What is harassment?
Harassment is a form of discrimination.
It includes any unwanted physical or verbal behaviour that offends or humiliates you.
Generally, harassment is a behaviour that continues over time.
In some cases, serious one-time incidents can also be considered harassment.
Harassment occurs when someone:
makes unwelcome remarks or jokes about your race,
religion, disability or any of the other grounds of discrimination
threatens or intimidates you because of your sex, age, family status
or any of the other grounds of discrimination
makes unwanted physical contact with you,
such as touching, patting, or pinching
Examples of harassment
A bank-teller taunting you about wearing your hijab
A manager making offensive jokes in your presence about persons with disabilities
A colleague putting you down because of your sexual orientation
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome action,
conduct or comment of a sexual nature,
that affects or threatens to affect your job security,
working conditions, prospects for promotion or earnings,
or prevents you from getting a job,
finding living accommodations or receiving a public service.
Sexual harassment is usually an attempt by one person to exert power over another person.
Whether intentional or not, sexual harassment is discrimination,
and it is a barrier to equality.
It is emotionally abusive, and it creates an unhealthy,
unproductive atmosphere in the workplace.
Sexual harassment, like other forms of harassment,
happens across all genders and across all sexual orientations.
In some cases, one incident could be serious enough to be considered sexual harassment.
Examples of sexual harassment
Invading personal space, asking for hugs or other unwanted physical contact
Suggestive remarks, sexual jokes or compromising invitations
Visual displays of sexual or suggestive images
What can I do if I am harassed or if someone discriminates against me?
Discrimination and harassment are against the law in Canada.
If you fear for your safety, or the safety of others, contact the police.
If you believe you have experienced harassment or discrimination,
you may be able to file a human rights complaint with the Commission,
or with a provincial or territorial human rights agency.