Important Deadlines
Last updated: April 16, 2026
Claims regarding workplace harassment are subject to certain legal deadlines. Depending on the type of claim, these time limits generally begin to run from the date of the last instance of harassment or the occurrence of the work-related injury.
Failure to meet these deadlines may result in the claim being dismissed.
If you have any questions about a deadline, we encourage you to contact the relevant agencies directly as quickly as possible. Some can be found on our Useful Links page in the Resources section.
Complaint of workplace harassment
Provincially regulated position, non-unionized
CNESST - Labor Standards
Psychological and/or discriminatory harassment (including sexual harassment)
→ 2 years
CDPDJ
Discriminatory harassment (including sexual harassment)
→ 2 years
Federal government position, non-unionized
CCDP
Discriminatory harassment (including sexual harassment)
→ 1 year
CFP
Psychological and/or discriminatory harassment (including sexual harassment)
→ 2 years
Unionized employment
→ Generally 2 years for a job under provincial jurisdiction.
The deadline for filing a grievance is determined by the collective bargaining agreement. Always check with your union.
Self-employed workers
CDPDJ
Discriminatory harassment (including sexual harassment)
→ 2 years
Receive income replacement
Employee Claim - Work-Related Injury
CNESST - Occupational Health and Safety
• Psychological harassment
→ 6 months
• Sexual harassment
→ 2 years
Benefits (e.g., unemployment insurance and health insurance)
Service Canada
→ As soon as possible
If the facts constitute a criminal offense
Claim for compensation for a criminal offense
IVAC
→ General time limit: 2 years depending on the incident
Alternative recourses
Dismissal and prohibited practices
CNESST - Labor Standards
→ 45 days following the dismissal or the contested action
Note: This page is intended solely for informational purposes; its content should in no way be interpreted or considered as a comprehensive statement of the law, nor as the author’s legal opinion or advice regarding specific factual cases or any of the legal issues mentioned herein. Contact the appropriate authorities for more information and to determine your eligibility and the conditions that may apply.