Your Workplace Rights in BC & Canada
In Canada, labor rights are protected by both federal and provincial legislation, ensuring that all individuals, including immigrants and visitors, enjoy fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, security, and protection against discrimination and unfair treatment. The British Columbia Human Rights Code, in particular, ensures that individuals are not discriminated against in the workplace based on race, religion, gender, disability, or other personal factors. It also establishes that employers must treat employees with respect and adhere to fair standards regarding personal appearance and working conditions, without allowing discrimination based on characteristics unrelated to job performance.
The law also addresses workplace harassment, promoting a safe environment where employees have the right to point out inappropriate behavior. Although exceptions exist, such as professional requirements for certain positions, the fundamental principle is that everyone must be treated equitably. Federal and provincial laws in Canada ensure that diversity is celebrated and that the rights of historically vulnerable groups—such as people with disabilities, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Indigenous communities—are protected, creating an inclusive and fair work environment.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms outlines essential rights and freedoms necessary for a free and democratic society. It is part of the Canadian Constitution and guarantees protections such as freedom of expression, mobility rights, legal rights, equality, and protections against discrimination.
This charter applies to all individuals in Canada—including citizens, permanent residents, and newcomers—and ensures that laws align with democratic values. It also specifies that these rights can be limited in certain situations, such as to protect national security or public safety. The Charter plays a vital role in safeguarding individual freedoms and promoting equality in all aspects of life.
For more information, check out the Constitution Act, 1982 on the Justice Laws Website.
Here are some activities to help you practice what you’ve learned!
Rights in the Workplace in BC and Canada
Media Attributions
Your Workplace Rights in BC & Canada Video
- “A man in overalls standing in a field” by cottonbro studio, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Employees in a Meeting Brainstorming” by Yan Krukau, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Woman Employee Cutting Flower Stems to arrange in a Vase” by Amina Filkins, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Worker Carrying a Delivery Box” by Tima Miroshnichenko, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Friends Greeting Each Other Outside their University” by George Pak, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Scale of Justice” by Sora Shimazaki, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Female Engineer in Reflective Vest” by Kindel Media, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Employees On A Busy Day In The Office” by fauxels, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Person Delivering a Package” by Kampus Production, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “A Woman Talking on the Phone” by Artem Podrez, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Coworkers Discussing about Work” by Kindel Media, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “A Couple Buying Stuffs In A Grocery” by Jack Sparrow, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Team Putting Hands Together” by Kindel Media, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “People Listening on a Discussion” by RDNE Stock project, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Three People Working In An Office” by Ketut Subiyanto, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “A Sad Man Looking at the Screen” by Ron Lach, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Pedestal Video of a Woman in Gray Blazer and White Shirt Posing at the Camera” by cottonbro studio, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “An Elderly Man in a Trendy Outfit Posing by a Wall with Graffiti” by RNDE Stock project, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “A Tattooed Man Looking at Camera” by cottonbro studio, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Angry Woman Talking to a Man” by Yan Krukau, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
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- “A Businessman Talking to His Client” by Sora Shimazaki, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “An Elderly Couple Signing a Contract” by Kamnpus Production, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Businessmen Handshake On A Done Deal” by Kampus Production, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “A Couple Trimming The Trees In A Plantation” by Anna Shvets, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Angry Boss Talking to Employee” by Yan Krukau, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “People Arguing Inside the Office” by Photo By: Kaboompics.com, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
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- “People Working Together” by Edmond Dantès, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Colleagues Having a Conversation” by Moe Magners, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
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