Workplace Discrimination — Alberta
Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Canadian Human Rights Act draws a hard line: a federally regulated employer cannot discriminate on any of these 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
The Act covers both direct discrimination — treating you worse because of who you are — and systemic discrimination, where a neutral-looking rule lands harder on one group than another. Employers carry a duty to accommodate right up to the point of undue hardship, which is a higher bar than most employers realise.
When does it apply?
- You work for a federally regulated employer.
- Protection runs through every stage of the employment relationship — hiring, promotion, day-to-day treatment, and termination.
- The legal test looks at the effect, not the intent. An employer doesn't have to mean to discriminate for the conduct to be unlawful.
What to Do If You're Being Discriminated Against at Work in Canada
Most discrimination cases come down to what the file looks like a year later. Start the file the day it starts.
- Document everything — dates, times, witnesses, the actual words used. Save emails. Print where you can.
- Use the internal complaint process if one exists. Even where it fails, the paper trail helps later.
- File with the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) within 12 months. Online filing or 1-888-214-1090.
- No fee, no lawyer required — the Commission process is built for self-represented complainants.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't suffer in silence hoping it'll stop. Discrimination patterns rarely correct themselves.
- Don't retaliate against the person. Stay in the formal channels — they have teeth.
- Don't delete the receipts. Texts, emails, voicemails — they may be the case.
- Don't go in trying to prove intent. Effect is enough. The law isn't asking what your boss was thinking.
How Alberta differs from federal law
Workplace discrimination in Alberta is prohibited by the Alberta Human Rights Act, RSA 2000, c. A-25.5, enforced by the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
- Protected grounds include: race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religious beliefs, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age (18+), marital status, family status, source of income, and sexual orientation.
- Employers have a duty to accommodate workers with disabilities, religious practices, and other protected needs up to the point of undue hardship.
- The Act covers all stages of employment: job ads, applications, hiring, terms of work, promotions, and termination. It also prohibits discriminatory employment practices and policies that have an adverse effect on protected groups.
- Harassment in the workplace based on any protected ground is prohibited, including sexual harassment. Both the employer and individuals can be found liable.
- Alberta's list of protected grounds does not include political belief or record of offences, which are protected in some other provinces.
- Section 7 (Employment practices): prohibits any employer from refusing to employ, refusing to continue to employ, or discriminating with regard to any term or condition of employment based on any protected ground. Section 8 bars discriminatory questions on job applications and in pre-employment interviews. Section 9 bars discrimination by trade unions, employers' organisations, and occupational associations.
- Long-Term Illness and Injury Leave (ESC s. 53.97): up to 27 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per 52-week period for employees with at least 90 days of service who cannot work due to a serious illness, injury, or quarantine certified by a medical practitioner. Aligns with federal EI sickness benefits. Short-term personal and family responsibility leave (ESC s. 53.951) provides up to 5 days/year, also unpaid.
Additional Steps in Alberta
File a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission within 1 year of the discriminatory act. You do not need a lawyer. Complaints can be filed online at albertahumanrights.ab.ca or by calling 780-427-7661 (toll-free 310-0000 then the number). If the complaint is not resolved through mediation or investigation, it may be referred to a human rights tribunal for a binding decision. Remedies can include monetary compensation, reinstatement, and orders for the employer to change its practices.
Relevant Law: Alberta Human Rights Act, RSA 2000, c. A-25.5, ss. 7, 8, 11, 14
Common Questions
What is the workplace discrimination right in Canada?
The Canadian Human Rights Act draws a hard line: a federally regulated employer cannot discriminate on any of these 13 protected grounds:Race, national or ethnic origin, colourReligion, age, sexSexual orientation, gender identity or expressionMarital status, family statusGenetic characteristics, disabilityA conviction for which a pardon has been grantedThe Act covers both direct discrimination — treating you worse because of who you are — and systemic discrimination, where a neutral-looking rule lands harder on one group than another. Employers carry a duty to accommodate right up to the point...
When does workplace discrimination apply?
You work for a federally regulated employer.Protection runs through every stage of the employment relationship — hiring, promotion, day-to-day treatment, and termination.The legal test looks at the effect, not the intent. An employer doesn't have to mean to discriminate for the conduct to be unlawful.
What should I do if I'm experiencing discrimination at my Canadian workplace?
Most discrimination cases come down to what the file looks like a year later. Start the file the day it starts.Document everything — dates, times, witnesses, the actual words used. Save emails. Print where you can.Use the internal complaint process if one exists. Even where it fails, the paper trail helps later.File with the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) within 12 months. Online filing or 1-888-214-1090.No fee, no lawyer required — the Commission process is built for self-represented complainants.
What mistakes should I avoid with workplace discrimination?
Don't suffer in silence hoping it'll stop. Discrimination patterns rarely correct themselves.Don't retaliate against the person. Stay in the formal channels — they have teeth.Don't delete the receipts. Texts, emails, voicemails — they may be the case.Don't go in trying to prove intent. Effect is enough. The law isn't asking what your boss was thinking.
Workplace Discrimination in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.