Discrimination / Human Rights

Discrimination In The Workplace

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.

Cautionary Notes

• Alberta employers will sometimes impose discipline or termination of employment on employees for reasons connected to their protected human rights grounds (i.e. disability, pregnancy, etc.).  Employers are often not allowed to discipline or terminate employment for reasons connected to human rights, but it is complicated so it’s important to seek legal advice.
• Under the Alberta Human Rights Act, an individual has one (1) year from the date of an act of discrimination to file a human rights complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission. This is a strict deadline, and it is not negotiable. If you are an Alberta employee who believes that you may have been discriminated against in the workplace, it is very important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible, as waiting too long could jeopardize your ability to make a complaint.
• 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.