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Human Rights and Discrimination Protection (view source)
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{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [http://www.clasbc.net/laura_track Laura Track] of the Community Legal Assistance Society and Katherine Hardie of the BC Human Rights Tribunal|date= February 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = rights}} | {{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [http://www.clasbc.net/laura_track Laura Track] of the Community Legal Assistance Society and Katherine Hardie of the BC Human Rights Tribunal|date= February 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = rights}} | ||
British Columbia has a law to help protect you from | British Columbia has a law to help protect you from discrimination and harassment. Learn what it covers, and what’s involved in making a complaint that someone has discriminated against you. | ||
== | ==What you should know== | ||
===You are protected against discrimination under BC law=== | ===You are protected against discrimination under BC law=== | ||
If you’re treated differently than others based on personal characteristics such as the colour of your skin or your sex, it’s called '''discrimination'''. Discrimination can take many forms. Harassment (conduct a reasonable person would consider objectionable or unwelcome), unequal pay for similar work, publications that discriminate or spread hatred, or negative differential treatment are all examples of discrimination. | If you’re treated differently than others based on personal characteristics such as the colour of your skin or your sex, it’s called '''discrimination'''. Discrimination can take many forms. Harassment (conduct a reasonable person would consider objectionable or unwelcome), unequal pay for similar work, publications that discriminate or spread hatred, or negative differential treatment are all examples of discrimination. | ||
In BC, the | In BC, the [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/rsbc-1996-c-210/latest/rsbc-1996-c-210.html ''Human Rights Code''] prohibits discrimination based on various personal characteristics. These are called '''protected grounds'''. They include: | ||
*your race, colour, ancestry, or place of origin | |||
*your age (if you’re 19 and above) | * your race, colour, ancestry, or place of origin | ||
*your sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression | * your age (if you’re 19 and above) | ||
*your marital or family status | * your sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression | ||
*your religion or political belief | * your marital or family status | ||
*any physical or mental disability | * your religion or political belief | ||
* any physical or mental disability | |||
The Code prohibits discrimination in these '''areas''': | The Code prohibits discrimination in these '''areas''': | ||
*employment (including membership in a trade union, employers’ organization or professional association) | |||
*renting or purchasing property | * employment (including membership in a trade union, employers’ organization or professional association) | ||
*services and facilities open to the public | * renting or purchasing property | ||
*publications | * services and facilities open to the public | ||
* publications | |||
Some protected grounds apply only in certain areas. For example: | Some protected grounds apply only in certain areas. For example: | ||
The BC Human Rights Clinic provides a [ | * your (lawful) source of income can’t be a factor in how someone treats you in renting you property | ||
* any criminal convictions can’t be a factor in how an employer treats you in the workplace (as long as the conviction is unrelated to the job) | |||
The BC Human Rights Clinic provides a [https://bchrc.net/legal-information/#protected chart of protected grounds and protected areas]. | |||
===You are protected from discrimination in the workplace=== | ===You are protected from discrimination in the workplace=== | ||
Everyone has a right to be free from discrimination in their work. This includes hiring, firing, wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of work. It also includes the workplace environment. Treating someone badly based on one of the protected grounds in section 13 of the | Everyone has a right to be free from discrimination in their work. This includes hiring, firing, wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of work. It also includes the workplace environment. Treating someone badly based on one of the protected grounds in section 13 of the [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/rsbc-1996-c-210/latest/rsbc-1996-c-210.html#sec13_smooth ''Human Rights Code''] is prohibited. Employers must provide a discrimination-free workplace, and they may be liable for discrimination, including harassment, by their workers. (For more on harassment in the workplace, see our information on [[Sexual Harassment|sexual harassment]]. | ||
====The employer’s duty to accommodate==== | ====The employer’s duty to accommodate==== | ||
Employers must also '''accommodate''' workers to ensure they are treated fairly. Employers must take all reasonable steps to avoid a negative effect on a worker based on a protected characteristic. For example, a job requirement to work on a certain day may hurt someone whose religion prevents them from working on that day. Or, a person with a disability may not be able to perform a certain part of their job because of their disability. In these cases, the employer must make adjustments to accommodate these differences. They must take reasonable steps to remove the harm and support the worker to do the job. | Employers must also '''accommodate''' workers to ensure they are treated fairly. Employers must take all reasonable steps to avoid a negative effect on a worker based on a protected characteristic. For example, a job requirement to work on a certain day may hurt someone whose religion prevents them from working on that day. Or, a person with a disability may not be able to perform a certain part of their job because of their disability. In these cases, the employer must make adjustments to accommodate these differences. They must take reasonable steps to remove the harm and support the worker to do the job. | ||
====To the point of undue hardship==== | ====To the point of undue hardship==== | ||
The employer’s duty to accommodate isn’t limitless. It extends only to the point where the accommodation starts causing the employer “'''undue hardship''' | The employer’s duty to accommodate isn’t limitless. It extends only to the point where the accommodation starts causing the employer “'''undue hardship'''." Accommodation requires an employer and a worker to find a practical solution to accommodate the worker’s differences but not create an undue hardship on the employer. An employer may have to accept some hardship. That hardship might involve expense, inconvenience, or disruption — as long as it does not unduly interfere with the business. | ||
Employers may be able to justify discrimination if it is based on a '''bona fide occupational requirement'''. For example, a pilot must have 20/20 vision. | Employers may be able to justify discrimination if it is based on a '''bona fide occupational requirement'''. For example, a pilot must have 20/20 vision. | ||
See our information on [[Protection Against Job Discrimination (No. 270)|protection against job discrimination | See our information on [[Protection Against Job Discrimination (No. 270)|protection against job discrimination]] for more on discrimination in the workplace. | ||
===You are protected from discrimination when renting property=== | ===You are protected from discrimination when renting property=== | ||
No person can refuse to rent a space (for example, an apartment or an office) based on the protected grounds in section 10 of the | No person can refuse to rent a space (for example, an apartment or an office) based on the protected grounds in section 10 of the [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/rsbc-1996-c-210/latest/rsbc-1996-c-210.html#sec10_smooth ''Human Rights Code'']. Nor can they discriminate against a person regarding a term or condition of the tenancy, such as the amount of the security deposit, use of common spaces, or provision of repairs. They can’t charge a higher rent or evict someone based on a protected ground. | ||
There are some exceptions under the law: | There are some exceptions under the law: | ||
*A person looking for a roommate to share their own place can restrict the rental to people based on any ground if they will be sharing a bathroom or kitchen. | |||
*Rental buildings can be restricted to people age 55 and over, or couples or families with one member 55 or over. | * A person looking for a roommate to share their own place can restrict the rental to people based on any ground if they will be sharing a bathroom or kitchen. | ||
*In some cases, rentals may also be restricted to people with mental or physical disabilities if the residence is designed for people with disabilities. | * Rental buildings can be restricted to people age 55 and over, or couples or families with one member 55 or over. | ||
* In some cases, rentals may also be restricted to people with mental or physical disabilities if the residence is designed for people with disabilities. | |||
===You are protected from discrimination by service providers=== | ===You are protected from discrimination by service providers=== | ||
Restaurants, hotels, shops, and other service providers that offer services to the public can’t refuse service, charge higher rates, or discriminate in any other way based on the protected characteristics in section 8 of the | Restaurants, hotels, shops, and other service providers that offer services to the public can’t refuse service, charge higher rates, or discriminate in any other way based on the protected characteristics in section 8 of the [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/rsbc-1996-c-210/latest/rsbc-1996-c-210.html#sec8_smooth ''Human Rights Code'']. Governments and educational institutions also cannot discriminate in providing accommodations, services, and facilities. Service providers must take all reasonable and practical steps to accommodate someone’s personal characteristics if necessary to provide equal benefit of the service. | ||
There are two exceptions under the law: | There are two exceptions under the law: | ||
*Public facilities, like washrooms or change rooms, can be restricted by sex. | |||
*Insurance companies can factor someone’s sex, age, and any disability into determining their premiums or benefits under life or health insurance policies. | * Public facilities, like washrooms or change rooms, can be restricted by sex. | ||
* Insurance companies can factor someone’s sex, age, and any disability into determining their premiums or benefits under life or health insurance policies. | |||
===You are protected from discrimination in publications=== | ===You are protected from discrimination in publications=== | ||
The | The [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/rsbc-1996-c-210/latest/rsbc-1996-c-210.html#sec7_smooth ''Human Rights Code''] prohibits publications that indicate discrimination or an intention to discriminate, or that are likely to expose a person or group to hatred or contempt. This includes any published statement, notice, sign, or other representation that is not private. This protection does not cover publications that express offensive or hurtful ideas yet fall short of discriminating or promoting hatred. | ||
===There are some exceptions to human rights laws in BC=== | ===There are some exceptions to human rights laws in BC=== | ||
A charitable, philanthropic, religious, educational, or social organization that is not operated for profit may be able to give a preference to members of an identifiable group. The organization's primary purpose must be to promote the interests and welfare of a group of persons identified by a physical or mental disability, or a common race, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, political belief, colour, ancestry, or place of origin. | A charitable, philanthropic, religious, educational, or social organization that is not operated for profit may be able to give a preference to members of an identifiable group. The organization's primary purpose must be to promote the interests and welfare of a group of persons identified by a physical or mental disability, or a common race, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, political belief, colour, ancestry, or place of origin. | ||
In addition, organizations can ask the Human Rights Tribunal to approve a specific program or activity as a '''special program''' under the | In addition, organizations can ask the Human Rights Tribunal to approve a specific program or activity as a '''special program''' under the [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/rsbc-1996-c-210/latest/rsbc-1996-c-210.html#sec42_smooth ''Human Rights Code'']. The purpose of the program or activity must be to improve conditions for a person or group disadvantaged because of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. For example, in the past the tribunal approved a school district hiring a member of a protected group to provide services to students and families who are members of that same group. | ||
===More on the “duty to accommodate”=== | ===More on the “duty to accommodate”=== | ||
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{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|align="left"|'''Tip''' | |align="left"|'''Tip''' | ||
Identifying a duty to accommodate and determining what amounts to undue hardship can vary from case to case. If you think a duty to accommodate may apply to your situation, you can seek legal advice. See our information on [[Free and Low-Cost Legal Help | Identifying a duty to accommodate and determining what amounts to undue hardship can vary from case to case. If you think a duty to accommodate may apply to your situation, you can seek legal advice. See our information on [[Free and Low-Cost Legal Help|free and low-cost legal help]]. | ||
|} | |} | ||
===If someone discriminates against you=== | ===If someone discriminates against you=== | ||
If you think someone has violated your human rights under the | If you think someone has violated your human rights under the [https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/rsbc-1996-c-210/latest/rsbc-1996-c-210.html ''Human Rights Code''], you have options. | ||
You can '''make a human rights complaint''' to the Human Rights Tribunal. The tribunal deals with complaints under the ''Human Rights Code''. It operates like a court but is less formal. It has staff who help people resolve complaints without going to a hearing. If that’s not possible, they hold a hearing to decide if there was discrimination. We explain the process to make a complaint to the tribunal shortly. | You can '''make a human rights complaint''' to the Human Rights Tribunal. The tribunal deals with complaints under the ''Human Rights Code''. It operates like a court but is less formal. It has staff who help people resolve complaints without going to a hearing. If that’s not possible, they hold a hearing to decide if there was discrimination. We explain the process to make a complaint to the tribunal shortly. | ||
If the discrimination is at your '''place of work''' and you belong to a union, the union may be able to help you. Or you may be able to make a complaint to the Employment Standards Branch, the government office that administers the ''Employment Standards Act''. Depending on the circumstances, you might be able to sue in court for wrongful dismissal. See our information on [ | If the discrimination is at your '''place of work''' and you belong to a union, the union may be able to help you. Or you may be able to make a complaint to the Employment Standards Branch, the government office that administers the ''Employment Standards Act''. Depending on the circumstances, you might be able to sue in court for wrongful dismissal. See our information on [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/job-discrimination/ protection against job discrimination] for more on these options. | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|align="left"|'''Tip''' | |align="left"|'''Tip''' | ||
If you complain to the Human Rights Tribunal, and also pursue another option (by filing a union grievance, making a complaint under the Employment Standards Act, or suing the employer for wrongful dismissal), the tribunal can wait until the other process is finished before dealing with your complaint. It is a good idea to seek legal advice on your options. See our information on [[Free and Low-Cost Legal Help | If you complain to the Human Rights Tribunal, and also pursue another option (by filing a union grievance, making a complaint under the ''Employment Standards Act'', or suing the employer for wrongful dismissal), the tribunal can wait until the other process is finished before dealing with your complaint. It is a good idea to seek '''legal advice''' on your options. See our information on [[Free and Low-Cost Legal Help|free and low-cost legal help]]. | ||
|} | |} | ||
== | ==Making a human rights complaint== | ||
===Step 1. Make a complaint to the Human Rights Tribunal=== | ===Step 1. Make a complaint to the Human Rights Tribunal=== | ||
Get a '''complaint form''' from the Human Rights Tribunal, fill it in, and file it with the tribunal within | Get a '''complaint form''' from the Human Rights Tribunal, fill it in, and file it with the tribunal within one year of when the discrimination happened. If you wait longer than one year, your complaint may still be accepted if the tribunal believes it is in the public interest to accept it and no party will be prejudiced because of the delay. | ||
You can get a complaint form from the tribunal’s website at [http://www.bchrt.gov.bc.ca/complaint-process/complain/file.htm bchrt.bc.ca], from the tribunal office, or at government agent offices. The tribunal can handle complaints only if the ''Human Rights Code'' covers them. It is important to give all the information that supports your complaint. You can file the complaint in person, by mail, fax, courier, or email. | You can get a complaint form from the tribunal’s website at [http://www.bchrt.gov.bc.ca/complaint-process/complain/file.htm bchrt.bc.ca], from the tribunal office, or at government agent offices. The tribunal can handle complaints only if the ''Human Rights Code'' covers them. It is important to give all the information that supports your complaint. You can file the complaint in person, by mail, fax, courier, or email. | ||
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===Step 2. The tribunal considers your complaint=== | ===Step 2. The tribunal considers your complaint=== | ||
The Human Rights Tribunal reviews your complaint to see if it is covered by the ''Human Rights Code'' and if what happened could violate the Code. If the tribunal decides it can handle your complaint, it will notify the person or business you complained about, called the '''respondent'''. | The Human Rights Tribunal reviews your complaint to see if it is covered by the ''Human Rights Code'' and if what happened could violate the Code. If the tribunal decides it can handle your complaint, it will notify the person or business you complained about, called the '''respondent'''. | ||
You and the respondent can try to settle the complaint. The tribunal offers mediators who help the parties to resolve the complaint on their own. | You and the respondent can try to settle the complaint. The tribunal offers mediators who help the parties to resolve the complaint on their own. | ||
If that doesn’t work, the respondent must reply to your complaint. The respondent can also ask the tribunal to dismiss your complaint without a hearing. | If that doesn’t work, the respondent must reply to your complaint. The respondent can also ask the tribunal to dismiss your complaint without a hearing. | ||
===Step 3. Attend a tribunal hearing=== | ===Step 3. Attend a tribunal hearing=== | ||
If you don’t settle your complaint and it’s not dismissed without a | If you don’t settle your complaint and it’s not dismissed without a hearing, the tribunal will hold a '''hearing'''. A tribunal member will decide if the complaint is justified. If it is, the tribunal will order a '''remedy'''. Remedies are designed to reverse the effects of discrimination, not to punish the person or business that discriminated. They can include an order that the respondent: | ||
*stop discriminating | |||
*make available the right or opportunity you didn’t get because of the discrimination (for example, give you your job back, or the right to compete for a job) | * stop discriminating | ||
*pay you money for lost wages, benefits, or expenses | * make available the right or opportunity you didn’t get because of the discrimination (for example, give you your job back, or the right to compete for a job) | ||
* pay you money for lost wages, benefits, or expenses | |||
The tribunal can also order the person or business that discriminated to pay you for injury to your dignity, feelings, and self-respect. There are no limits to the amount of this type of award, but the average is around $5,000. | The tribunal can also order the person or business that discriminated to pay you for injury to your dignity, feelings, and self-respect. There are no limits to the amount of this type of award, but the average is around $5,000. | ||
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You can apply to the BC Supreme Court for [http://www.bchrt.bc.ca/complaint-process/after-hearing/review.htm judicial review] of the tribunal’s decision. There are time limits for suing in court, and the process is very involved. You probably need legal help to apply for judicial review. | You can apply to the BC Supreme Court for [http://www.bchrt.bc.ca/complaint-process/after-hearing/review.htm judicial review] of the tribunal’s decision. There are time limits for suing in court, and the process is very involved. You probably need legal help to apply for judicial review. | ||
== | ==Who can help== | ||
===With a human rights complaint=== | ===With a human rights complaint=== | ||
The '''BC Human Rights Clinic''' may be able to help you file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal and help you at a hearing. The clinic is operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS). | The '''BC Human Rights Clinic''' may be able to help you file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal and help you at a hearing. The clinic is operated by the Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS). | ||
* Call 604-622-1100 in Vancouver | |||
* Call 1-855-685-6222 (toll-free) | |||
* [https://www.bchrc.net/ Visit website] | |||
In the Greater Victoria area, the '''University of Victoria Law Centre''' provides help for eligible human rights complainants and respondents. | In the Greater Victoria area, the '''University of Victoria Law Centre''' provides help for eligible human rights complainants and respondents. | ||
* Call 250-385-1221 | |||
* [http://thelawcentre.ca/ Visit website] | |||
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