Harassment under the Human Rights Act is not simply a synonym for unpleasant behaviour. The Commission explains that human-rights harassment must be connected to another protected characteristic, while sexual harassment has its own statutory treatment.
Sources checked September 29, 2026.
Protected-characteristic connection
The Commission describes harassment as direct or indirect unwelcome conduct that must be based on another protected characteristic. That distinguishes a human-rights allegation from general workplace bullying or interpersonal conflict.
Forms harassment can take
Comments, remarks, gestures and other unwelcome conduct can be relevant. Context, repetition, seriousness, the protected characteristic and the effect of the conduct all matter to the legal analysis.
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment includes specified forms of unwanted sexual conduct, comments, solicitation and reprisal. It deserves separate treatment because the Act and Commission guidance define it specifically.
Where harassment protections apply
Human-rights protections operate within the areas covered by the Act. Employment is common, but harassment issues can also arise in housing, services and other protected areas.
Official sources
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission — Inquiry Form and intake criteria
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission — protected characteristics and prohibited areas
- Nova Scotia Legislature — Human Rights Act