WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION LAWYER

Broadly speaking, discrimination at work exists when two things occur:
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1. You experience negative or adverse treatment at or related to work, and
2. The negative/adverse treatment is related to a ground under Ontario's Human Rights Code
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There are sixteen protected grounds under the Code, including disability, race, creed, and sex. So, if you are experiencing bad treatment and you think it is because of a ground, it might be discrimination. Discrimination can also exist when you are adversely impacted by a rule, policy, or practice because of a ground.

Discrimination at work can take many forms. Here are a few examples:
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→ Being fired because of a disability, or accommodation request
→ Being denied workplace accommodation related to your disability, child care needs, creed, etc.
→ Being denied a promotion or training opportunity because of your disability, race, where you are from, etc.
→ Receiving unreasonable discipline because you raise human rights concerns, or ask for accommodation  
→ Being treated negatively (including being fired or demoted) because you need a parental or disability leave
→ Being paid less than a co-worker, or receiving less opportunity than a co-worker, due to your sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity
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This list is in no way exhaustive. The sad thing is, there are countless ways you can experience discrimination at work.

There are many ways a lawyer can help you address discrimination at work. A lot will depend on what you are dealing with. A few things a lawyer can help you with:
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→ Get accommodation at work for disability, family status or other Code related needs.
→ Improve your work environment
→ Rectify a missed promotion or unfair punishment
→ Get you reinstated to your position
→ Get you damages (money) for the injury to your dignity, feelings and integrity that the discrimination caused
→ Get you lost wages from the date of your termination
→ Help you return to work after a disability leave

You should contact a lawyer as soon as you have concerns about work. This will help ensure you do not take any missteps in asserting or claiming your rights. You have many options available to do this.

First, you can contact your local community legal clinic to find out about free services in your area. You can find more Information about local clinics here.

In addition to local clinics, there are many speciality clinics in Ontario. These clinics focus on helping specific individuals including Seniors, Black Canadians, people living with HIV & AIDS, and people living with disabilities. You can find more information about these speciality clinics here.

‍You can also contact the Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC).

If you'd like to work with a private lawyer, Kompa Law practices exclusively in Employment and Human Rights Law. We are well positioned to help individuals throughout Belleville, Trenton, Quinte West, Napanee, Brighton, Prince Edward County, Kingston, Cornwall, and Ontario. Please contact us for more information.