Each of us have certain rights, simply by virtue of being human. Human rights legislation provides protection, procedures and remedies for those who have experienced discrimination. Because these protections flow from the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, human rights legislation is considered “quasi-constitutional”. This important legislation also often influences other pieces of legislation.
When a workplace human rights issue arises, the first step is to confirm whether the workplace is provincially or federally regulated. The summary on this website is based on the British Columbia Human Rights Code (HRC). Provincial and federal human rights regimes have many similarities but are not exactly the same.
If your case involves a human rights issue, contact a lawyer promptly, because short limitation dates apply. Under B.C. and Alberta provincial legislation, as well as federal legislation, assuming no continuing discrimination, the time period within which a complaint must be commenced (the limitation period) is 1 year.
Human rights legislation is administered by a human rights tribunal in each area of jurisdiction.
The “protected grounds“, or the group characteristics that are protected from discrimination in employment vary depending on the applicable legislation. See also bona fide occupational requirements (BFOR).