The Alberta Human Rights Act

Alberta Human Rights Law

In Alberta, as a fundamental principle, all persons are equal in: dignity, rights, and responsibilities without regard to race, religious beliefs, color, gender, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, or family status. This applies to all laws in the Province of Alberta. The Act provides a Code of Conduct to prohibit discrimination in publications, discrimination in the supply of goods and services, discrimination in tenancy or accommodation and discrimination in employment on the grounds listed above. The Act also prevents retaliation against a person who makes a complaint under the Act.
The Alberta legislation has the title of the Alberta Human Rights Act. It is administered by the Alberta Human Rights Commission. Complaints may be directed to the Alberta Human Rights Commission (see Legal and Community Resources for contact information). Complaints must be made within one year after the conduct occurred. After the Commission receives the complaint, the Commission attempts to settle the complaint between the parties. If settlement is not achieved, the Commission may hold a Hearing into the conduct. If a breach of the Act is found, the Commission may issue an Order that the contravention of the Act shall cease and may also compensate the person dealt with contrary to the Act for wages, income, or expenses incurred by reason of the contravention of the Act. The Order of the Commission may be filed in the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench for enforcement.