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Nova Scotia Legal Resource
Legal dictionary · Nova Scotia

Discrimination: meaning in Nova Scotia human-rights law

A plain-language introduction to discrimination as a legal concept, with links to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act.

Editorial draft — not approved for publication. This general information is not legal advice. Verify current primary sources and seek qualified help when deadlines or rights are at issue.

Plain-language meaning

In the human-rights context, discrimination concerns disadvantageous treatment connected to a characteristic protected by the applicable law in an area the law covers. Whether particular facts establish unlawful discrimination requires legal analysis; not every difference in treatment is prohibited discrimination.

Why context matters

Identify the applicable federal or provincial law, the protected characteristic, the covered activity and the alleged connection between them. For Nova Scotia provincial matters, read the Act and the Commission’s public guidance.

Official primary sources

Legal information, not legal advice. This site is independent and is not operated by the Government of Nova Scotia or a court. Rules, forms and deadlines may change. Use the official sources and obtain advice about your own situation when necessary.