For Individuals

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Act prohibits actions that discriminate against people based on a protected characteristic in combination with a prohibited area (see below).

Protected Characteristics

  • Age

  • Race

  • Colour

  • Religion

  • Creed

  • Ethnic, national or aboriginal origin

  • Sex (including pregnancy and pay equity)

  • Sexual orientation

  • Physical disability

  • Mental disability

  • Family status

  • Marital status

  • Source of income

  • Harassment (and sexual harassment)

  • Irrational fear of contracting an illness or disease

  • Association with protected groups or individuals

  • Political belief, affiliation or activity

  • Gender Identity

  • Gender Expression

  • Retaliation

In addition to protection from discrimination, the Act also prohibits harassment based on any of these characteristics, and prohibits sexual harassment in all areas of public life.

Prohibited Areas

  • Employment

  • Housing or accommodation

  • Services and facilities (such as stores, restaurants or provincially funded programs)

  • Purchase or sale of property

  • Volunteer public service

  • Publication, broadcasting or advertisement

  • Membership in a professional, business or trade association, or employers' or employees' organization