Discrimination: A primer

Myth or fact?

If someone didn’t intend to discriminate, there can be no discrimination.
  • Myth
  • Fact

Everyone is protected from discrimination. Discrimination is when you’re treated badly or unfairly because of certain parts of your identity. Examples include your race, sex, age, and 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

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 September 2022
  • Time to read: 11 minutes

Reviewed for legal accuracy by

Laura Track, Community Legal Assistance Society and Sara Hanson, Moore Edgar Lyster LLP

Laura Track
Sara Hanson

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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.