Maple News reports that while landing a job interview as a newcomer to Canada can be an exciting milestone, it’s important for job seekers to be aware of their rights under Canadian law. New immigrants often find themselves in vulnerable situations—especially when facing financial pressure—which may lead them to overlook inappropriate or discriminatory practices during the hiring process.
In Canada, all employers must comply with federal and provincial human rights legislation, most notably the Canadian Human Rights Act. This law prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, religion, nationality, age, gender identity, disability, marital status, and other personal characteristics. Newcomers should be aware of these rights to ensure they are treated fairly and professionally.
To discourage discrimination in the hiring process, Canadian resumes typically exclude personal information like age, marital status, living arrangements, and photographs. Employers are expected to focus solely on professional qualifications, including education, relevant experience, and job-specific skills.
During an interview, employers may only ask questions directly relevant to a candidate’s ability to perform the job. For example, they are permitted to ask if you are legally authorized to work in Canada or whether you’re fluent in a required language. However, they’re not allowed to ask about your citizenship status, country of origin, or your first language.
According to best practices recommended by organizations like the Ontario Human Rights Commission, structured interviews help reduce bias. By preparing standardized questions and scoring systems in advance, hiring managers can ensure a fairer and more objective selection process.
Examples of prohibited questions include inquiries about your religion, intent to have children, medical history, or financial situation. While some personal information may overlap with job roles—for instance, availability for weekend shifts—interviewers must frame such questions carefully to avoid violating human rights policies.
Being informed empowers newcomers to advocate for themselves. Knowing what questions are off-limits can allow candidates to navigate the Canadian job market more confidently and seek out employers who value diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Maple News encourages job seekers to explore local employment standards offices or legal aid services for further guidance on employment rights in your province or territory.