Discrimination in accessing health care

What are my rights?

Can a health care provider refuse to treat me because of who I am?
  • Yes
  • No

When you access health care services in BC, the law protects you from discrimination. You can’t be treated badly or unfairly because of any part of your identity protected under human rights law, such as your race, sex, or any disability. Learn to identify discrimination, and steps to take if you’re discriminated against.

Content warning

This page describes experiences of discrimination, including racism and homophobia. It may bring up difficult or traumatic memories or emotions.

What you should know

Work out the problem

Common questions

Who can help

The BC Human Rights Tribunal lists organizations that can help if you feel you’ve been discriminated against. Below are some of the key ones.

  • This information applies to British Columbia, Canada
  • Reviewed for legal accuracy in March 2021
  • Time to read: 10 minutes

Reviewed for legal accuracy by

Lisa C. Fong, KC, Ng Ariss Fong and Laura Track, Community Legal Assistance Society

Lisa C. Fong, KC
Laura Track

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Options for legal help

We are grateful to work on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, whose Peoples continue to live on and care for these lands.