The law in Canada has evolved to protect and advance the concept of universal human rights. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the “Charter”), the Canadian Human Rights Commission, and various provincial statutes and administrative tribunals, are just some of the ways human rights are upheld in Canada. In Ontario, Ontario’s Human Rights Code governs human rights.
At Zeilikman Law, we approach human rights violations with logical and creative solutions. Our lawyers are, professional, friendly, and determined. We have the know-how to navigate through the psychology of any given human rights violation.
Workplace human rights violations throughout Canada are of significant concern and normally fall within the jurisdiction of administrative human rights tribunals such as the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario or, at the federal level, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. It is also the case now that the Ontario courts have jurisdiction to enforce human rights remedies, provided certain legal requirements are met.
How do I know if I am being discriminated against?
Human rights violations in Canada, and Ontario, include issues such as harassment in the workplace, unfair discrimination based on race, religion, colour, ethnicity, creed, sex (including maternity leave), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, disability or language, among other prohibited grounds of discrimination. Human rights violations and discriminatory harassment apply not only to the employer but to anyone in the workplace.
Human rights discrimination regarding the rate of pay, overtime, working hours, holidays, benefits, layoffs, dismissal/termination, discipline, and performance are also all prohibited under the Human Rights Code, as employees have the right to equal treatment with respect to employment. Normally, an employer can justify differential treatment if such treatment is a bona fide occupational requirement and to act differently would result in “undue hardship.”
How can Zeilikman Law help?
Everyone deserves equal respect and freedom from human rights discrimination. If you believe your human rights were violated in the workplace, contact Zeilikman Law today and speak with one of our experienced lawyers to discuss your options. We will help asses whether there are grounds for a complaint, and assist you throughout the process of making a complaint and enforcing your rights.
Request a consultation today or call us at 905-417-2227 today!
