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Weight stigma results in health and societal inequities. It is an issue of urgent public health importance. 

Ontarians Against Weight Discrimination is a coalition of healthcare professionals and academics who work with people living in larger bodies that have experienced weight-based discrimination. 

We are calling for Members of Provincial Parliament and Ontario Government to introduce a Bill to make body size and appearance a protected ground in the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Protections against body size discrimination will: 

  1. Enhance quality of life and reduce discrimination for people living in larger bodies;
  2. Ensure that Ontarians of all body sizes are able to reach their economic potential;
  3. Create a more equitable society.

We encourage public health professionals, healthcare providers, academics and all Ontarians to express their concern about the need to include body size and appearance as a protected ground.

Take action, share and sign our letter

Read our letter here: PDF
(date to be added once letter is sent with signatures)
Posted November 3, 2023

Click here to add your name to our Google Form
Please add your name, designation/details as you would like it to appear.
The letter will be sent either in early December, or in January after the Ontario Legislative Assembly returns.

Your name will not be publicly posted without permission. It will be shared with the addressees. 

About Us

ODPH’s Body Diversity and Health Equity (BDHE) Workgroup focuses on shifting the paradigm from a weight-centric health promotion approach to one that addresses the systemic injustices that result from weight bias, stigma, and discrimination. Weight bias, stigma, and discrimination intersect with other forms of discrimination and systems of oppression, including, but not limited to, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia, racism, classism, ableism, and sexism. This working group explores these intersections as well and provides recommendations for action at the public health level.

To learn more about our work https://www.odph.ca/addressing-weight-bias-resources