• First Reference
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Free Coronavirus FAQ 🔬
  • Free Newsletter 📨
  • Get PolicyPro Free Trial 🎉

First Reference Talks

Discussions on Human Resources, Employment Law, Payroll and Internal Controls

  • Home
  • About
  • Archives
  • Resources
You are here: Home / Human Rights / Collecting human rights-based data – yes you can!

By Marie-Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B. Managing Editor | 2 Minutes Read March 25, 2010

Collecting human rights-based data – yes you can!

collecting-dataThe Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) recently launched a new guide that provides information and advice on collecting human rights-based data in a wide variety of sectors across Ontario. The guide, Count me in!, aims to dispel fears of collecting human rights-based data, and provides a plain language, common-sense framework for collecting said data in a way that can build trust and encourage proactive solutions.

According to OHRC Chief Commissioner, Barbara Hall, fears of misuse lead some organizations to avoid collecting human rights-based data. However in her opinion, “you can’t solve human rights problems without all the information.” But it can be done if you have the necessary data.

The point is to collect and use the data in the right context and way. She adds, “Collecting human rights-based data can help, whether you’re looking for indications of racial profiling or for opportunities to expand to new markets. Each of our partners agrees that this kind of information is the right thing, and also the smart thing, to collect.”

A growing number of businesses, public sector and non-profit employers are finding that collecting data can play a useful and often essential role in creating strong human rights and human resources strategies.

The guide includes best practice examples of how data collection can improve internal work environments, provide better customer service, promote higher productivity, identify opportunities for growth and have a positive effect on the bottom line. It will help you understand when it is a good idea to collect data, what sort of data and for what purpose, and how to collect data in a way that is consistent with the Human Rights Code.

The guide provides case studies from various OHRC partners, such as KPMG. Bill Thomas, CEO of KPMG Canada, explains how collecting human rights-based data helps them: “At KPMG our goal is to create an inclusive work environment that respects each and every member of our team … Our goal is also to celebrate and encourage the variety of perspectives our people bring to the table. Collecting data helps us to learn what those perspectives are, and what steps we can take to continue to be an employer of choice.”

Count me in! is available in English and French, in a variety of formats. Each can be downloaded from the OHRC website.

Yosie Saint-Cyr
First Reference Human Resources and Compliance Managing Editor

  • About
  • Latest Posts
Follow me

Marie-Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B. Managing Editor

Managing Editor at First Reference Inc.
Marie-Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B., is a trained lawyer called to the Quebec bar in 1988 and is still a member in good standing. She practiced business, employment and labour law until 1999. For over 20 years, Yosie has been the Managing Editor at First Reference. She manages the PolicyPro Human Resources and Internal Controls editions, The Human Resources Advisor editions, PaySource and the HRinfodesk news service as well as the blogs. Marie-Yosie (a.k.a. Yosie) is a recognized and respected author, with an extensive background in human resources, employment and labour across the country.
Follow me

Latest posts by Marie-Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B. Managing Editor (see all)

  • First Reference annual holiday donation, season’s greetings and holiday break - December 24, 2020
  • Top 10 most-read First Reference Talks blog posts for 2020 - December 24, 2020
  • Entitlements to public holidays during the holiday season - December 23, 2020

Article by Marie-Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B. Managing Editor / Human Rights / collecting data, collecting human rights based data, human rights, ontario, Ontario human rights commission, privacy

Share with a friend or colleague

Learn the 10 essential HR policies in the time of COVID-19

Get the Latest Posts in your Inbox for Free!

About Marie-Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B. Managing Editor

Marie-Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B., is a trained lawyer called to the Quebec bar in 1988 and is still a member in good standing. She practiced business, employment and labour law until 1999. For over 20 years, Yosie has been the Managing Editor at First Reference. She manages the PolicyPro Human Resources and Internal Controls editions, The Human Resources Advisor editions, PaySource and the HRinfodesk news service as well as the blogs. Marie-Yosie (a.k.a. Yosie) is a recognized and respected author, with an extensive background in human resources, employment and labour across the country.

Footer

About us

Established in 1995, First Reference Inc. (known as La Référence in Quebec) provides Canadian organizations of any size with practical and authoritative resources to help ensure compliance.

First Reference Talks

  • Home
  • About
  • Archives
  • Resources

Main Menu

  • About First Reference
  • Resources
  • Contact us
  • 1 800 750 8175

Stay Connected

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

We welcome your comments on our blog articles. However, we do not respond to specific legal questions in this space.
We do not provide any form of legal advice or legal opinion. Please consult a lawyer in your jurisdiction or try one of our products.


Copyright © 2009 - 2021 · First Reference Inc. · All Rights Reserved
Legal and Copyright Notices · Publisher's Disclaimer · Privacy Policy · Accessibility Policy