{"id":120148,"date":"2026-10-29T19:15:13","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T23:15:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakaymedia.org\/?p=120148"},"modified":"2026-10-29T19:15:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T23:15:13","slug":"racisme-au-travail-recours-quebec","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lakaymedia.org\/en\/racisme-au-travail-recours-quebec\/","title":{"rendered":"Racism or discrimination at work: what are your legal options in Quebec?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Short answer:<\/strong> In Quebec, your employer must provide you with a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. If you experience racism at work (insults, "jokes," exclusion, refusal to hire or promote, dismissal related to your origin), you have several options: speak to your employer or union, file a complaint with the CNESST<\/strong> for psychological harassment (within two years<\/strong> following the latest event), or file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission (CDPDJ)<\/strong> for discrimination. LAKAY can help you choose the right legal recourse.<\/p>\n

\n

Discrimination or harassment: what are we talking about?<\/h2>\n

Discrimination<\/strong>, It is being treated unfavorably because of a reason protected by the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms: race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion, language, sex, age, disability, etc. At work, it can affect hiring, salary, hours, promotions, training, disciplinary measures or dismissal.<\/p>\n

Psychological harassment<\/strong>, In the context of the Employment Standards Act, this refers to repeated hostile or unwanted words, gestures, or behaviours that undermine your dignity and create a toxic work environment. A single serious incident can be enough. Repeated racist remarks are a clear example.<\/p>\n

The two often overlap: repeated racist remarks are both harassment and discrimination.<\/p>\n

The steps, in order<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Keep a journal.<\/strong> Record each event: date, time, location, people present, exact words spoken, gestures. Keep emails, text messages, Teams or Slack messages, schedules, and evaluations.<\/li>\n
  2. Report the situation to your employer<\/strong> If possible, preferably in writing. The employer has an obligation to act and must have a harassment prevention policy.<\/li>\n
  3. If you are a union member, speak to your union.<\/strong> The recourse process generally involves filing a grievance, according to your collective agreement. The union must represent you fairly.<\/li>\n
  4. If you are not a union member, file a complaint with the CNESST<\/strong> for psychological harassment. The deadline is two years after the last event<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  5. For discrimination cases, you can also contact the CDPDJ.<\/strong>, free of charge, generally within three years of the events.<\/li>\n
  6. Take care of your health.<\/strong> If this situation is affecting you, consult a doctor. A work-related psychological injury may be eligible for a claim to the CNESST.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Key deadlines to remember<\/h2>\n