Workplace Discrimination in Quebec
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 Quebec differs from federal law
Quebec's primary anti-discrimination law is the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (Charte des droits et libertes de la personne, CQLR c C-12), which has quasi-constitutional status in Quebec. It applies to employment and many other areas of daily life.
- The Quebec Charter prohibits discrimination in hiring, working conditions, promotion, and dismissal based on race, colour, sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, civil status, age (except as provided by law), religion, political convictions, language, ethnic or national origin, social condition, disability, or the use of any means to palliate a disability (section 10).
- Unlike the Canadian Human Rights Act (which applies only to federally regulated workplaces), the Quebec Charter applies to all employers and workers in Quebec under provincial jurisdiction.
- Workplace harassment, including psychological harassment and sexual harassment, is prohibited under both the Quebec Charter and the Act respecting labour standards (section 81.18). Every employer must adopt a policy to prevent and deal with psychological harassment.
- The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) investigates discrimination complaints. If the Commission finds the complaint justified, it can bring the case before the Human Rights Tribunal of Quebec.
- Quebec also has the Pay Equity Act (CQLR c E-12.001), which requires employers with 10 or more employees to ensure equal pay for work of equal value, regardless of gender. The CNESST enforces pay equity.
Additional Steps in Quebec
File a discrimination complaint with the CDPDJ (Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse) at cdpdj.qc.ca or 1-800-361-6477. There is a two-year time limit from the date of the discriminatory act. For psychological harassment at work, you may also file with the CNESST within two years.
Relevant Law: Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (CQLR c C-12), ss. 10-20; Act respecting labour standards (CQLR c N-1.1), ss. 81.18-81.20; Pay Equity Act (CQLR c E-12.001)
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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