In Alberta, employees who are caregivers to family members are protected by the Alberta Human Rights Act. Section 7 of the Alberta Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination due to family status. This means employers have the legal obligation to accommodate employees if at all possible. Family status protection includes those who are obligated to care for disabled, severely ill or elderly family members. The Alberta Human Rights Commission states: 

 

"An employer is required to make reasonable accommodations in situations where marital status or family status may interfere with an employee's ability to perform his or her duties in the workplace. However, if it can be shown that an employee cannot perform his or her duties because of family or marital status, and the requirements of the job to be performed are shown to be a bona fide occupational requirements, or if making accommodation would cause the employer undue hardship, the employer may refuse to employ, may re-deploy, or, if all else fails, may consider dismissing that employee."

 

Recent Canadian court cases have suggested the significance in accomodating employees. Toronto based lawfirm Turnpenney Milne states:

 

"[There is] significant responsibility on employers to engage, work with, and assess the needs of employees with family obligations. Given this onus and the serious consequences of a breach, employers would be well advised to consult with counsel when face with family status/accommodation scenarios."