Job Interviews: Questions Employers Shouldn't Ask in Ontario

Under Ontario's Human Rights Code, employers must not discriminate when hiring. That includes asking questions on application forms or in interviews that directly or indirectly classify people by a protected ground.

Questions to avoid

• "How old are you?" or "When did you graduate high school?"
• "Are you married? Do you plan to have children?"
• "Where were you born?" or "What is your first language?" (unless a language is a genuine job requirement)
• "Do you have a disability or take medication?"
• "What religion are you?"

What employers can ask

• "Are you legally entitled to work in Canada?"
• "Can you perform the essential duties of this job, with or without accommodation?"
• Questions about skills, experience and qualifications.

If you are asked

1. You can politely redirect: "I'm happy to talk about my experience for this role."
2. Write down the question, who asked, and when.
3. If you think you were not hired for a discriminatory reason, you can apply to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, usually within one year.

Sources

• Ontario Human Rights Code
• Ontario Human Rights Commission

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General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: A job interview in an office · Taking notes during a job interview.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.