About the Human Rights Office

Luc Bélanger (he, him) — Senior director 

A proud uOttawa law graduate, Luc chaired a federal administrative tribunal. Since graduation, he has maintained a strong relationship with our uOttawa community, notably through presentations on mental health and the legal profession. Luc is an empathetic, solutions-focused leader. He has over 10 years’ experience in thought leadership, change management, organizational direction and evolution of corporate operations within leading public institutions. 

Email Luc: [email protected] 

Edna Pires (she, her) — Executive assistant 

Edna ensures the smooth running of the office and supports the implementation of activities and projects. Driven by a desire for excellence and commitment, she aims to contribute to the University's influence and the development of a culture of collaboration and innovation. 

Email Edna: [email protected]  

Catherine Roy (she, her) — Intake officer 

Catherine completed a bachelor’s in criminology at Saint Mary’s University. She went on to pursue studies in Scotland, where she received a master’s in transnational crime, justice and security from the University of Glasgow. She lived in Glasgow for four years before returning to Canada and joining the Human Rights Office.

Email Catherine: [email protected]  

Marie-Claude Gagnon (she, her) — Manager, accessibility and equity, diversity and inclusion 

For more than 10 years, Marie-Claude has helped apply laws aimed at abolishing barriers and systemic discrimination and promoting accessibility in the uOttawa learning, working and living environments. Along with various sectors and stakeholders, she develops plans, strategies, tools, training and reports to achieve our goals. She also advises on best practices to help the University create a more accessible and inclusive environment and services. 

Email Marie-Claude: [email protected]   

Audrey LaBrie (she, her) 

Audrey is a lawyer, a proud graduate of the French Common Law Program at uOttawa and a former teacher.  Prior to joining the HRO, she practised law at a community legal clinic for seven years, representing clients living in poverty before tribunals, handling cases involving discrimination, housing, employment and social assistance. Audrey received an Osgoode Certificate in Human Rights Theory and Practice and has developed expertise in handling complex cases in disability law.  

Email Audrey: [email protected] 
 

Kristyn Hakim (she, her) 

Prior to joining the Human Rights Office, Kristyn received a degree in psychology from Concordia University and a law degree from McGill University. Kristyn has knowledge, experience and expertise in conflict resolution, including mediation. 

Email Kristyn: [email protected]   
 

Marie-Alexandra Major (she, her)

With a background in both law and social work, Marie-Alexandra has over 10 years’ experience working in the area of child welfare. She has the skills and competencies to conduct investigations with a wide variety of populations in various settings. Her investigations are conducted impartially and fairly. 

Email Marie-Alexandra: [email protected]  

Sarah Pekeles (she, her) — Senior adviser, sexual violence prevention 

Sarah has been working with youth and families for 15 years. She strives to support survivors throughout their journey, while being aware of the conditions they are experiencing. She applies an accessible approach to help members of the University community innovate and become leaders in sexual violence prevention. 

Email Sarah: [email protected] 
 

Marie-Lou Villeneuve-Hobbs (she, her) — Senior adviser, sexual violence prevention 

Marie-Lou holds a bachelor’s and a master’s in social work, and has several years’ experience working with survivors of all types of gender-based violence. Her role is to accompany members of our community and provide them with tools so they can make their own decisions, at a time that suits them best. She does so with empathy, patience and non-judgmental active listening.   

Email Marie-Lou: [email protected]   

At uOttawa, you have a right to:

• a safe, supportive and respectful environment
• equal treatment and non-discrimination
• an academic and workplace environment free from harassment
• an accessible barrier-free working, teaching and learning environment
• reasonable accommodations
• confidentiality and privacy  
• access support services (discover University health and wellness resources and the uOttawa Students’ Union  for more)
• bring forward a concern or file a complaint, without fear of reprisal

You have a right to:

• Natural justice and procedural fairness during a procedure, including the right to:
  • ask questions about the process
  • submit evidence and names of potential witnesses
  • be interviewed by the investigator in a formal procedure
  • timely resolution
  • be informed of the outcome
• Be accompanied by a support person of your choice during a process. This person can offer emotional supportbut can’t act or speak on your behalf. The person can be:
  • a union representative
  • a lawyer (you can receive support, but not be represented)
  • a friend or family member
• Receive support services during a procedure
• Withdraw a formal complaint before a decision is made
• Appeal
• Provide feedback on your experience 

All members of the University have the right to use resources external to the Human Rights Office, to receive information and advice, to use another complaint mechanism or to provide feedback on the services received at the Human Rights Office. External resources can include:

At the University

• Protection Services
• Unions (including for enforcement of collective agreement provisions)
• Student Rights Centre (for undergraduate students only)
• Office of the Ombudsperson
• Community Legal Clinic

Outside the University

• Ottawa Police Service
• Ontario Human Rights Tribunal
• Legal Aid Ontario