Vandana Taxali

The complainant, a 16-year-old receiving welfare assistance, applied to rent an apartment from the respondent.

The respondent initially accepted the application but later refused to rent to the complainant after learning her age and that the welfare office would not pre-pay the last month's rent.

The Board of Inquiry found that the respondent discriminated against the complainant on the basis of age and receipt of public assistance.

The Board also held that the estate of the respondent's late wife could not be held liable for the respondent's discriminatory conduct as executor.

The respondent was ordered to pay $162 in special damages and $2,500 in general damages.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission sought production of documents relating to the respondent's Alcohol and Drug Policy as a whole, while the respondent argued for a phased approach focusing first on the individual complainant.

The Board of Inquiry adopted a phased approach, ordering production of documents relating only to the individual complainant at this stage.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association sought intervener status as amicus curiae.

The Board granted the CCLA intervener status to make submissions at the conclusion of the case, noting the public interest nature of human rights inquiries.