


Paul Boshyk Warns Employers about Questions Posed to Job Candidates
Paul Boshyk Warns Employers about Questions Posed to Job Candidates
In an interview with Catherine Skrzypinski for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), McMillan’s Paul Boshyk cautions employers and recruiters that certain questions that may seem innocent, could conflict with the provincial human rights laws that govern most employers in Canada. These provincial laws generally include provisions similar to the Canadian Human Rights Act (the Act).
In the article, Paul urged human resources departments to familiarize themselves with the prohibited grounds of discrimination, as well as their province’s human rights legislation.
In compliance with the Act, it is illegal for federal-sector employers to pose questions to candidates about a range of issues, including age, sex or gender, sexual orientation, religion or martial status. “Questions about an applicant’s availability to work after hours could reveal information about his or her family status or religion,” he said.
Other questions often asked at job interviews may be interpreted as discriminatory by the candidate, including those relating to eligibility to work in Canada. According to Paul, “Nonetheless, employers are legally required to obtain proof of eligibility to work in Canada at the outset of the employment relationship.”
Related News
McMillan Welcomes Andrew McFarlane Back to the Firm
McMillan LLP is thrilled to announce that Andrew McFarlane will be rejoining the firm as a Partner, in our financial services group at our Toronto office.
#EmbraceEquity this International Women’s Day 2023
Every year on March 8, we come together as a firm and worldwide to celebrate International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity. Equity is not something that we just speak about, but is something we need to live and value every day.
McMillan Achieves 141 Rankings in the 2023 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
Eighty-one of the firm’s lawyers are recognized in the 2023 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. In addition to this acknowledgement of our practitioners, McMillan is also listed as a recommended firm in 17 practice areas.
Get updates delivered right to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.