• Background: Hesameddin Abbaspour Tazehkand, a permanent resident in Canada of Iranian origin, applied for a position as an “Analyst (Master’s Degree Recent Graduates)” at the Bank of Canada in 2016. When his application was rejected without an interview, Dr. Tazehkand filed a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission, alleging discrimination based on race and national or ethnic origin??.

• Commission's Findings: After investigation, the Commission concluded that Dr. Tazehkand did not meet the essential qualifications for the position. It was found that he did not demonstrate academic focus or experience in monetary policy or financial system stability, which were critical for the role. The Commission also found no evidence supporting Dr. Tazehkand’s claim that his race or national or ethnic origin influenced the Bank’s decision??.

• Education Qualifications: Dr. Tazehkand holds a Master’s in Public and International Affairs from the University of Ottawa (2015), a PhD in Mathematics from the University of British Columbia (2012), and a Master’s in Mathematics from Simon Fraser University (2007)??.

• Appeal Outcome: The appeal was dismissed, aligning with the Commission's findings that Dr. Tazehkand’s non-selection was not based on racial or ethnic discrimination but on his lack of essential qualifications for the analyst positions??.

Conclusion:

The case demonstrates the complexities involved in discrimination claims related to employment. It underscores the importance of clearly demonstrating job-specific qualifications and the challenges in proving discrimination when key qualifications are lacking.