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constructive (adverse effect)

Sometimes a rule or practice unintentionally singles out particular people and results in unequal treatment. This type of unintentional discrimination is called “constructive” or “adverse effect” discrimination.

For example, an employer has a rule that male employees must be clean- shaven. Using this rule, the employer refuses to hire a Sikh man who, according to his religion, is not allowed to shave. The rule is not “intended” to exclude Sikh men from a job, but it has this effect. Unless an employer can show that a change or exception to the rule would be too costly or create a health and safety danger, the employer should agree to change the rule.

3. Prima facie discrimination because of disability

From: Policy and guidelines on disability and the duty to accommodate

Once a disability within the meaning of section 10 of the Code is established, the individual has the burden of showing a prima facie case of discrimination.

Discrimination under the Code can be direct (refusal to grant a job or provide access to services or housing, for example, because of a disability), indirect, constructive (adverse effect) or based on society’s failure to accommodate actual differences.

Introduction

From: Policy on height and weight requirements

The Code states that it is public policy in Ontario to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every person and to provide for equal rights and opportunities without discrimination. The provisions of the Code are aimed at creating a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of each person so that each person feels a part of the community and feels able to contribute to the community.

Language-related grounds of discrimination: ancestry, ethnic origin, place of origin, race

From: Policy on discrimination and language

The first language we learn is frequently the language spoken by our parents or guardians and others who take care of us as children. There is almost inevitably a link between the language we speak or the accent with which we speak a particular language on the one hand, and our ancestry, ethnic origin or place of origin on the other.[4]

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