All Nova Scotians should be able to go to work, belong to a volunteer group, or have access to public services without being racially harassed. Under Nova Scotia's Human Rights Act, racial harassment is illegal in all areas of public life.
Racial harassment can be verbal or physical.
It can be a one-time event or a series of events. Unwelcome comment or action based on race, colour, or national, ethnic, or Aboriginal origin is racial harassment. Jokes, comments, or innuendos do not have to be told directly to or about a person to be harassment. If it is said in front of someone who is offended, it can be harassment. Anyone can file a complaint about someone's racist behaviour, regardless of their race, colour, or origin.