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Find a Lawyer » Canada Legal Guides » Ontario Legal Guides » Work & Employment Rights Ontario » Workplace Discrimination & Human Rights Ontario » Page 7
💡In Ontario, being terminated solely because your spouse works for a competitor is generally considered illegal discrimination based on “marital status” under the Human Rights Code. However, employers may legally…
💡Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, employers are legally required to protect their staff from racist behaviour committed by customers. If a workplace in Ontario fails to address third-party harassment,…
💡Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, employers cannot ask for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), a Permanent Resident card, or proof of Canadian citizenship during a job interview. They can…
👷In Ontario, human rights and workplace safety laws apply to everyone. Regardless of your immigration status, Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) are protected from discrimination, harassment, and abuse. If you face…
🚫The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) explicitly states that requiring “Canadian work experience” in job postings is discriminatory. Employers must fairly evaluate your international experience. If rejected solely for lacking…
💡In Ontario, refusing to hire a candidate purely because of their accent is generally a violation of the Ontario Human Rights Code. If an employer claims you lack “communication skills”…
❗Grooming policies that ban natural Black hairstyles such as locs, braids, or afros are generally illegal under the Ontario Human Rights Code. If you are disciplined or denied employment in…
💼Proving subtle, systemic anti-Black racism in corporate promotions requires documenting a pattern of exclusion. In Ontario, you can file an application with the HRTO to seek compensation for lost wages…
👩In Ontario, human rights law protects workers from discrimination based on family status. If you are a healthcare worker with mandatory elder care responsibilities, your employer generally must accommodate shift…
💡In Ontario, employers have a legal duty to accommodate Indigenous employees who require time off for spiritual, cultural, or harvesting practices. Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, denying these requests…
👪Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, you can generally refuse mandatory overtime if you have a genuine legal obligation to care for your children and have reasonably exhausted all other…
💡Denying or severely prorating an earned performance bonus because an employee took maternity leave is generally considered sex discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code. If a bonus is based…
💡In Ontario, the Pay Equity Act ensures female-dominated job classes receive equal pay to male-dominated classes of equal value. Conversely, the Human Rights Code protects individual B2B sales professionals from…
💡In Ontario, you have the fundamental human right to use the workplace washroom that fully aligns with your lived gender identity. Forcing an employee to use a separate or “special”…
💡In Ontario, undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is generally protected under the Human Rights Code on the grounds of “sex” and sometimes “disability.” Employers must accommodate your need for flexible…
💼In Ontario, it is strictly illegal for employers to ask about your marital status, childcare arrangements, or whether you are a single parent during a job interview. If you are…
💡Severe menopause symptoms can legally qualify as a disability under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Employers in Ontario are required to provide reasonable accommodations, such as temperature control, uniform changes,…
💡Ontario employers cannot legally force female restaurant servers to wear high heels, short skirts, or low-cut tops as a mandatory uniform. If your workplace enforces a sexualised or discriminatory dress…
💡Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, employers must accommodate nursing mothers by providing a clean, private space (not a washroom) to pump breast milk and allowing flexible break times. If…
💡Under the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA), workers who suffer a miscarriage may be entitled to sick leave, bereavement leave, or even up to 17 weeks of pregnancy leave if…
💡Yes, intentional and persistent pronoun misuse (misgendering) is considered discrimination and harassment under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Protected grounds include “gender identity” and “gender expression.” Employees facing this behaviour…
🎯 Specialization: Workplace Investigations, Sexual Harassment, HR Training, Diversity and Inclusion
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 181 University Ave, Suite 2200, Toronto, Ontario
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🎯 Specialization: Criminal Defence, Human Rights, Police Accountability, Prisoner Justice
🗣️ Languages: English, Spanish
📍 Address: 21 Simcoe St S, Oshawa, Ontario
🏢 Est: 2011
🎯 Specialization: Wrongful Dismissal, Business Litigation, Executive Compensation, Workplace Harassment
🗣️ Languages: English, Mandarin
📍 Address: 675 Cochrane Dr, Markham, Ontario
🏢 Est: 2017
🎯 Specialization: Civil Litigation, Human Rights, Real Estate, Estate Administration
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 291 King St #400, London, Ontario
🏢 Est: 1999
🎯 Specialization: Estate Litigation, Corporate Reorganizations, Family Law
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 4759 Queen St, Niagara Falls, Ontario
🏢 Est: 1896
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: Tenant Rights, ODSP Appeals, Employment Insurance, Workplace Harassment, Indigenous Justice
🗣️ Languages: English, French, Spanish
📍 Address: 450 Frederick St Unit 101, Kitchener, Ontario
🏢 Est: 1980
🎯 Specialization: Civil Litigation, Human Rights, Commercial Disputes
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 22 King St S, Waterloo, Ontario
🎯 Specialization: Workplace Investigations, Executive Compensation, Wrongful Dismissal, Human Rights Defence, Constructive Dismissal
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 200 Adelaide St W Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario
🏢 Est: 2011
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: Long-Term Disability Claims, Wrongful Dismissal, Severance Package Reviews, Chronic Pain Cases
🗣️ Languages: English, Vietnamese
📍 Address: 1715 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga, Ontario
🏢 Est: 2002
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: Landlord and Tenant, Ontario Works Appeals, ODSP, Workers Compensation, Human Rights
🗣️ Languages: English, French
📍 Address: 40 Elm St, Sudbury, Ontario
⚙️ Services: Refugee Protection Division, Immigration Division, Immigration Appeal Division, Refugee Appeal Division, Registry…
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⚙️ Services: Complaint Review, Systemic Investigations, Taxpayer Rights, Public Outreach
📍 171 Slater St #1000, Ottawa, Ontario
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⚙️ Services: Food Handler Certificate, Immunization Record
📍 50 High Tech Rd, Richmond Hill, Ontario
📅 Appt. Recommended
⚙️ Services: Employment Services, Income Support, Housing Services, Child Care Subsidy
📍 20 Weber St E, Kitchener, Ontario
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📍 250 Main St E, Hamilton, Ontario
⚙️ Services: Cremation Certificates, Coroner's Reports, Out-of-Province Body Shipment
📍 235 N Centre Rd, London, Ontario
Welcome to the Ontario Workplace Discrimination & Human Rights guide centre. Here you will find comprehensive resources covering everything from navigating the Human Rights Code to addressing unfair treatment at work, based on current provincial regulations.
Everyone deserves to earn a living in an environment free from harassment, prejudice, and unfair treatment. In Ontario, workplace discrimination is strictly prohibited under the provincial Human Rights Code. This vital legislation ensures equal opportunities and protects employees from being treated differently based on personal characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or disability.
Experiencing discrimination at work can be emotionally devastating and financially damaging. Whether it involves being passed over for a promotion due to your age, facing inappropriate comments about your background, or an employer failing to accommodate a medical condition, these actions violate fundamental human rights. Navigating these sensitive situations requires a clear understanding of your legal protections and the proper channels for seeking justice and financial compensation.
Our resources explore the most frequent human rights violations and workplace disputes faced by employees across the province:
Human rights complaints in the province are primarily managed by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO). The HRTO is an independent administrative body that resolves claims of discrimination and harassment brought under the Human Rights Code. The tribunal process involves mediation and, if necessary, a formal hearing where adjudicators can award financial compensation for lost wages and injury to dignity, feelings, and self-respect.
In some cases, human rights violations are intertwined with wrongful dismissal claims. When this happens, matters can be litigated in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice as part of a broader civil lawsuit. The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) also plays a broader role in advancing policies and public interest inquiries. Knowing whether to file an application with the HRTO or pursue a civil claim in court is a crucial strategic decision for Ontario workers.
Standing up to an employer for human rights violations is a daunting and deeply personal process. Employers often have extensive legal teams dedicated to defending their corporate interests and minimizing payouts. We strongly caution against attempting to navigate the complex HRTO application process or negotiating a settlement without professional representation. A simple procedural error or missed deadline can jeopardize your entire claim.
We always recommend consulting with a qualified employment or human rights lawyer to evaluate your situation and protect your rights. You can find a list of relevant local lawyers and government agencies at the top of this page. Relying on an experienced legal professional ensures that your voice is heard, your evidence is properly presented, and you receive the fair treatment you deserve under Ontario law.
The Code protects employees from discrimination based on race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, and disability.
Employers have a legal obligation to accommodate an employee’s needs related to protected grounds (such as a disability or religious practice) up to the point of undue hardship. This might involve altering work hours, modifying equipment, or providing medical leaves.
Under the Human Rights Code, you generally have one year from the date of the discriminatory incident (or the last incident in a series of events) to file an application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO).
No. The Human Rights Code strictly prohibits reprisals. If your employer terminates you, demotes you, or treats you poorly because you claimed your human rights, you can file an additional claim for retaliation.
This depends on your specific situation. If your case is purely about discrimination, the HRTO is the appropriate venue. If you were also wrongfully dismissed, it may be better to file a civil lawsuit in the Superior Court of Justice that includes both claims. A lawyer can advise on the best strategy.
The Tribunal can order financial compensation for lost wages, as well as damages for injury to dignity, feelings, and self-respect. They can also mandate non-financial remedies, such as requiring the employer to implement anti-discrimination policies or undergo human rights training.
Many employment and human rights lawyers work on a contingency fee basis for strong cases, meaning they only get paid a percentage if you win or settle. Others may charge hourly rates or offer block fees for specific stages of the HRTO process.