British Columbia Human Rights Code

Purpose To foster a society in British Columbia in which there are no impediments to full and free participation in the economic, social, political and cultural life of British Columbia; To promote a climate of understanding and mutual respect where all are equal in dignity and rights; To prevent discrimination prohibited by this Code; To identify and eliminate persistent patterns of inequality associated with discrimination prohibited by this Code; To provide a means of redress for those persons who are discriminated against contrary to this Code.

Discrimination Treating people differently, negatively or adversely because of their race, age, religion, sex, colour, sexual orientation, etc., that is because of a prohibited ground of discrimination.

Grounds for Discrimination Under the Canadian Human Rights Act, it is against the law for any employer or provider of a service that falls within federal jurisdiction to discriminate on the basis of: Race National or ethic origin Colour Religion Age Sex Sexual Orientation Marital status Family status Physical or mental disability (including dependence on alcohol or drugs) Pardoned criminal conviction

Harassment Whether by a supervisor or co-worker, creates a barrier to equality. By demeaning its victims, interfering with their ability to work effectively and, in some instances, even forcing them to resign. Despite the publicity surrounding this issue, studies consistently show that employees continue to face harassment in the workplace.

Harassment Is any unwanted physical or verbal conduct that offends or humiliates you. Harassment is a type of discrimination. It can take many forms, such as: –threats, intimidation, or verbal abuse; Is considered to have taken place if a reasonable person ought to have known that the behaviour was unwelcome. Unwelcome remarks or jokes, displaying sexist, racist or other offensive pictures or posters; sexually suggestive remarks or gestures; inappropriate physical contact, such as touching, patting, pinching or punching; physical assault, including sexual assault.

What to do Don ’ t ignore harassment. Report it. If you are harassed, there are several steps you can follow: 1.Make it clear to the harasser that his or her actions are not welcome. 2.Document your case. Keep a written record of the incidents, including times, places and witnesses. 3.If you are harassed at work, contact the appropriate person identified in your employer ’ s harassment policy

Company X’s Human Rights Policy Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to employment without discrimination Every person who is an employee has a right to freedom from harassment in the workplace Every person having legal capacity has a right to contract equal terms without discrimination