How do I file a human rights complaint in Canada?

Human rights legislation prohibits discrimination in employment based on protected grounds such as race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and age. Both provincial/territorial human rights codes and the Canadian Human Rights Act (for federal employers) apply.

To file a complaint: identify the correct jurisdiction (provincial or federal employer), file at the relevant human rights commission or tribunal (e.g., Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, BC Human Rights Tribunal, or Canadian Human Rights Commission), within the applicable time limit (usually 1–2 years from the last discriminatory act). Most provinces provide free filing and representation assistance.

Remedies include compensation for financial loss, compensation for injury to dignity, feelings, and self-respect (no cap — awards of $30,000–$80,000+ are common in serious cases), reinstatement, policy changes, and public interest remedies. Unlike wrongful dismissal, human rights complaints can proceed simultaneously with other civil claims.