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Your Rights as an Older Worker

The BC Human Rights Code states that an employer cannot refuse to interview, hire or promote you or decide to fire you because of your age.

What can’t a prospective employer ask?

  • Your age
  • When you expect to retire

In BC, you are protected from age discrimination in the workplace related to:

  • employment (hiring, firing, or terms and conditions of employment);
  • age requirements in employment;
  • membership in a trade union, employer’s organization, or occupational association (such as excluding or expelling from membership because of age, or discriminating against a person or member due to their age)

If you have experienced age discrimination

  • If it is safe to do so, tell the person firmly that their actions or comments are unacceptable and ask them to stop. If you find this difficult, consider asking a friend for help.
  • Keep a written record of exactly what happened and when and what was said.
  • File a human rights complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal. Filing a complaint starts a legal process that is similar to a court proceeding. Assistance is available when either filing or responding to a complaint.