Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Help?
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.
Read More ...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.
Read More ...Law Library
News
September 21, 2017
The Government of British Columbia is re-establishing the B.C. Human Rights Commission. Everyone is welcome to contribute their views about the role, functions and priorities of the new commission.
Find out more about the consultation.
September 20, 2017
The Tribunal's Annual Report 2016-2017 has been tabled in the Legislature and can be found here.
September 15, 2017
The Tribunal is considering an amendment to Rule 7 – Representation before the Tribunal. We would like to receive feedback about the draft amendment by October 13, 2017. Read more.
May 12, 2017
The Tribunal has added leading cases to the law library. We will be adding content in the coming weeks. The first additions to the leading cases are in the areas of employment, tenancy, and publication.
May 3, 2017
Call for lawyers – BC Human Rights Tribunal ILA List
The BC Human Rights Tribunal is seeking lawyers who would like to put their names forward to provide independent legal advice [ILA] to participants at the Tribunal.
Generally, parties who are looking for ILA need it on an urgent and limited basis.
Interested lawyers, please email the following information under the subject [ILA List] to my attention at the address below:
- Name
- Contact information for ILA requests
- Who you could provide advice to (e.g. any party or complainants or respondents only)
- Topics on which you are able to provide advice, e.g.:
- Whether to agree to participate in a mediation with the member who will preside at the hearing
- Advice regarding settlement of a complaint
- Advice regarding Tribunal practice and procedure
- Advice regarding evidentiary matters
- Fee information you wish to provide
Steven Adamson,
Registrar
BCHumanRightsTribunal@gov.bc.ca
April 6, 2017
The Tribunal has made changes to its website to improve user accessibility. You will need to update your favourites.
January 30, 2017
To assist parties preparing for judicial review, the Tribunal has posted information about the standard of review including links to court decisions.
November 9, 2016
The Tribunal has posted information about compensation for injury to dignity, feelings, and self-respect, including case summaries.
Read More ...