Discriminatory Hiring Practices in BC

Discriminatory Hiring Practices in BC

BySpraggs Law Posted on

Note: This article does not contain legal advice about employment law. If you would like advice on your specific situation, please contact Spraggs Law. Today, the Spraggs Law team discusses what British Columbians should know about discriminatory hiring practices in BC.

What are discriminatory hiring practices in BC?

While being discriminated against at work in British Columbia may sound straightforward, the fact is that many workplace discriminations can fly under the radar… leaving employees in vulnerable positions.

Here’s what you need to know as a job applicant:

You Do Not Have to Answer Discriminatory Hiring Questions

Job applicants in BC should know that it is inappropriate for employers to ask for the following information during an interview:

  • Birthplace, citizenship, and country of origin
  • Gender, sex, and sexual orientation
  • Marital status
  • Existing or potential future pregnancy
  • Age (with the exception being establishments, like bars, where employees must legally be above a certain age)
  • Genetics
  • Race or ethnicity 
  • Religion
  • Disability 

You Do Not Have to Pay Job Application Fees or Associated Costs

No one can charge you a fee for hiring you or for giving you information about employers who are offering work. Although job agencies may charge you fees for related services, like preparing resumes or photos, job applicants can find most of these services free of charge at public agencies such as WorkBC Centres.

Additionally, it is illegal for employers to charge applicants for:

  • Immigration assistance as a condition of being placed in a job
  • Costs the employer paid to an agency or anyone else to recruit the worker
  • A bond, deposit, or penalty to ensure that the worker will finish a work term

You Do Not Have to Work for Under Minimum Wage or Without Basic Working Conditions

Last but certainly not least, no job applicant has to accept a job offer that doesn’t meet British Columbia’s minimum wage or basic working conditions. These conditions include the current minimum standards for hours of work, overtime, and vacation.

Visit the B.C. Employment Standards website to be briefed on the minimum standards that apply to work in BC, as the technology, agriculture, and transportation industry sometimes have exceptions.

Unsure if You Are Facing Discriminatory Hiring Practices? Spraggs Law Can Help

Spraggs Law offers legal help to those living in BC regarding navigating employment law, as well as offering representation should the need arise.

Give us a call at 604-359-1627 to discuss how we can offer personalised assistance regarding discriminatory hiring practices based on your unique needs.