Which laws protect against discrimination in housing in Nova Scotia?

• A. Laws that permit discrimination in housing.
• B. Laws against discrimination in housing; protected classes include race, color, religion, sex, age, family status, disability; NS Human Rights Act and Canadian Human Rights Act apply.
• C. Housing discrimination is allowed.
• D. Only federal laws apply; provincial acts do not.

Answer: (B)

Discrimination in housing is illegal because laws protect people from unfair treatment by landlords and housing providers. In Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act forbids denying housing, imposing different terms, or otherwise treating someone unfavorably because of protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, age, family status, or disability, among others. At the federal level, the Canadian Human Rights Act prevents discrimination by federally regulated housing providers and ensures a consistent standard nationwide. Because housing can fall under provincial or federal jurisdiction depending on the provider, both acts can apply. That’s why the best answer notes that laws against discrimination in housing exist and that protected classes include those listed, with both the NS Human Rights Act and the Canadian Human Rights Act applicable. If discrimination occurs, individuals can pursue remedies through the respective human rights commissions.