Summary: Workplace Bullying in Alberta

Workplace bullying in Alberta is defined as repeated, health-harming mistreatment that can involve verbal abuse, offensive conduct, or work interference.

Under the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, every employee has the right to a safe work environment. If an employer fails to address bullying, it may lead to a claim for constructive dismissal, allowing the employee to resign and receive full severance pay.

Legal Insight

Is Bullying Making Your Job Unbearable?

You don’t have to tolerate a toxic environment. Our Alberta team specializes in helping employees navigate bullying and harassment to protect their mental health and their careers.

On This Page:

What is Workplace Bullying in Alberta?

Workplace bullying refers to a pattern of repeated, unwelcome behavior intended to intimidate, degrade, humiliate, or undermine an individual or group of employees. Unlike a single heated argument, bullying in the workplace is often persistent and creates a psychological power imbalance.

Common examples of workplace bullying in Alberta include:

  • Constant unwarranted criticism or “nitpicking.”
  • Spreading malicious rumors or gossip.
  • Socially isolating or excluding an employee.
  • Setting impossible deadlines or withholding necessary information.
  • Verbal aggression, shouting, or using profanity.

Alberta OHS Rules for Bullying and Harassment

In Alberta, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act mandates that bullying and harassment in the workplace are considered health and safety hazards. Employers have a strict legal obligation to prevent these behaviors and protect their staff.

Under the law, an Alberta employer must:

  • Develop and implement a written harassment prevention policy.
  • Conduct a formal investigation when a complaint of bullying is made.
  • Take immediate action to stop the bullying behavior if it is occurring.
  • Ensure that employees who report alberta bullying in the workplace are not retaliated against.
💡 Fact: An employer who ignores a report of bullying in the workplace can face significant fines from OHS and may be held liable in a civil lawsuit.

Bullying and Constructive Dismissal

If the bullying has become so severe that it is impossible for you to continue working, you may be a victim of constructive dismissal. This occurs when an employer’s actions (or their failure to stop a bully) fundamentally change the terms of your employment contract.

In these cases, the law treats your resignation as a termination. This means you may be entitled to full severance pay in Alberta — up to 24 months’ compensation — even though you were the one who walked away.

⚠️ Before You Quit: Constructive dismissal is complex. Do not resign until you have spoken with an employment lawyer to ensure your claim is protected.

The Difference Between Bullying and Harassment

While people often use the terms interchangeably, there is a legal distinction in Alberta:

  • Workplace Harassment: Often involves unwelcome conduct based on “protected grounds” like race, sex, age, or disability. This is covered by the Alberta Human Rights Act.
  • Workplace Bullying: Can be “general” mistreatment that isn’t necessarily tied to a protected ground, but is still psychologically damaging. This is covered primarily by the OHS Act and Common Law.

Regardless of the label, if the conduct is creating a toxic environment, you have legal grounds to seek a resolution.

What To Do If You Are Being Bullied at Work

If you are experiencing bullying in the workplace in Alberta, taking the right steps early is critical for your legal case:

  1. Keep a Detailed Log: Record every incident, including dates, times, witnesses, and exactly what was said or done. Save emails and screenshots.
  2. Report it Internally: Follow your company’s policy to report the harassment or bullying in writing.
  3. Seek Medical Support: If the bullying is affecting your mental health, see a doctor. Their records can be vital evidence.
  4. Consult an Alberta Employment Lawyer: We can help you determine if your employer’s response is legally adequate or if you have a claim for severance.

Contact an Alberta Workplace Bullying Lawyer

The employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is dedicated to standing up for employees facing workplace bullying in Alberta. We understand the stress and anxiety a toxic workplace causes, and we are here to help you regain control.

➡️ Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

End Workplace Bullying Today

If your employer has failed to stop bullying or harassment, you may be entitled to leave with a full severance package. Let our Alberta experts protect your rights.

Get Legal Help Now

Advice You Need. Compensation You Deserve.

Consult with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. We are one of Canada's most experienced and trusted employment, labour and disability law firms. Take advantage of our years of experience and success in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.

Get help now