Programs

Are you thinking about filing a complaint under the Canadian Human Rights Act, or do you have an ongoing complaint in that process? If so, WERC-CÉDT is here to help.

The Canadian Human Rights Act is Canada’s federal anti-discrimination law. It protects you from discrimination (unfair treatment based on your sex, race, disability, or other personal characteristic) by federal organizations, including: 

• The federal government 
  
• Crown corporations 
  
• Banks 
  
• Airlines 
  
• Ports and airports 
  
• Railway companies 
  
• Telecommunications companies 
  
• First Nations bands 

If you have filed a complaint, or you are thinking of filing a complaint, under the Canadian Human Rights Act, and you have questions about the process, you can receive a free, confidential, 30-minute legal information session. 

Please note: the sessions are for legal information only (general guidance on the law and the complaint process), and not legal advice or representation.

To request a one-on-one legal information session, click the button below to complete a request form.

If you are a lawyer and would like to volunteer to deliver legal information sessions as part of this project, please email Legal and Programs Director Amanda Montague-Reinholdt.

Are you thinking of filing a discrimination complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission? Do you have an ongoing complaint under the Canadian Human Rights Act?

WERC-CÉDT is developing a plain-language guide for self-represented complainants to help you navigate the CHRA process. The guide will include information on preparing a complaint, responding to requests from the Canadian Human Rights Commission for submissions or evidence, and other procedures in the complaint process.

We anticipate publishing the CHRA Guide in September 2026. To stay informed, consider becoming a member and receiving our newsletter.

This project has received financial support from the UNIFOR SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND, PUBLIC SERVICE ALLIANCE OF CANADA and ASSOCIATION OF CANADIAN FINANCIAL OFFICERS. 

WERC-CÉDT is conducting surveys of workers in Ottawa about their legal problems at work. The information in these surveys will guide future WERC-CÉDT programs to meet the needs of Ottawa’s workers.

For more information, email us.

Are you a frontline community support worker who helps people in Ottawa navigate their legal workplace problems? We want to hear from you!

As part of the Ottawa Worker Community Consultation Project, WERC-CÉDT is interviewing community support workers who advocate on behalf of Ottawa workers with legal problems. Community support workers play a crucial role trying to fill a gap for workers who lack access to other legal supports, and can provide important insight into the needs and circumstances of vulnerable workers in Ottawa. The information in these surveys will guide future WERC-CÉDT programs to meet the needs of Ottawa’s workers.

If you would like to participate in this project, please email us.