FAQ

What is racial profiling?

Racial profiling is a specific type of racial discrimination that pertains to safety and security. The OHRC currently defines racial profiling as:

[A]ny action undertaken for reasons of safety, security or public protection that relies on stereotypes about race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, or place of origin rather than on reasonable suspicion, to single out an individual for greater scrutiny or different treatment.

The Human Rights Code says employers must not use application forms or ask questions of job applicants, which directly or indirectly ask them to give information about a “ground of discrimination”.  For example, asking for information about a driver’s licence, when it may not be an essential duty of the job, may prevent or discourage someone from applying for a job - such as a person with a disability who is limited in their ability to drive.  Also, asking a job applicant to

Employers have a duty to accommodate an employee’s creed to the point of undue hardship, including by providing time off for religious holidays.

Students often come to us through OPS programs for youth and new professionals. Visit the Youth and New Professionals portal on the OPS Careers website to learn about internships, co-ops and summer employment opportunities.