Workplace Discrimination in Alberta
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. 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?
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 to Do If You're Being Discriminated Against at Work in Canada
- 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.
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.
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
When does workplace discrimination 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 I do if I'm experiencing discrimination at my Canadian workplace?
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 mistakes should I avoid with workplace discrimination?
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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