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Job Discrimination is illegal in Vancouver, Canada like in many parts of the world. It refers to unfair treatment of an individual in a workplace based on their race, nationality, color, religion, sex, age, physical or mental disability, family status, or sexual orientation. These are known as the prohibited grounds of discrimination.
You might need a lawyer in job discrimination situations such as being unjustly terminated, denied promotions or equal compensation due to the aforementioned grounds. Additionally, if you’re facing continuous harassment, bullying, or the workplace environment is hostile due to your sexual orientation, race, or disability, a lawyer can help you navigate the legal grounds for the recourse you may be eligible for.
Locally in Vancouver, job discrimination is guided by the British Columbia Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act. These laws protect individuals from discrimination in areas of employment, housing, services, publications, etc. They further protect individuals from retaliation or reprisal for asserting their rights under these laws.
Discrimination can involve any action, intentional or not, through which an individual is treated adversely for reasons related to one or more of the prohibited grounds. This may include being fired, demoted, harassed, or denied a job/promotion.
Yes, you have every right to report any form of discrimination you experience or witness in your workplace. Reporting can be done to a supervisor, a designated person in the organization, or directly to the Human Rights Tribunal.
Take note of each incidence detailing what, when, where, who was involved, and if there were any witnesses. Then, report these incidents following your workplace policy or contact the Human Rights Tribunal or a lawyer if the situation persists.
After filing a complaint, the Human Rights Tribunal will review and investigate your case. If merited, attempts to mediate or settle the complaint may be made or a hearing may be held.
No, it’s illegal under both the BC Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act for employers to retaliate against employees who exercise their rights under these laws.
The BC Human Rights Tribunal and the Canadian Human Rights Commission are the outright governmental bodies combating discrimination. You can also seek aid from various local non-profit organizations like the Human Rights Law Network and BC Civil Liberties Association amongst others.
If you believe you have been a victim of job discrimination, first try to resolve the matter internally, if possible, by using the complaint procedures available within your workplace. If this is not possible, or if it does not yield satisfactory results, consult with a lawyer specializing in human rights law or file a complaint directly with the BC Human Rights Tribunal or the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Ensure you file your complaint within a year of the alleged act of discrimination.
