Employment & Labour
A Brief on 2SLGBTQI Realities and Policy in Canada
Every policy issue is a 2SLGBTQI issue.
2SLGBTQI individuals in Canada frequently experience discrimination, harmful practices, and harassment in the workplace. Coupled with higher rates of participation in low-wage and precarious employment, 2SLGBTQI individuals face significant disadvantages in acquiring secure employment and financial stability. This resource highlights how 2SLGBTQI individuals navigate employment and labour in Canada.
Below, we offer an in-depth look at how the issue of employment and labour impact 2SLGBTQI individuals. In particular, we discuss 2SLGBTQI individuals’ diverse experiences with:
- Working conditions
- Barriers to employment
- Precarious labour situations
Read the Brief
Quick Facts
- 2SLGBTQI individuals in Canada face high workplace discrimination and psychological harm (Rodomar et al., 2024).
- 72% of Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary (2STNB) people faced workplace discrimination, and 49% left jobs due to lack of acceptance (Rodomar et al., 2024).
- 19% of 2STNB individuals report being wrongly fired due to their identity (Rodomar et al., 2024).
- 74% of 2STNB individuals report hide or minimize their identity when job seeking (Rodomar et al., 2024).
- 2SLGBTQI people are overrepresented in low-wage, precarious jobs (Rodomar et al., 2024).
- Since COVID-19, 43% experienced underemployment, and 46% faced unemployment (Egale Canada, 2020).
- 2STNB individuals have higher unemployment due to discrimination, pandemic job loss, and leaving jobs due to bias (Rodomar et al., 2024).
Further Reading on this Topic
The Context of Employment and Labour in Canada, Explained
In Canada, individuals have the right to a workplace free of discrimination (Government of Canada, 2024). To protect this right, there are numerous programs and laws in place across the country. Employment and labour laws are designed to protect workers’ rights while ensuring fair and safe working conditions. Employment standards are primarily regulated at the provincial and territorial levels, with each jurisdiction having its own set of laws governing minimum wage, hours of work, overtime pay, vacation entitlements, and workplace safety.
Canadian labour law provides a legal framework that protects workers’ rights to unionize, engage in collective bargaining, and take job action such as strikes. These laws are governed by both federal and provincial legislation, with key statutes including the federal Canadian Labour Code (1985) (Government of Canada, 2022). Key principles of Canadian labour law include the right to unionize as well as protection for workers against unfair labour practices (Government of Canada, 2022). Canadian labour laws protect workers’ rights to organize and prevent employer retaliation, ensuring unions play a crucial role in advocating for job security, equitable labour practices, and workplace safety (Government of Canada, 2022).
The federal government regulates industries under its jurisdiction, such as banking, telecommunications, and transportation (Government of Canada, 2022). Workers are protected from discrimination, harassment, and unfair dismissal through various human rights and employment laws, such as the Canadian Human Rights Act (1985) and the Employment Equity Act (1995).
Additionally, workers’ compensation programs, like the Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance, provide financial support to workers in case of injury, illness, or job loss. Overall, these framework aims to balance the needs of both employers and employees to ensure a fair and equitable labour market.
Others in this Series
This series A Brief on 2SLGBTQI Realities and Policy in Canada raises awareness on how key topics across Canada impact 2SLGBTQI individuals and communities in both diverse and intersecting ways. This information is broken down and offered here to support more engagement and encourage 2SLGBTQI communities to participate in these issues that impact us all. Each brief aims to empower 2SLGBTQI communities and allies to step forward and realize our society’s potential, together.