Reporting Conversion Therapy Concerns in Vaughan

Civil Rights and Equity Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In Vaughan, Ontario, anyone concerned about conversion therapy practices can take concrete steps to report misconduct, preserve evidence and seek support. Conversion therapy is addressed by federal law and is a serious harm; local reporting routes include York Regional Police and municipal equity offices for discrimination complaints. This guide explains how to report, who enforces laws and bylaws, what sanctions may apply, and where to find official forms and support so survivors and witnesses can act promptly.

What to report and when

Report any attempt to coerce, force or provide counselling intended to change sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. This includes organized programs, isolated counselling sessions, online services or informal coercion by family, community or faith groups. Preserve communications, receipts and witness details, and note dates, locations and provider names before contacting authorities.

Collect and preserve evidence as soon as it is safe to do so.

Penalties & Enforcement

Conversion therapy is prohibited under federal law; local enforcement and reporting are handled through police and municipal equity processes. For criminal enforcement, contact York Regional Police for incidents in Vaughan.Report to York Regional Police[1] For information on the federal prohibition and related legal guidance, see the Government of Canada information on conversion practices.Federal conversion practices information[2]

  • Enforcer: York Regional Police for criminal offences; City of Vaughan Human Rights and Equity Office for municipal discrimination complaints.
  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: not specified on the cited page; criminal matters follow Crown prosecution procedures and may include charges, court proceedings and sentencing.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders, court remedies, and criminal sentencing; municipal remedies may include orders or administrative actions (not specified in detail on the cited municipal pages).
  • Inspection/complaint pathway: report to York Regional Police or file a municipal complaint with the City of Vaughan Human Rights and Equity Office (contact details in Resources below).
  • Appeal and review routes: criminal decisions follow Crown and court appeal processes; timelines and specific appeal periods are set by provincial and federal statutes and court rules (not specified on the cited pages).
  • Defences/discretion: courts and prosecutors exercise discretion; any statutory defences or exemptions are those set out in federal law (see federal source).
If you feel at immediate risk, call local police or emergency services first.

Applications & Forms

There is no single municipal form for conversion therapy reports; criminal reports are made to police and discrimination concerns may be filed with the City of Vaughan Human Rights and Equity Office. Specific forms for criminal charges are created by police/court processes; municipal complaint forms are available from the city if published.

Common violations and typical actions

  • Provision of paid conversion therapy sessions: report to police and collect receipts and communications.
  • Minors subjected to conversion practices: immediate police report and child protection notification.
  • Organizations advertising conversion services: report to police and notify municipal equity office.

FAQ

Who should I contact first?
If someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, report criminal matters to York Regional Police and discrimination concerns to the City of Vaughan Human Rights and Equity Office.
Can the city directly prosecute conversion therapy?
The federal criminal prohibition is enforced by police and the Crown; the City of Vaughan can address discrimination through its equity or human rights processes but municipal prosecution for criminal matters is not applicable.
Will reporting trigger an investigation?
Reports to police or the city can lead to investigations; the scope and outcome depend on evidence, jurisdiction and prosecutorial decisions.

How-To

  1. Preserve evidence: save messages, receipts, names, dates and witnesses.
  2. Contact York Regional Police to file a report for criminal conduct and provide evidence.[1]
  3. File a municipal complaint with the City of Vaughan Human Rights and Equity Office for discrimination concerns.
  4. Seek support: contact local victim services, community equity groups or legal aid for assistance and safety planning.

Key Takeaways

  • Conversion therapy is addressed by federal law and can be reported to police.
  • The City of Vaughan Human Rights and Equity Office can accept discrimination complaints and direct supports.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] York Regional Police - Report a Crime
  2. [2] Government of Canada - Conversion practices information

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