Is It Illegal to Date Your Boss in Canada?

Dating your boss might sound like a workplace cliché — but for some Canadians, it’s a real situation. Whether it’s a genuine connection or a complicated entanglement, many people wonder: is it actually illegal to date your boss in Canada?

Here’s what you need to know about the legal, professional, and personal risks of getting involved with a supervisor or manager.

Is It Illegal to Date Your Boss?

No — it’s not illegal to date your boss in Canada. There are no federal or provincial laws that prohibit two consenting adults from being in a relationship, even if one person supervises the other.

However, what isn’t illegal can still be risky or inappropriate in the workplace. Power dynamics, conflicts of interest, and perceptions of favoritism can quickly create problems for both parties — and for the employer.

Why Boss-Employee Relationships Are Risky

When a relationship involves a manager and a subordinate, there’s a built-in power imbalance. Even if both people genuinely consent, others might view the situation as unfair or coerced.

Common issues include:

• Favouritism or bias: Promotions, raises, or scheduling decisions could appear influenced by the relationship.
• Harassment concerns: If the relationship ends, one party might feel pressured, uncomfortable, or retaliated against.
• Team morale problems: Co-workers may lose trust in management or HR processes.
• Legal liability: Employers can face claims under human rights or workplace harassment laws if boundaries are crossed.

What Makes a Relationship “Consensual”?

For a relationship to be considered consensual, both people must freely agree — without any form of pressure, fear, or coercion. This is especially important when one person has authority over the other.

Signs of a truly consensual relationship at work:

• The relationship is voluntary and mutual
• Both individuals feel comfortable disclosing it
• There are no threats, promises, or pressure related to job performance

Some companies ask employees to sign a consensual relationship agreement, confirming that the relationship is voluntary and outlining expectations for professional conduct.

When Does It Cross the Line Into Harassment?

A boss–employee relationship can cross into harassment if:

• One person uses authority or influence to pressure the other
• The attention or advances become unwelcome
• The relationship ends, but one person continues pursuing contact

Under Canadian human rights and occupational health laws, employers have a duty to maintain a safe and respectful workplace. That means investigating and addressing complaints of harassment — even if the relationship started as consensual.

What Should You Do If You’re Dating Your Boss?

If you’re in a relationship with your boss — or considering one — here are practical steps to protect yourself and your job:

1. Review your company’s policy on workplace relationships.
2. Disclose the relationship to HR if required.
3. Set boundaries at work — keep professional and personal interactions separate.
4. Document communications if issues arise.
5. Seek legal advice if you face discipline, demotion, or termination tied to the relationship.

The Bottom Line

It’s not against the law to date your boss in Canada — but that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Power imbalance, workplace gossip, and potential liability can make these relationships difficult to navigate.

Speak to an Employment Lawyer

If a relationship with your boss has led to unfair treatment, harassment allegations, or termination, you don’t have to handle it alone.

Talk to an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP — Canada’s most positively reviewed employment law firm.

Our team has:

• 👥 Successfully represented 50,000+ Canadians
• 💰 Secured millions in severance payouts
• ⚖️ Settled over 99% of cases out of court
• 📱 Free Termination Consultations — in some, but not all, cases
• ⭐ Earned 3,000+ 5-star Google reviews
• 🏆 Named on of Canada’s Best Law Firms

Call 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.