Our Commitment

Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Policy

CareO’Clock is committed to delivering home care services in an environment where every person (client, caregiver, or staff member) is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. This policy is grounded in provincial, national, and international human rights law.

CareO’Clock operates in full compliance with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 214, the Canadian Human Rights Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. H-6, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Part I of the Constitution Act, 1982), and the principles set out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006). This policy applies to all platform activities, employment relationships, service delivery, and vendor engagements.
Legal Foundations
Nova Scotia Human Rights Act NS Accessibility Act, S.N.S. 2017, c. 2 Canadian Human Rights Act Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44 UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights UN CRPD (2006) ILO Decent Work Agenda
“Every person has a right to full and equal recognition and to enjoy and to be accorded the rights and freedoms set out in this Act without discrimination on the basis of age, race, colour, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical disability or mental disability, ethnic, national or aboriginal origin, family status, marital status, source of income, political belief, affiliation or activity.” Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, s. 5
Prohibited Grounds of Discrimination

Gender Identity & Expression

Including sex, sexual orientation, and gender expression per NS HRA s. 3(o) & s. 3(p).

Physical & Mental Disability

Encompassing all forms of disability; duty to accommodate to the point of undue hardship.

Race, Colour & Ethnic Origin

Including national or Aboriginal origin under NS HRA s. 5 and CHRA s. 3.

Religion & Creed

Freedom of religion and conscience is protected; reasonable religious accommodation is provided.

Age

No person shall be treated adversely on the basis of age in access to services or employment.

Family & Marital Status

Including source of income per NS HRA, particularly relevant in home care access contexts.

Political Belief or Affiliation

No adverse treatment based on political opinions, beliefs, or associations.

Pregnancy & Parental Status

Protected under sex discrimination provisions; maternity and parental leave rights are upheld.

Indigenous Identity

Consistent with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and UNDRIP principles.

Our Policy Commitments

Equal Access to Services

  • All clients are matched and served without regard to any prohibited ground of discrimination.
  • Care plans are adapted to respect cultural, religious, linguistic, and personal preferences.
  • No client shall be refused services on discriminatory grounds.
  • Accessible communication formats are provided upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

  • Hiring, promotion, scheduling, and termination are based solely on merit and operational need.
  • All caregivers are entitled to a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.
  • Pay equity is upheld in compliance with NS Employment Standards and federal principles.
  • Consistent with the Employment Equity Act, we actively work to remove systemic barriers.

Accessibility & Accommodation

  • CareO’Clock complies with the Accessibility Act (NS), S.N.S. 2017, c. 2 and strives for WCAG 2.1 AA digital accessibility.
  • Accommodation requests are assessed individually and fulfilled to the point of undue hardship.
  • Assistive technology compatibility is maintained across the platform.
  • Accommodation processes are confidential and documented.

Freedom from Harassment

  • Harassment, including sexual harassment, is strictly prohibited under NS HRA s. 5 and CHRA s. 14.
  • All complaints are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and resolved impartially.
  • Retaliation against any person who raises a human rights concern is expressly prohibited.
  • Caregivers receive anti-harassment orientation as part of onboarding.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

  • CareO’Clock recognises the value of a diverse workforce reflective of the communities it serves.
  • We support equitable outcomes, not merely equal treatment, where systemic disadvantage is present.
  • Leadership is accountable for fostering an inclusive platform culture.
  • Indigenous cultural safety training is integrated into caregiver development.

International Standards Alignment

  • Policy design is informed by the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Arts. 1, 2, and 23.
  • The dignity and independence of persons with disabilities is upheld per the UN CRPD, Art. 19.
  • Worker rights reflect ILO Core Conventions on non-discrimination and decent work.
  • We support the UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 1 (UN, 1948)
Raising a Human Rights Concern
1

Submit a Concern

Any client, caregiver, or staff member may report a human rights concern by contacting CareO’Clock directly at [email protected] or through the platform’s secure messaging system. All submissions are treated as confidential.

2

Acknowledgement & Initial Review

CareO’Clock will acknowledge receipt within 2 business days and assign a designated reviewer. Interim protective measures may be implemented immediately where risk of harm exists.

3

Investigation

A fair, impartial, and timely investigation is conducted. Both parties are provided an opportunity to present their account. Investigations are completed within 30 calendar days where practicable.

4

Resolution & Remediation

Where a violation is found, CareO’Clock will implement appropriate corrective action, which may include training, process changes, or disciplinary measures. The complainant is informed of the outcome.

5

External Recourse

Any person who is unsatisfied with the outcome retains the right to file a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission (nshumanrights.ca) or the Canadian Human Rights Commission (chrc-ccdp.gc.ca) at any time.

Policy Owner: CareO’Clock Operations & Compliance  |  Effective Date: Feb 18, 2024  |  Review Cycle: Annually or upon legislative change.
This policy is reviewed in consultation with applicable provincial and federal human rights guidance. CareO’Clock is committed to continuous improvement of its human rights practices and welcomes feedback from clients, caregivers, and community partners.

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