How am I Protected?
It’s against the law for someone to discriminate against you because of:
- religion,
- creed,
- marital status,
- family status,
- sex,
- sexual orientation,
- disability
- age (18 or more)
- colour
- ancestry,
- nationality,
- place of origin
- race or perceived race,
- receipt of public assistance, and
- gender identity.
These are known as the “prohibited grounds” of discrimination. The Code also protects your fundamental rights to freedom of conscience, freedom of expression, and freedom of association, within legal limits.
Where am I Protected?
It’s against the law for someone to discriminate against you in:
- employment or occupations
- education
- housing
- publications
- public services (restaurants, stores, hotels, government services, etc.)
- contracts or purchase of property
- professional associations or trade unions.
Accommodating People’s Needs
Employers, service providers and others have a duty to make reasonable efforts to assist people who could otherwise be denied opportunities because of gender, disability, religion, or other illegal grounds of discrimination. This is called the “duty to accommodate.”
Accommodation is required unless it would cause an undue hardship. For example, employers may have to adjust working conditions or provide technical aids so people with disabilities can participate in the workplace.
The Complaint Process
If you think someone has discriminated against you, you may make a complaint to the Commission. Please note that you must make a complaint within one year of becoming aware of the discrimination.