Mississauga Anti-Conversion Therapy Policy Guide

Civil Rights and Equity Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Ontario

This guide explains how anti-conversion therapy laws and local policy affect people in Mississauga, Ontario. It summarizes who has authority, how complaints are handled, what enforcement options exist, and practical steps for survivors and witnesses seeking help. The municipal role is largely supportive and administrative while criminal and human-rights enforcement is handled by higher authorities.

Scope & Authority

Conversion therapy generally refers to practices that attempt to change, suppress or eliminate a persons sexual orientation or gender identity. In Canada, criminal and human-rights laws provide the primary legal prohibitions and remedies; Mississauga city government implements supportive local policy and referral pathways rather than a separate city bylaw specific to conversion therapy[1].

If you or someone is in immediate danger call 9-1-1 first.

Penalties & Enforcement

Primary enforcement of prohibitions on conversion therapy is at the federal and provincial level; municipal enforcement in Mississauga is limited to reporting, referral, and community supports. For specific criminal penalties and statutory offences, consult the federal government resource cited below[1].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Imprisonment or criminal sanctions: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary orders and remedies (human-rights remedies, injunctions): may be available through provincial human-rights processes; details are available from provincial human-rights resources and legal counsel.
  • Primary enforcer for criminal complaints: police (e.g., Peel Regional Police for offences in Mississauga) and federal prosecutors for Criminal Code offences.
Municipal staff can accept reports and connect complainants to police, provincial human-rights bodies, and community supports.

Applications & Forms

No Mississauga-specific bylaw form for reporting conversion therapy is published by the city; individuals reporting possible criminal conduct should contact police and those seeking human-rights remedies should consult the provincial human-rights office or legal help. For municipal assistance or to request community supports, contact the City of Mississauga Equity or By-law/Service intake pages[2].

How complaints are handled locally

  • Report to police for immediate or criminal conduct (call 9-1-1 for emergencies or contact local police non-emergency lines).
  • File a provincial human-rights complaint if the matter involves discrimination or denial of services.
  • Contact City of Mississauga equity, social services or community programs for local supports and referrals.
Police and provincial human-rights bodies are the authorities that may impose legal sanctions.

Common violations and typical responses

  • Providing or advertising conversion therapy services: report to police and provincial regulatory bodies where applicable.
  • Coercing a minor into conversion practices: treat as potential criminal matter and contact police immediately.
  • Institutional refusal of service based on sexual orientation or gender identity: consider a human-rights complaint.

Action steps

  • Preserve records (dates, messages, receipts, witness names) and note locations and providers.
  • For immediate risk, call 9-1-1; for non-emergencies contact Peel Regional Police non-emergency line or local community legal clinics.
  • Contact the City of Mississauga equity or community services to request supports and referrals[2].

FAQ

Is conversion therapy illegal in Mississauga?
There is no separate Mississauga bylaw that criminalizes conversion therapy; prohibitions and criminal offences are established at federal and provincial levels and municipal staff refer reports to police and provincial human-rights bodies for enforcement.[1]
Who do I contact to report conversion therapy?
For immediate danger call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies contact Peel Regional Police or the provincial human-rights office; the City of Mississauga can provide local support and referrals[2].
Are there municipal fines or permits related to conversion therapy?
No municipal fines or permits specific to conversion therapy are published by the City of Mississauga; criminal penalties and human-rights remedies are handled by higher authorities and bylaw offices handle routine municipal complaints only.

How-To

  1. Document what happened: dates, times, names, locations and copies of communications or advertising.
  2. Preserve evidence safely and, if possible, gather witness contact information.
  3. Decide whether to report to police (for criminal conduct) or to the provincial human-rights body for discrimination; seek legal advice if uncertain.
  4. Contact City of Mississauga community supports or equity services for counselling and referrals.
  5. If a service provider is regulated (health professional), consider filing a complaint with the applicable provincial regulator.

Key Takeaways

  • Conversion therapy is primarily prohibited and enforced by federal and provincial laws; municipalities provide referral and support roles.
  • For immediate danger call 9-1-1; non-emergency reports should go to Peel Regional Police or the provincial human-rights office.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Government of Canada - official resource on federal law and public information
  2. [2] City of Mississauga - official site and municipal service pages

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data