Equality of Opportunity and Freedom from Discrimination
In Manitoba, individuals and groups have human rights protections.
The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights" and recognizes and respects the value of all people.
In Manitoba, this ideal has been translated into law by The Human Rights Code, (The Code) which protects individuals and groups in Manitoba from discrimination.
Discrimination under The Code is treating a person or group differently, to their disadvantage and without reasonable cause, on the basis of a protected characteristic, such as ancestry, age or disability.
In addition, the Manitoba Human Rights Commission accepts complaints alleging discrimination against people because they belong to other disadvantaged groups not mentioned in The Code.
In addition to these listed grounds, The Code prohibits discrimination that is based on group stereotypes, rather than on individual merit such as criminal record.
Discrimination is prohibited in activities such as employment, housing, and services available to the public.
Publishing a discriminatory sign or statement that indicates or advocates discrimination is also prohibited.