APPENDIX FIVE

Human Rights 101 (simplified)

Following is a synopsis of how human rights are viewed in the province. With regards to employment, it is illegal, under the Human Rights Code of British Columbia, to discriminate on the basis of:

• Race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, sex and age, and criminal record if unrelated to intended employment.

Discrimination is defined as:

• The unfair treatment of an individual, whether intended or not, on the basis of one or more of the categories stated above.

Harassment is defined as:

• Conduct that interferes with the creating or maintaining a climate or environment of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of each individual person.

Harassment includes:

• Offensive comments or conduct that is known, or ought to be known, to be unwelcome.

The workplace:

• Anywhere an employee's conduct has workplace impact or stems from a workplace relationship.

Burnham, Christine, "Transgendered Human Rights in the Workplace", GC Services' Research, Education, and Publication Division, p. 3.

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