Are downsizing and early retirement considered as forms of ageism?

As the law states, age discrimination is defined as forcing an employment decision (such as mandatory retirement) based merely on age rather than competence. Under federal and provincial human rights laws, age discrimination is prohibited in Canada. Under Ontario’s Human Rights Code, anyone above 18 is protected against age discrimination in the workplace. The law explicitly bans compulsory retirement and safeguards employees aged 65 or older from being forced to retire; unless there is a “bona fide occupational requirement” to justify the retirement age.