CanadaWhat can I do if I am being sexually harassed at work?
You can report the harassment internally to your employer, file a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission (if federally regulated), or seek help from your provincial human rights body (if provincially regulated). You are legally protected from retaliation.
What the Law Says
Federal law in Canada clearly prohibits sexual harassment at work as a form of discrimination and as a violation of your right to a safe workplace. These protections apply if you work for a federally regulated employer (e.g., banks, airlines, telecoms, federal government).
Sexual harassment is illegal under two key federal laws. First, the Canadian Human Rights Act makes it a discriminatory practice to harass someone on a prohibited ground — including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and marital or family status.
Second, the Canada Labour Code guarantees every employee the right to a workplace free from harassment and violence — including sexual harassment — and requires employers to investigate complaints and take corrective action.
Both laws protect you from retaliation (like firing, demotion, or exclusion) for reporting harassment or participating in an investigation.
Statutory TextIt is a discriminatory practice to harass an individual on a prohibited ground of discrimination.
— Canadian Human Rights Act, s. 14 — Harassment
Statutory TextEvery employee is entitled to a workplace free from harassment and violence.
— Canada Labour Code, s. 247.1 — Right to be free from harassment and violence
What to Do
Tell the harasser to stop — if you feel safe doing so.
Report it to your supervisor, HR, or designated harassment officer per your employer’s policy.
Document everything: dates, times, witnesses, what was said/done, and how it affected you.
File a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission within 6 months of the last incident (if federally regulated).
Seek support: contact a union representative, lawyer, or community organization like the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
Sources
Same Question, Other Jurisdictions
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US-CaliforniaNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.