Can an employer discriminate because you never worked in Canada?

[SaugaBoss]

I applied for a job and was told I can not be considered because I do not have any Canadian experience. It was a crappy job and didnt require a degree or anything

just wondering though can they deny you for being an american and never working in Canada

 

[emmagail]

My wife had all Irish job history, and still got plenty of work. When it came to referees, if they care, they will ring. Agencies don't usually don't, but when she became permanent, they did ring 2 of them to Ireland.

Put down your job history as if it was in your own country.

 

[Leon]

They can not discriminate against you because of your nationality but I think experience still goes. They can say that your experience is so irrelevant to the job that this is why they could not consider you.

You can read about hiring and employment discrimination here: http://www.naalc.org/migrant/english/pdf/mgcanemd_en.pdf and you will also find the contact info for the different human rights commissions in each province at the bottom.

I think it is better just to move on though and keep applying. You will find something.

 

[SaugaBoss]

thank u... it was for a simple secretarial type of work. I am more than qualified for it. Just didnt appreciate the lady saying we cant consider u because u have never worked in canada

 

[AllisonVSC]

I'm sorry to Saugaboss, but get used to it...it happens all the time. I'm still hoping to get one foot in the door someday too, but I'm not gonna apply to Timmy's or MickeyD's

 

[SaugaBoss]

i actually called human rights and was on hold for ever so i hung up!

i need some advice though.

i basically got 2 job offers.

one at BMO as a call center rep the pay is not too good, full time position.

another at Maple Leaf Foods for their corporate office for a 1 year maternity leave contract but with benefits and i can apply to other positions after my contract. the pay is better than BMO

the only thing is obviously i am pregnant and due in July. i know maple leaf cant discriminate and i dont have a belly yet... can maple leaf let me go though bc it was a contract. if i get this job i am not going to take 1 year off maybe just a month or two. really confused. i dont want to burn bridges with maple leaf and i know 100% if i tell them the truth they wont hire me!


***cross posted***

 

[patiently_waiting]

i actually called human rights and was on hold for ever so i hung up!

i need some advice though.

i basically got 2 job offers.

one at BMO as a call center rep the pay is not too good, full time position.

another at Maple Leaf Foods for their corporate office for a 1 year maternity leave contract but with benefits and i can apply to other positions after my contract. the pay is better than BMO

the only thing is obviously i am pregnant and due in July. i know maple leaf cant discriminate and i dont have a belly yet... can maple leaf let me go though bc it was a contract. if i get this job i am not going to take 1 year off maybe just a month or two. really confused. i dont want to burn bridges with maple leaf and i know 100% if i tell them the truth they wont hire me!


***cross posted***

Sugaboss what are the probationary periods for each position? One things to consider is that companies can relieve you of your position for no given reason during your probationary period. This is very important because if you begin to show within your probation period, and you haven't been truthful with them they may dismiss you for not being honest. If your probation period is 6 months, you had best be upfront about your situation.

Good Luck!

 

[Canadian Career Coach]

SaugaBoss - you have to be careful, because they are trying to hire someone "in good faith" to currently replace someone whose on maternity leave. You would be on a year contract and they are looking for someone to full fill that obligation. They are being upfront and saying its a one year contract with no expectations/guarantee for later employment. Anyone taking the position should be able to (not with standing any unforeseen situations) commit to this contract in its entirety.

While overall they can't discriminate because you don't specifically have Canadian experience, like in any country if you don't have experience directly related to the position I may not hire you. Some positions require you to have specific Canadian experience because they involve rules, regulations, policies etc. Most companies want someone with some learning/training to be able to hit the ground running -- they don’t' want to spend extensive training $$ on a new employee when there are lots of other people out there that can likely walk right into the role.

Review your skills and always highlight your current and relevant experience to this market/position/industry. Show the interviewer any complementary skills you have that helps you stand apart from others.