What are common grounds for workplace discrimination prohibited by the Canadian Human Rights Act?

The correct answer highlights the fundamental categories that are explicitly protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act. It encompasses characteristics that are widely recognized as being at risk of discrimination in various employment contexts.

Race, gender, disability, and sexual orientation are all identified grounds that can lead to unequal treatment in the workplace. The Act aims to prevent discrimination based on these characteristics to promote equality and fairness in employment. For instance, discrimination due to race or gender can manifest through hiring practices, promotions, or workplace harassment. Similarly, disabled individuals and members of the LGBTQ+ community are often subject to specific prejudices and challenges, underscoring the need for protection.

The other options do not reflect the primary characteristics that the Act addresses. Job performance, attendance, and salary are related to an employee's work and performance metrics rather than personal characteristics, meaning they are not grounds for discrimination under the Act. Department, experience, and educational background may be relevant for hiring decisions but do not pertain to protected human rights grounds. Lastly, while age and marital status are part of the Act's protections, geographic location is not considered a protected ground for discrimination, making the other answer options irrelevant to the spirit of the Canadian Human Rights Act.