Removing Barriers Part 1 Legal Framework

Table of Contents

The 1982 Charter of Rights and Freedoms was the first constitutional recognition of the right to equality in Canada. Since then, Canadian law has reinforced and built upon this recognition of the equality of people. For example:

In addition, selection and assessment for employment in the federal Public Service must be guided by merit. Standards governing the selection and assessment of candidates must be free from discrimination, and assessment methods must treat all candidates in a non-discriminatory manner, with accommodation provided so that each candidate is assessed according to his or her personal characteristics, rather than presumed group characteristics.

In short, Canadian law prohibits discrimination in employment practices on grounds such as race, national or ethnic origin, colour and religion. As well, Canadian law requires that, for members of the four designated employment equity groups, barriers in employment be identified and removed, and that accommodations be made.

Appendix A provides more detailed information on the legal framework as it relates to fair assessment in a diverse workplace.

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