you have a human rights-related question related to your employer: Please contact your bargaining unit’s Human Rights and Equity Representative or your Bargaining Unit President for further advice and support.

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