Discrimination in the workplace occurs when someone is treated in a negative way at work as a result of a protected human rights ground, which generally are things that the person has no control over, such as their race, religious beliefs, skin colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation.
Discrimination Services
Discrimination In The Workplace
Employers in Alberta not allowed to discriminate against employees, or to refuse to accommodate the human rights of their employees.
Discrimination at work can take many forms.
Failing to pay a female employee equitably with her male counterparts is discrimination. Enforcing a workplace rule or standard that has the effect of infringing a human rights ground is often discrimination. Refusal to accommodate a physical or mental disability at work is discrimination. Dismissing an employee for being pregnant is discrimination. Not inviting a gay employee to a work dinner because he or she is gay is discrimination. Not allowing an employee a place to pray at work is discrimination.
There are lots of examples of discrimination at work. The point is, employers cannot inflict adverse effects on employees because of protected human rights grounds, and they are usually required to assist in alleviating these adverse effects.
Navigating Discrimination At Work
Human rights laws in Alberta and across Canada are designed to protect employees from discrimination in the workplace, but unfortunately discrimination still happens. The Alberta Human Rights Commission can provide general assistance and guidance to individuals who wish to file workplace discrimination complaints, but they cannot provide you with legal advice or legal representation.
All of Bow River Law’s lawyers are human rights and discrimination lawyers. Our lawyers have experience in discrimination and human rights matters in the Alberta workplace, and we have developed effective strategies for resolving matters with employers. In some cases where a resolution with the employer is not possible, one of our lawyers can provide you with legal advice and guidance throughout the discrimination complaint process and be a strong advocate for you.
If you are an Alberta employer that has found itself in the position of needing to accommodate, discipline or terminate the employment of someone with a disability, let us help you understand your legal rights and obligations before you make a serious or irreversible mistake.
Cautionary Notes
- When Alberta employees are dealing with a disability or a medical condition, employers are required to accommodate their disability or condition to the point of “undue hardship”. This is very difficult for employers to accomplish in some cases. We can help employees determine if they are being properly accommodated, and we can help employers understand their rights and obligations. Let us help you.
Discrimination FAQ
Can I fire a pregnant employee?
An employer is generally allowed to terminate the employment of a pregnant employee, as long as the pregnancy is not a factor in the dismissal. If pregnancy is a factor, the termination is a discriminatory human rights violation in Alberta.
Can my boss fire me if I have to be home with my kids?
An employer is required to accommodate your need to secure childcare for your child. This is a complicated issue and not all cases are the same. If this is happening at your workplace, speak to an employment lawyer right away for help.
I’m gay. Can my employer tell me not to bring my spouse to a work party?
Alberta employers must respect your human rights, including ones like sexual orientation. If others can bring their spouses to a work party but your same-sex spouse is not invited without good reason, you likely have a discrimination claim.
My supervisor rubbed my leg under the table and I am uncomfortable. What should I do?
Touching without consent is a common form of sexual harassment at work. Sexual harassment can lead to several different legal claims, including discrimination on the basis of gender.
My manager keeps making sexual jokes at work. Is this illegal?
Sexual jokes at work are sometimes a form of sexual harassment. Employers are generally required to keep the workplace free of discrimination, which includes sexual harassment.
Discrimination Legal Blog Articles
Alberta Human Rights Commission Reaffirms Duty to Cooperate
In Thakor v Loblaws Inc., 2025 AHRC 75, the AHRC dismissed a discrimination complaint because the complainant did not cooperate in the process.
No Poisoned Work Environment Discrimination – Employer Made An Effort
In Wasacase v The Ranchmen’s Club, 2025 AHRC 62, an employer was not liable for discrimination involving racial comments in a private conversation.
Related Content
Book an Appointment Today
Quick Contact
Fields marked with an * are required