Workplace Harassment Claims in Ontario: Know Your Rights and Your Options
Workplace harassment can make going to work feel unsafe, humiliating, or unbearable. In Ontario, employees have legal protections against harassment and discrimination at work — and you may have the right to take action even if the harassment is subtle, ongoing, or coming from someone in a position of power.
At Cariati Law, our Ontario employment lawyers help employees understand their rights and pursue strong, practical solutions. If you are dealing with harassment at work, you do not have to “tough it out.” You can protect your health, your income, and your future.
What is workplace harassment under Ontario law?
In Ontario, workplace harassment is broadly addressed through:
- The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), which requires employers to have workplace harassment policies and programs and to investigate complaints.
- The Ontario Human Rights Code, which protects workers from harassment and discrimination based on protected grounds.
In plain terms, workplace harassment is unwelcome conduct or comments that a reasonable person would know are unwelcome. It can be verbal, physical, written, or online. It can happen in the office, on job sites, at work events, or through emails, texts, or messaging apps.
Harassment is not always one dramatic incident. Many cases involve a pattern of behavior that escalates over time — and the impact can be serious: anxiety, depression, missed work, damaged reputation, and even job loss.
Common types of harassment claims at work
Harassment claims can fall into different categories depending on what happened, who was involved, and whether the conduct relates to a protected ground.
1) Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual comments, jokes, touching, requests for sexual favors, or repeated flirting after you have made it clear it is unwelcome. It can also include:
- Sexualized comments about your body or appearance
- Sharing sexual images or content at work
- Pressure to go on dates or engage in sexual activity
- Retaliation after you reject advances
2) Discriminatory harassment (Human Rights Code harassment)
The Ontario Human Rights Code protects employees from harassment based on protected grounds, including:
- Race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin
- Religion/creed
- Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression
- Age
- Disability
- Family status
- Marital status
3) Workplace bullying and psychological harassment
Not all bullying is tied to a protected ground — but it can still be harmful and may still trigger legal options.
- Humiliation, insults, or yelling
- Spreading rumours
- Intimidation or threats
- Sabotaging your work
- Unreasonable criticism meant to break you down
4) Poisoned work environment
- Ongoing racist or sexist comments in the workplace
- Management ignoring repeated complaints
- A culture where harassment is normalized
- Sabotaging your work
- Unreasonable criticism meant to break you down
Even if the conduct is not directed at you personally, you may still have a claim if the environment is hostile and harmful.
5) Online harassment and harassment through workplace communications
- Email and internal chat platforms
- Text messages
- Social media posts or direct messages
- Group chats tied to work
6) Retaliation for reporting harassment
Many employees fear that speaking up will cost them their job or career.
- Demotion, reduced hours, or undesirable shifts
- Sudden negative performance reviews
- Exclusion from meetings or opportunities
- Termination after making a complaint
Retaliation may create additional legal exposure for an employer. If you believe you are being punished for reporting harassment, it is important to get legal advice quickly.
What should you do if you are being harassed at work?
How Cariati Law’s employment lawyers can help with harassment claims
Harassment cases are not just about “bad behaviour.” They are about your rights, your safety, and your livelihood. Our employment lawyers can help you:
- Assess whether you have a harassment claim under OHSA, the Human Rights Code, or civil law
- Advise you on the best strategy (internal complaint, negotiated exit, human rights application, or litigation)
- Communicate with your employer or HR so you do not have to face it alone
- Help you build evidence and a clear timeline of events
- Pursue compensation for lost income, harm to dignity, and other damages where available
- Protect you from signing a rushed settlement or release
Why it’s important to contact an experienced harassment lawyer
Workplace harassment claims can be complex. Employers often respond with internal investigations, legal counsel, and carefully worded communications. Having an experienced harassment lawyer helps you:
- Avoid mistakes that can weaken your case
- Understand deadlines and the right forum for your claim
- Push back against retaliation or pressure tactics
- Pursue a resolution that reflects the real impact on your life
Most importantly: you deserve to be taken seriously. A strong legal advocate can help ensure your complaint is not minimized, dismissed, or buried.
Speak with an Ontario workplace harassment lawyer today
If you are experiencing workplace harassment, sexual harassment at work, discrimination at work, or bullying in the workplace, you do not have to handle it alone.
Cariati Law is here to listen, explain your options in plain language, and help you take the next step with confidence.
Contact Cariati Law today to speak with an Ontario employment lawyer about your harassment claim.
