Request Workplace Discrimination Investigation - Calgary

Civil Rights and Equity Alberta 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Alberta

In Calgary, Alberta, employees and job applicants who believe they experienced workplace discrimination can request an investigation through the province's human rights process or follow employer complaint routes. This guide explains how to start a complaint, what official offices handle investigations, what evidence helps, and practical next steps for reporting discrimination in a Calgary workplace.

Act promptly to preserve evidence and witness contacts.

What counts as workplace discrimination

Workplace discrimination covers differential treatment, harassment, or adverse actions based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other grounds set out under provincial human rights law. For Calgary municipal employees, check your employer's respectful-workplace policies and internal reporting procedures.

How to request an investigation

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary enforcement body for human-rights workplace complaints in Calgary is the Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC). Remedies under the human-rights process typically focus on orders and compensation rather than criminal fines; specific fine amounts are not set out on the AHRC information pages cited here.[1]

Human-rights remedies are generally ordered by panels or negotiated settlements rather than fixed statutory fines.
  • Enforcer: Alberta Human Rights Commission handles intake, mediation, and referral to adjudication. 
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop discriminatory acts, reinstatement, changes to workplace policies, training orders, or other remedies — details are case-specific and not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Monetary compensation: awarded in some cases for injury to dignity, loss of income, or related losses — specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Investigation and inspection pathways: complaints are screened and may be investigated or referred to mediation or adjudication by the AHRC; procedural details and timeframes are described on the AHRC site. [1]
  • Appeals/review: specific appeal time limits and routes are not specified on the cited AHRC complaint information page; consult the commission for current procedural timelines.[1]

Applications & Forms

  • Human Rights Complaint Form: see the AHRC complaint form and instructions. Human Rights complaint form[2]
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: follow the AHRC form instructions for online, mail, or other submission methods; see the form page for details.[2]

Practical action steps

  • Gather and preserve evidence: emails, schedules, witness names, medical notes where relevant.
  • Complete the AHRC complaint form and submit per the instructions on the AHRC site. [2]
  • Keep a chronology of events and note any internal employer complaint steps you took.
  • Contact the AHRC or your employer's HR or Employee Relations office for guidance on interim measures and protection.

FAQ

How do I request an investigation into workplace discrimination?
File a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission using their complaint form, or follow your employer's internal complaint process if applicable; see the AHRC filing page for instructions.[1][2]
Is there a fee to file a human-rights complaint?
The AHRC information pages do not list a filing fee; consult the commission pages for current details.[1]
Can I use City of Calgary internal procedures and also file with the AHRC?
Yes; internal employer processes and a provincial complaint are separate. Check your employer's policies for any required internal steps.[3]

How-To

  1. Document incidents with dates, times, witnesses, and supporting records.
  2. Complete the Alberta Human Rights complaint form and follow submission instructions.[2]
  3. Provide any requested information to AHRC intake officers and participate in mediation if offered.
  4. If unresolved, the matter may proceed to adjudication or formal remedies per AHRC procedures.

Key Takeaways

  • File promptly and preserve evidence to support a human-rights complaint.
  • The Alberta Human Rights Commission is the primary enforcement body for workplace discrimination complaints in Calgary.
  • Use the official AHRC complaint form and follow employer internal policies where applicable.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Alberta Human Rights Commission - Filing a complaint
  2. [2] Alberta Human Rights Commission - Complaint form
  3. [3] City of Calgary - Workplace harassment and violence

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