Rights and Inclusive Workplace Policies
Rights in the Workplace
Canadians have the right to be treated fairly in workplaces free from discrimination, and our country has laws and programs to protect this right.
The Canadian Human Rights Act is a broad-reaching piece of legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity and other grounds
The Canadian Human Rights Act
In Canada human rights are protected by federal, provincial and territorial laws. Canada 's human rights law stem from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Canadian Human Rights Act is law to prohibit discrimination in employment and services within federal jurisdiction and ensure equal treatment to all employers and service providers.
Under the Act, Canadians are protected from discrimination when they are employed or receive services from:
- The federal government;
- First Nations governments or
- Private companies that are regulated by the federal government including banks, trucking companies, and telecommunication companies.
The Employment Equity Act
The Employment Equity Act is a federal law that requires federally regulated organizations and businesses to provide equal employment opportunities to four designated groups:
- Women
- Aboriginal peoples (First Nations, Inuit or Métis)
- People with disabilities
- Members of visible minorities
Who does the Act apply to?
Any organization or business (with at least 100 employees) that is regulated by the federal government has a legal obligation to comply with the Employment Equity Act.
Who does the Act mean for an employer?
It is the employer's responsibility to develop and implement employment equity program in consultation and collaboration with employee representatives
Inclusive Workplace Policy
Purpose: Set the expectations on how all employees should act and behave in the workplace
- Adheres to relevant legislation
- Human Rights requirements
- Organization rules of policy development
Types of Polices
- Accessibility
- Accommodation
- Benefits
- Communications
- Inclusive Workplace
- Interviewing
- Job Descriptions
- Job Posting
- Orientation & Onboarding
- Training
- Performance Management
- Recruitment & Selection
An inclusive workplace is always willing to change and grow to accommodate diverse needs and make things more equitable for all.
Writing an Inclusive Policy
State its purpose;
State who will be responsible for administering it
State the effective dates
Action Steps Include:
- Review your current practices
- Identify challenges and state the needed changes
- List actions for employees to take
Inclusive Policy Example
[Name of Organization] cultivates an inclusive and respectful workplace. This includes treating colleagues with dignity and fairness, and maintaining a workplace that is free of harassment, discrimination, and violence. It also means welcoming colleagues with different backgrounds and capabilities. This diversity brings our organization a wealth of experience that builds a better team.
Credits:
Created with images by Rosemarie - "ADA Compliant Gender Inclusive Symbol Restroom Wall Sign with Wheelchair Symbol and braille" • somemeans - "Judge Gavel and flag of Canada. Violation of human rights. Law and justice" • master1305 - "Teamwork. Young people discussing about women rights and equality at the office. Caucasian businesswomen or office workers have meeting about problem in workplace, male pressure and harassment." • Jacob Lund - "Grocery store workers laughing happily in their shop" • tomertu - "Concept image of employee handbook over wooden office table. top view" • Danon - "A young Indian Asian woman is having a business meeting with her team in a conference room. Her colleagues are diverse with a Caucasian brunette woman and a Chinese Asian woman"