Frequently Asked Questions

What are Human Rights?

Why are some protected and others not?

Who Can Help?

Who Else Can Help?

Links

Human Rights, Duties & Remedies

Everyone in British Columbia has rights and duties under the Human Rights Code.

The Code's purposes are to make sure that people can participate equally in the economic, social, political and cultural life of British Columbia. The Code does this by forbidding discrimination based on certain personal characteristics in areas of daily life.

Complaint Process

The process starts with someone making a complaint. The Tribunal decides if the complaint was filed within the time limit and sets out possible discrimination. If so, the Tribunal notifies the respondent. There are options available to the parties. They can agree to settle the complaint. The respondent can respond to the complaint and can apply to have the complaint dismissed. If the complaint is not resolved or dismissed, the Tribunal holds a hearing to decide if there was discrimination.

Law Library

The law library includes:

News

January 28, 2019
Effective today, the Tribunal's address is:

1270 - 605 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 5J3

January 9, 2019
The Tribunal's reception is moving to the 12th floor on January 28, 2019. As of that date, the Tribunal's address will be:

1270 - 605 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 5J3

November 27, 2018
The Human Rights Amendment Act, 2018 (Bill 50), received Royal Assent today.

The following amendments come into effect on Royal Assent

The time limit for filing a complaint is now one year. Section 22 and 27(1)(g) are amended. The Tribunal has amended the forms and Rules to reflect this change.
The office of the Human Rights Commissioner is created and given powers.
The Commissioner has the right to intervene in a complaint. Section 22.1 and the definition of "intervenor" are amended.
Sections 5 and 6 of the Code are repealed.

Some amendments will come into effect by regulation:

Responsibility for special programs will shift to the Commissioner. Sections 42 will be amended; s. 27.3(2)(l) will be repealed; and the new s. 47.12 will be amended.
The commissioner will have the power to initiate inquires.
The commissioner will have the power to obtain copies of complaints and responses.
The Legislative Assembly will be able to refer a matter to the Commissioner.
Anyone who participates or may participate in an inquiry will be protected from retaliation and the definition of discrimination will be amended.

November 16, 2018
The Tribunal is asking for input about how to protect both privacy and freedom of expression in relation to its process. See the tribunal notices page for more information. Please provide your input by December 14, 2018.

November 1, 2018
The BC Government today introduced the Human Rights Code Amendment Act, 2018. The legislation will establish a Human Rights Commissioner. On Royal Assent, the legislation will also change the time limit for filing a complaint from six months to one year. See the Government's News Release.