HUMAN RIGHTS and EMPLOYMENT: employment mediator

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees rights to all individuals in Canada. Under Section 15, everyone is equal before and under the law and entitled to equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination. Protected grounds include, but are not limited to: race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, and mental or physical disability.

In addition to the Charter, several other legal avenues offer protection and recourse in cases of discrimination, including:

• 🌐 International law, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  
• 🏛️ Civil litigation, including tort claims through the courts.  
• 👔 Employment law, which protects against workplace discrimination. Legal concerns may include:  
  • Discrimination based on race, colour, age, ancestry, origin, gender, disability, pregnancy, illness (including substance use), or sexual harassment.  
  • Failure to accommodate protected needs.  
  • Disputes over bona fide occupational requirements (BFORs).
     

The Alberta Human Rights Commission is a provincial body that investigates complaints and enforces human rights legislation in Alberta.

You must file a human rights complaint within one year of the alleged discriminatory act.

You may file a complaint with the AHRC if you have a reasonable belief that:

• You have been discriminated against.  
• You experienced retaliation for filing or assisting with a human rights complaint.  
• A false human rights complaint was maliciously filed against you.
   

Complaints must be submitted in writing using the prescribed form available from the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

• Employment practices  
• Job postings or application processes  
• Tenancy and housing   
• Equal pay  
• Access to goods, services, or facilities  
• Public statements, signs, or notices  
• Organizational membership
   

• Race  
• Colour  
• Ancestry  
• Place of origin  
• Religious beliefs  
• Gender  
• Age  
• Physical or mental disability  
• Marital status  
• Family status  
• Source of income  
• Sexual orientation
   

1. Initial Review
   The Commission reviews your complaint to confirm whether it falls within its jurisdiction.  
2. Notification and Response
   If accepted, the respondent is notified, receives a copy of the complaint, and may submit a response.  
3. Conciliation
   A conciliator may be appointed to help the parties reach a voluntary settlement.  
4. Investigation
   If conciliation fails, an investigator gathers relevant facts and consults both parties.  
5. Assessment of Findings  
   • If there’s reasonable cause, the Commission may assist in reaching a settlement.  
   • If no cause is found, the complaint may be dismissed. 

1. Discontinuance
   The Director may close a case if the complainant unreasonably rejects a fair settlement. This decision may be appealed.  
2. Hearing
   Unresolved complaints may proceed to a hearing before the Human Rights Panel.
    

⚠️ Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general awareness, is subject to change, and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance, please consult a qualified lawyer or legal service  provider (human rights lawyer, or a employment lawyer)