Discrimination and Harassment

The Ontario Human Rights Code provides that everyone has the right to be free of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, disability, place of origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, family or marital status, among other prohibited grounds. 



This legislation also prohibits harassment on the basis of any of these grounds, such as racial or sexual harassment. We speak with many employees who have been subject to mistreatment by their employers or  co-workers. These can be very serious matters that can greatly affect an individual’s health and well-being. The law mandates that we are all entitled to work in harassment-free workplaces and that an employer has a positive obligation to create an environment appropriate for working. Where the work environment has become poisoned, an employee may be entitled to compensation for the emotional distress suffered and, in some situations, to damages from wrongful dismissal.

If you have been mistreated at work because of your age, race, gender, disability or any of the above-mentioned grounds, you may be entitled to compensation. At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we often represent individuals in discrimination complaints before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal. 



If you have been the victim of discrimination or harassment, it is very important to maintain records of such incidents, including dates, locations, the names of anyone involved and the nature of the conduct.

The process for making a complaint under the law can be complicated, and timelines must be considered. We can help you to assess whether you have grounds for a complaint and assist you throughout the process of enforcing your rights.