Human rights

Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms owed to every person. In business law the term usually means statutory protection against discrimination in employment, housing, services and facilities on protected grounds such as race, sex, disability, age and sexual orientation. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects people against government action, not private businesses.

How BC law treats it

Private sector discrimination in BC is governed by the Human Rights Code, RSBC 1996 c 210, with complaints decided by the BC Human Rights Tribunal; federally regulated businesses fall under the Canadian Human Rights Act. Employers and service providers have a duty to accommodate to the point of undue hardship.

What it means for your business

A BC business must make hiring, workplace and customer service decisions without discriminating and must accommodate disability, religion and family status where needed.

Risks and common mistakes

Failing to explore accommodation before disciplining or dismissing an employee with a disability is a common and costly source of human rights liability.

Browse the full Fulcrum Law Dictionary for related terms.

General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.