Workplace Discrimination
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Canadian federal statutes and official sources.
Canadian Federal Law
What is this right?
It is illegal for a federally regulated employer to discriminate against you based on 13 protected grounds:
- Race, national or ethnic origin, colour
- Religion, age, sex
- Sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
- Marital status, family status
- Genetic characteristics, disability
- A conviction for which a pardon has been granted
This covers both direct discrimination (being treated worse because of who you are) and systemic discrimination (rules or practices that have an unfair effect on a protected group). Employers have a duty to accommodate you up to the point of undue hardship.
When does it apply?
- You work for a federally regulated employer.
- Protection applies at all stages of employment — hiring, promotion, day-to-day treatment, and termination.
- The legal test looks at the effect of the conduct, not the intent. Your employer doesn't have to mean to discriminate for it to count.
What should you do?
- Document everything — dates, times, witnesses, emails, and what was said or done.
- Report internally through your employer's complaint process if one exists.
- File a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) within 12 months. You can file online or call 1-888-214-1090.
- There is no fee and you do not need a lawyer to file.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't suffer in silence — discrimination is against the law, and you have the right to complain.
- Don't retaliate against the person who discriminated against you. Use the proper channels.
- Don't delete evidence — save texts, emails, and notes. They may be critical later.
- Don't assume you need to prove intent. The law focuses on the impact, not whether your employer meant to discriminate.
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