Human Rights at Work: Accommodating Family Obligations

2013 presented some significant new case law, but the Federal Court of Canada’s decision in Attorney General of Canada v. Johnstone was among the most important. In this key case, the Court upheld the decision of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that “family status” under the Canadian Human Rights Act includes an employer’s duty to provide accommodation for an employee’s childcare needs.

Does the Canada Labour Code Affect You? : Why Jurisdiction Matters

When Canada was formed with the British North America Act in 1867, provincial and federal powers were clearly separated in sections 91 and 92 of the Constitution. As a result of this separation of powers, Canadians recognize the inherent authority of the Federal Government over departments such as the military and the Canadian Mint, as well as provincial authority over questions such as education and natural resources. Similarly, employment law is divided between federal and provincial jurisdictions, depending on who the employer is or what industry it is engaged in.

Human Rights in the Workplace : The 13 Grounds for Discrimination in BC

The Federal government, along with every province and territory in Canada, has enacted legislation which prohibits discrimination on grounds such as race, sex, sexual orientation and disability in the provision of some services.  These services include discrimination in accommodation and tenancy, in unions and associations, as well as in employment.