What are human rights in the workplace?
The Ontario Human Rights Code protects workers from discrimination and harassment based on protected grounds, including:
- Race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship and creed (religion)
- Sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression
- Age, disability, and family or marital status
What does discrimination look like?
Discrimination can be direct or subtle: being refused a job or promotion, being paid or treated differently, being harassed, or being denied accommodation you need because of a protected ground.
The duty to accommodate
Employers must accommodate needs related to protected grounds, such as disability or religious observance, up to the point of undue hardship. Accommodation is a shared process: you explain your needs, and your employer works with you to meet them.
What can you do?
- Write down what happened, when, and who was involved.
- Raise the issue through your employer's internal process, if it is safe to do so.
- Speak with a lawyer about your options, including an application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. Applications are generally due within one year of the last incident.
General information, not legal advice. Every situation is different. Book a consultation to talk about yours. Initial consultation free for employment and human rights matters.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Lutfi Law