Know your rights
Employment rights in
British Columbia.
Most workers in BC are covered by provincial law: the BC Human Rights Code for discrimination and harassment, and the Employment Standards Act for wages, hours and termination pay. Federally regulated workplaces, such as banks, airlines, telecoms and interprovincial transport, follow federal law instead.
General information, not legal advice. Rules and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and situation, and can change. Check with the agency or a lawyer before relying on a deadline. Last reviewed October 14, 2026.
Who is covered
- The Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination in employment based on sex, among other grounds. It protects men and women equally.
- The Employment Standards Act sets minimum standards, including notice or pay on termination. Some occupations and unionized workers are partly or fully excluded.
- A wrongful dismissal claim in court is separate from both, and can seek reasonable notice beyond the statutory minimum.
Deadlines
Missing a deadline can end a claim. These are the general limits; exceptions are narrow.
| Route | Time limit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Human rights complaint (BC Human Rights Tribunal) | 1 year | From the discrimination, or the last incident if it was a continuing pattern. The Tribunal can accept a late complaint only in limited circumstances. Other processes, such as negotiations, do not pause the clock. Source: BC Human Rights Tribunal: time limit (opens in a new tab) |
| Employment standards complaint (Employment Standards Branch) | 6 months | After the last day of employment. Late complaints are refused except in special circumstances. Source: BC Government: file an employment standards complaint (opens in a new tab) |
| Wrongful dismissal lawsuit (BC courts) | 2 years | Generally from when you knew, or reasonably ought to have known, you had a claim (Limitation Act). Source: BC Government: Limitation Act (opens in a new tab) |
Where to go
What to do now
- 1Write down what happenedDates, what was said or done, who was present, and what you did in response. Do it now while it is fresh.
- 2Keep your recordsYour contract, policies, performance reviews, pay stubs, emails and messages you are entitled to keep. Do not take confidential employer material.
- 3Check which deadline appliesThe human rights and employment standards deadlines are much shorter than the court deadline.
- 4Get adviceA free clinic or a short lawyer consultation can tell you which route fits your situation.
- 5File in timeIf a deadline is close, file first. The Tribunal can be asked to hold a complaint while you pursue other options.
Free and low-cost legal help
- BC Human Rights ClinicFree legal help with human rights complaints, subject to eligibility and capacity.(opens in a new tab)
- Access Pro BonoFree summary advice from volunteer lawyers for people with low or modest incomes.(opens in a new tab)
- Lawyer Referral ServiceA short consultation with a lawyer at low cost.(opens in a new tab)
- ClicklawPlain-language legal information and a directory of BC legal services.(opens in a new tab)
Get your records in order
A private checklist and timeline that stays on your device. Bring it to the agency or a lawyer.