If you have experienced discrimination while seeking employment or while employed, there are things you can do to stand up for yourself. In general, you should first try to resolve your concerns by speaking with the people who are directly involved informally and collaboratively.
If your concerns remain unaddressed, your options depend on the type of problem you may be experiencing. Consider consulting with a lawyer about the options that may be available to you.
If you feel that you have been treated unfairly due to your disability, filing a complaint under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission may be a good option. You can contact the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission or visit its Complaint Self‐Assessment page to get a better sense of whether your experience falls within the purview of the Human Rights Act. If your issue falls within the purview of the Human Rights Act, commission staff can help you file a complaint. Generally, you must make a complaint within twelve months of the incident. See the Human Rights Guide for more information.
If you are employed by a federally regulated organization/employer, then you may have the option of filing a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. To learn more about whether federal laws apply to your situation, you can start by visiting the Government of Canada’s website, titled List of federally regulated industries and workplaces.
The Labour Standards Code addresses issues and sets out minimum standards on topics such as hiring and firing, breaks, compensation, and various types of leave. Under the Labour Standards Code, the Director can bring complaints under the Act against an employer on behalf of an employee. If you feel you have been treated unfairly by your employer, in violation of the Labour Standards Code, you can contact Nova Scotia’s Labour Standards Division or visit their website to learn more about the complaints process.
The Labour Standards Code does not apply to unionized employees. If you are an employee in a union, you should contact your union representative.