News

May 9, 2023

The Tribunal has extended the Case Path Pilot a further six months while it completes its process review.

April 19, 2023

The BC Human Rights Tribunal is seeking volunteers for an Advisory Group to make recommendations about the process for resolving human rights complaints on behalf of a class or group. Please review 2023 Call for Expressions of Interest and express your interest by May 5, 2023.

April 11, 2023

The Tribunal has extended the time to provide input about possible changes to improve its processes to April 21, 2023. Please see Process Review for details.

February 24, 2023

BCHRT Member Opportunities

Information Session for BCHRT Member Opportunity: March 3, 2023, 12:00pm via Teams – The BC Human Rights Tribunal is recruiting Tribunal Members to adjudicate human rights complaints brought under the BC Human Rights Code. The Tribunal is hosting an information session online to answer questions about this opportunity. To register, please email Kate O’Brien, BC Human Rights Tribunal at kate.1.obrien@gov.bc.ca.

February 10, 2023

The Tribunal is seeking input by March 31, 2023 about possible changes to improve its processes. Please see Process Review for details.

January 23, 2023

BCHRT has opportunities for full and part-time members.

September 29, 2022

BCHRT’s Annual Report 2021-2022 has been filed with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and is now available to the public.

September 15, 2022

Cases involving the Sovereign will now be referred to as His Majesty the King. The Tribunal will make changes to existing case names when next corresponding or meeting with the parties.

Parties will update the case name on their existing cases from Her Majesty the Queen to His Majesty the King when next corresponding or meeting with the Tribunal. If a party or the Tribunal inadvertently fails to update the case name it will not be necessary to issue a correction.

Counsel with a QC (Queen’s Counsel) designation, will be referred to as KC (King’s Counsel) in future correspondence and meetings.

May 6, 2022

The Tribunal replaced two practice directions with the Case Path Pilot, which sets out a one-year pilot project regarding the process for considering complaints under s. 27 of the Human Rights Code.

April 20, 2022

The Tribunal updated the Notice about Mask Requirements in Services

March 24, 2022

Several changes take effect today:

The Tribunal has issued four new practice directions:

Mask-wearing Complaints

Mediation services where all parties have legal representation – which requires lawyers and legal advocates to make reasonable efforts to resolve complaints on their own before participating in the Tribunal’s mediation services, if all parties have legal representation.

Complaint Response – which requires respondents to respond to a complaint, even if they will participate in mediation.

Terms of participation in mediation – which discontinues the use of the Agreement to Participate in Mediation and requires all participants to comply with the terms of the Mediation Policy, which has been updated to:

Delete references to the Agreement to Participate in Mediation
Amend the Conditions of Participation to reflect that the terms of the former Agreement to Participate in Mediation are now terms of the policy, including:
- Mediation is voluntary
- Mediation is confidential: exceptions are now set out in the policy; the policy addresses situations where a participant needs to speak to a person who is not attending the mediation; and the policy addresses how the mediator deals with information received when speaking to participants in the absence of other participants

New Notice:

Notice about Mask Requirements in Services

February 3, 2022

Indigenous identity has been added to the online complaint forms.

January 19, 2022

BC Human Rights Tribunal seeks Indigenous people to serve on its volunteer Expanding Our Vision Committee. This Committee supports and advises the Tribunal to implement the recommendations set out by Ardith Walpetko We’dalx Walkem, QC (now Justice Walkem) in Expanding Our Vision: Cultural Equality & Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights (2020). Contact Amber Prince, 236-455-1906 / amber.prince@gov.bc.ca for more information.

For more information about the Expanding Our Vision Committee, see:

November 25, 2021

The government amended the Human Rights Code effective November 25, 2021 to add Indigenous identity as a ground of discrimination. In Expanding Our Vision: Cultural Equality & Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights, Ardith Walpetko We’dalx Walkem recommended that the Tribunal advocate to add Indigenous identity as a protected ground to the Code. That recommendation has been fulfilled with the amendment. Please use the print form to make a complaint on the basis of Indigenous identify. We are updating the online form.

November 23, 2021

BCHRT Opportunity for Qualified Mediators
Information Session Notice – Mediation Services – RFQ 12737 (November 24, 2021, 12 – 1pm)
Information Session for Indigenous Proponents – Mediation Services – RFQ 12737 (November 29, 2021, 12 – 1pm)

November 17, 2021

The government introduced legislation to amend the Human Rights Code to add Indigenous identity as a protected ground. See news release. This is one of the recommendations in Expanding our Vision: Cultural Equality and Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights.

The bill comes into force on Royal Assent.

November 8, 2021

The Tribunal has issued a new Practice Direction as an interim emergency measure to address the significantly increased workload at the Tribunal, including the large number of outstanding applications to dismiss complaints made under s. 27 of the Code. See: Emergency Pause on New Applications to Dismiss.

November 2, 2021

BCHRT has an opening for a Legal Counsel: There will be two information sessions.

September 15, 2021

Many people are filing complaints about vaccine requirements. Before filing a complaint, see Vaccine Requirement Complaints.

August 16, 2021

The Tribunal has introduced a new logo.

July 28, 2021

BCHRT's Annual Report 2020-2021 has been filed with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and is now available to the public.

July 12, 2021

Emily Ohler has been appointed chair of the BC Human Rights Tribunal effective August 1, 2021 for a three-year term. See the government press release.

April 29, 2021

The Tribunal issued a Notice to Counsel appearing before the Tribunal.

April 7, 2021

The Tribunal welcomes two new members to our team: Simmy Chauhan and Jessica Derynck. Ms. Chauhan and Ms. Derynck were both appointed as full-time Tribunal Members for six month terms commencing April 6, 2021 and April 12, 2021, respectively.

March 22, 2021

Tribunal will set automatic mediation dates starting April 6, 2021. When the Tribunal notifies the parties that a complaint is proceeding, it will set a mediation date. Mediation remains voluntary. Parties can opt out or ask for a date change, if necessary. This change is aimed to gain efficiencies in the process by reducing delay and removing the time-consuming task of canvassing parties for their availability.

March 22, 2021

The Tribunal has made two minor amendments to its Rules of Practice and Procedure:

Rule 12 is amended for consistency with the BC Court of Appeal’s decision in Gichuru v. Vancouver Swing Society, 2021 BCCA 103. Where rule 12(2) is satisfied, the Tribunal is adopting the language of “proceeding with a complaint” rather than “accepting the complaint for filing".
Rule 14 is amended for consistency with the Tribunal’s new practice that permits participants to agree to the terms of an Agreement to Participate in Mediation without signing the Agreement.

March 3, 3021

Tribunal Chair Position Open. There is currently an opening for the position of Chair of the Human Rights Tribunal. This is a full-time appointment made by order-in-council (Provincial Cabinet). The job posting is open until April 5. The posting encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, women, racialized people, and others who may contribute to diversity in public sector appointments.

February 26, 2021

The Tribunal has adopted a Mediation Policy, which covers:

Purpose of Mediation
Trauma-Informed Process
Indigenous Justice, Truth and Reconciliation
Conditions of Participation, including Standards of Conduct
Participants
The Role of the Mediator
What happens before, at, and after a Mediation

The Tribunal updated the Agreement to Participate in Mediation to add clause 3, which addresses standards of conduct in mediation.

February 17, 2021

Tribunal announces new process for mask wearing complaints.

February 11, 2021

Indigenous Tribunal Members Appointed. Following the release of the Report of Ardith Walpetko We’dalx Walkem QC, Expanding Our Vision: Cultural Equality&Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights, the Expanding Our Vision Implementation Committee identified increasing Indigenous representation within the Tribunal as the first priority. The Tribunal held an information session for Indigenous lawyers and undertook a rigorous hiring process that attracted many qualified applicants. As a result of that process, three Indigenous lawyers have been appointed as Tribunal members for four-year terms:

February 1, 2021

Acting Chair Appointed. Paul Singh has been appointed Acting Chair of the BC Human Rights Tribunal effective February 1, 2021.

Mr. Singh’s appointment is for a six-month term until a full-time Chair is appointed through a merit-based recruitment process. He replaces Diana Juricevic (Vandor), following her appointment to the Provincial Court, effective Feb. 1, 2021.

September 22, 2020

The Tribunal has issued a Guide to On-line Hearings and Microsoft Teams Participant Instructions. These guides contain practical information that will help participants prepare for video hearings at the Tribunal.

June 22, 2020

The Tribunal has:

New complaint forms – there are now three forms (Individual, Group or Class, and Retaliation), plus an Authorization Form for someone who files a complaint for another person unless the person filing is a lawyer or legal advocate
New application forms
New Case Activity Centre – participants can get an account and then:

see case information
make requests and applications

We will start inviting participants to create accounts. We ask for your patience as we move 1,600 cases into our new case management system.

Revised its Rules to:

recognize that participants may submit some forms online (rule 10(2)(b))
allow delivery of documents submitted to the Case Activity Centre by providing notice where the other participant also has an account (rule 11(1)(b))
reflect changes in the complaint forms (rule 12(1))
reflect the commissioner’s power of intervention (rule 13(5))
change the process for applying for documents from a person who is not a party to the complaint (rule 23(2)-(3))
make minor wording changes in rules 14, 17, and 20.2(4)

Revised the information sheets about:

Updated its Complaint Process Privacy Policy
A new link for you to provide feedback

June 15, 2020

The Tribunal issued Report on Implementation of Expanding Our Vision: Cultural Equality Indigenous Peoples' Human Rights

June 12, 2020

We are making changes! On June 22, 2020, the Tribunal will move to a new case management system. We will also introduce some significant changes:

New Case Activity Centre

First, we will introduce a Case Activity Centre where parties can get an account to “log in” to:

see case information

make requests and applications

We will begin to invite participants to use the Case Activity Centre.

We ask for your patience as we move 1,600 existing cases to the new system.

New Forms

Second, we will introduce new complaint forms:

online forms accessible from a computer or smart phone (the new online forms will be ready for use on June 25, 2020)
paper alternatives

Other changes

We will also introduce some related changes:

revised Rules of Practice and Procedure that:

recognize that participants may submit some forms online
allow delivery of documents submitted to the Case Activity Centre by providing notice where the other participant also has an account
reflect changes in the complaint forms
reflect the commissioner’s power of intervention
change the process for applying for documents from a person who is not a party to the complaint
make minor wording changes in other rules

Revised forms and information sheets for general applications and dismissal applications
Updated Complaint Process Privacy Policy

We encourage you to send us feedback about these changes – and where we need to fix things or do better.

May 8, 2020

As identified below, the Human Rights Tribunal is currently seeking contract mediators to provide mediation services to the parties involved in Tribunal proceedings.

The process through the BC Bid website has changed. The deadline to submit a proposal is extended to May 21, 2020 at 2 pm.

Please check the BC Bid website for updates.

April 22, 2020

The Human Rights Tribunal is currently seeking contract mediators to provide mediation services to the parties involved in Tribunal proceedings.

Information about this opportunity is available on the BC Bid website. After accessing this link, click on “supplier attachments” in the top righthand corner and “proceed to attachments” to access the interactive proposal form which sets out the mandatory requirements for the contract.

The deadline for submissions of proposals for this opportunity is May 7, 2020 at 2 pm.

April 1, 2020

Effective April 1, 2020, the following provisions of the Human Rights Code Amendment Act, 2018 are brought into force by the Human Rights Amendment Act Regulation, B.C. Reg. 71/2020:

Responsibility for special programs has shifted to the BC Human Rights Commissioner: ss. 42 and 47.12 have been amended; s. 27.3(2)(l) has been repealed.
Any special program currently approved by the Tribunal Chair under s. 42 of the Human Rights Code remains valid as if it had been given by the Commissioner: B.C. Reg. 71/2020, s. 15.
The Commissioner now has the power to obtain copies of complaints and responses: s. 47.13.

March 30, 2020
The Tribunal has consolidated its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. See COVID-19 Issues at the Tribunal if you have questions about filing deadlines and for updates about how to communicate with us.

March 27, 2020 - COVID-19 response update

Accredited Media Access to Hearings: The Tribunal recognizes the importance of having its hearings open to the public. The Tribunal’s hearing rooms are temporarily closed to the public due to COVID-19. Media who are accredited under the BC Courts Media Accreditation Process and who want to attend a hearing held by telephone or video conference should contact the Tribunal by email at BCHumanRightsTribunal@gov.bc.ca at least one week before the hearing. The email should identify the hearing from the hearing schedule and attach confirmation of their accreditation.

How to file materials: The reception desk is closed to the public. The drop box is not currently accessible. You can file materials by mail, fax, and email. Check back for updates.

March 23, 2020 - COVID-19 response update

How to file materials: The reception desk is closed to the public. You can file materials by mail, fax, email, or by drop box at the tribunal’s offices. Check back for updates.

Affidavits: The Tribunal will accept affidavits executed following the process identified by the BC Courts and approved by the Law Society of BC.

March 13, 2020 - COVID-19 response

The Tribunal is taking action with the goal of protecting the health and safety of the public we serve and our team. At the same time we are doing our best to maintain regular access to our dispute resolution services.

Our offices are now closed with the team working at home to help stop the spread of the virus. This will not affect your telephone calls and emails getting through to us. Please continue to contact us and we will respond.

The Tribunal is no longer conducting in-person proceedings. If you have an in-person mediation or hearing in the near future, we will be reaching out to you to discuss other methods of proceeding.

February 7, 2020

The Tribunal Member competition may be used to fill two vacancies and an eligibility list will be created from which other positions may be filled throughout the year.

The Tribunal is also seeking qualified candidates who possess efficient decision-writing in the human rights field for a temporary appointment under s. 6 of the Administrative Tribunals Act.

Interested candidates are invited to apply through the current posting and to specify whether they seek a temporary appointment under s. 6, an order-in-council appointment, or both. Candidates who seek a temporary appointment should highlight skills and experience relevant to decision-writing in the human rights field.

January 31, 2020

The Human Rights Tribunal issued a policy and practice direction regarding human rights complaints made on behalf of another person. These include the obligations of a Representative Complainant.

January 22, 2020

The Human Rights Tribunal currently has a posting for a Tribunal Member position. The Tribunal is committed to increasing the number of Indigenous Peoples at all levels of the organization, as called for in the report of Ardith Walkem QC, Expanding Our Vision: Cultural Equality & Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights. In making a recommendation for an appointment, the Tribunal may grant a preference to Indigenous candidates.

January 15, 2020

Today, the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal released a report addressing serious access to justice concerns for Indigenous Peoples bringing human rights complaints to the Tribunal. The report, entitled Expanding Our Vision: Cultural Equality&Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights, makes far-reaching recommendations that could transform human rights in this province. The Human Rights Tribunal is being joined by Indigenous, legal and human rights organizations in a shared commitment to transform human rights for Indigenous Peoples in the province.

Report author Ardith Walpetko We’dalx Walkem QC surveyed over 100 Indigenous People about their experiences with discrimination and the Human Rights Tribunal. Overwhelmingly those interviewed reported pervasive levels of discrimination. Many Indigenous People had no idea that the Human Rights Tribunal existed, or how to access it. Many said that their experiences of racism as Indigenous Peoples were so widespread that they did not believe it would make any difference to file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal.

Expanding our Vision makes nine recommendations. Removing barriers to access to the Human Rights Tribunal is not enough. Structural change is needed to incorporate Indigenous definitions of human rights according to Indigenous laws. The main recommendations broaden the concept of human rights, including adding Indigenous Identity to the BC Human Rights Code and incorporating Indigenous legal traditions and international human rights principles as reflected in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which BC has recently committed to implementing through legislation.

This report is a call to action. The Human Rights Tribunal will actively engage with Indigenous Peoples and communities to move forward in a meaningful way on these recommendations. The report has implications beyond the Tribunal’s work, and we are committed to working collaboratively with others.

January 13, 2020

The Tribunal has updated its Public Access & Media Policy, including about public attendance at hearings, voice recorders, cell phones, and publication bans.

November 7, 2019

The Tribunal has a new practice direction on applications to dismiss against individual respondents.

July 17, 2019

BCHRT's Annual Report 2018-2019 has been filed with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and is now available to the public.

June 14, 2018

The Report of the Working Group on Strengthening Tribunal Processes for Representative Complaints is available for public review. The Tribunal is reviewing the report to determine what recommendations it will implement on an interim basis. The Tribunal will also be conducting the recommended consultations, including with children, youth, persons with disabilities, and relevant organizations. If any other person or group wants to comment on the recommendations, you can send us comments by July 31, 2018 (5 page limit, subject line “Comments on Representative Complaints”).

June 12, 2019

The BC Human Rights Tribunal proudly endorses the Access to Justice Triple Aim which will guide initiatives and reforms for making human rights more accessible to British Columbians.

June 4, 2019

The Tribunal is asking for participants in a survey about Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights.

February 21, 2019

The Tribunal welcomes two new members to our team, Kathleen Smith and Grace Chen.

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.

October 17, 2018

On October 23, 2018, the Tribunal is scheduled for a computer hardware refresh. We may experience minor interruptions to our telephone and email service during this time. We thank you for your patience.

August 9, 2018

The Tribunal is pleased to announce that Barbara Korenkiewicz, currently a Tribunal Member, will be joining the Tribunal's legal department as Legal Counsel, effective September 4, 2018. We wish Ms. Korenkiewicz much continued success as she transitions into her new role with our legal team.

August 1, 2018

The BCHRT's Annual Report 2017-2018 has been filed with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and is now available to the public.

May 30, 2018

The Tribunal has amended its Rules of Practice and Procedure to add rule 36 - Reconsideration of Decisions. The new rule 36 sets out the requirements for an application to reconsider a decision, including a new 14 day time limit.

May 28, 2018

The Tribunal Chair has issued a new practice direction regarding legal authorities.

May 18, 2018

Invitation for intervenors

On September 10 - 13, 2018, the Tribunal will be hearing the case of Morgane Oger v. Bill Whatcott. The complaint alleges that Mr. Whatcott violated s. 7 of the Human Rights Code [Code] when he distributed a number of pamphlets about Ms. Oger ’s fitness for public office in light of her gender identity. The complaint raises issues of general public interest, including:

how s. 7 of the Code is interpreted in light of ss. 2(a), (b), 15 and 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and
an application of the legal principles set out in Saskatchewan (Human Rights Commission) v. Whatcott, 2013 SCC 11, to the facts of this case

The Tribunal has granted intervenor status to the Canadian Association for Free Expression and the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, pursuant to s. 22.1 of the Code. In light of the legal issues raised by the complaint, the Tribunal is inviting further intervenor applications up until June 15, 2018. Applications should identify the nature of the applicant and how they will be able to usefully contribute to the legal issues raised in the complaint.

May 8, 2018

The BCHRT is recruiting for a part-time, 0.8 FTE, Legal Counsel. The closing date is May 28, 2018. Friendly reminder that applicants must apply on the BC Public Service site posting linked above. We will not accept applications sent to the BCHRT.

April 24, 2018

The Tribunal welcomes three new members to our team, Beverly Froese, Pamela Murray and Paul Singh

Congratulations to Devyn Cousineau on her appointment as a Tribunal member. We wish her much success in the transition from Legal Counsel to a Tribunal member.

March 28, 2018

The Tribunal has posted a revised Members' Code of Conduct, Mediators' Code of Conduct, and process for making a complaint about the Tribunal's services.

March 7, 2018

The BC Court of Appeal clarified the test for proving retaliation under s. 43 of the Code in Gichuru v. Pallai, 2018 BCCA 78. We have updated our information about retaliation and leading cases.

February 28, 2018

The Tribunal is establishing a working group to address Tribunal process for complaints brought on behalf of a child. By March 28, 2018, send your expression of interest, identifying your relevant experience, to the attention of:

Diana Juricevic
Chair
BCHumanRightsTribunal@gov.bc.ca

November 1, 2017

There is a full time vacancy for the position of Tribunal Member coming available in January 2018. A posting is open now until December 15, 2017.

November 1, 2017

Devyn Cousineau has been appointed as a member of the Tribunal for a six month term beginning November 1, 2017.

November 1, 2017

The Tribunal issued service standards, effective November 1, 2017.

October 26, 2017

The Tribunal is withdrawing the Settlement Meeting Policy. We have updated the Frequently Asked Questions About Settlement Meetings (Mediation).

October 24, 2017

The Tribunal amended rule 7 of its Rules of Practice and Procedure.

October 13, 2017

The Tribunal made its Submission to Parliamentary Secretary Ravi Kahlon regarding the re-establishment of a Human Rights Commission in British Columbia.

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.

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 amended rule, set out below. Please address your comments to the Registrar by October 13, 2017.

Draft Rule 7 - Representation before the Tribunal
How participants may be represented

A participant may be represented by a lawyer or other person, or may be self-represented.
The representative may be:
1. a lawyer or other person authorized to practice law in British Columbia under the Legal Profession Act, or
2. a person who acts as a representative with no expectation of a fee, gain or reward, direct or indirect, from the participant they represent, except for persons identified in s. 15(3) of the Legal Profession Act.

Withdrawal of representative

A representative who ceases to represent a participant must file notice of the withdrawal.

Responsibilities of participants and representatives

Participants and representatives must treat all persons in the course of a complaint with courtesy and respect.
Participants and representatives must participate in the complaint process with appropriate consideration for all persons without discrimination.
Participants and representatives must conduct themselves with honesty and integrity, and must not act in a manner that would undermine the Tribunal's process.

Consequences for failure to comply

Without limiting rule 4, if the Tribunal determines that a representative has not complied with this rule, the Tribunal may impose restrictions on the representative's continued participation in, or attendance at, a proceeding, or may exclude the representative from further participation in a proceeding.

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.

October 20, 2016

The Tribunal received confirmation that our Annual Report for fiscal year 2015-2016 was filed with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and is now available to the public.

September 9, 2016

Special programs and employment equity initiatives are unique ways to advance equality. The Tribunal has updated its information and policies respecting these proactive initiatives, and has developed new forms for organizations seeking approval of a special program.

August 2, 2016

On July 28, 2016, the Human Rights Code Amendment Act, 2016 came into effect. The amendment:

adds the grounds "gender identity or expression" to all areas of the Code (except wage discrimination based on sex)
adds the grounds "sexual orientation" and "gender identity or expression" to the non-profit exemption
adds the grounds "sexual orientation" and "gender identify or expression" to the employment equity provision

The Tribunal will update its forms to reflect these changes.

July 25, 2016

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton issued a statement proposing amendments to B.C.’s Human Rights Code to include gender identity or expression among the protected grounds covered by the Code.

July 21, 2016

We are pleased to announce the appointments of new members, Barbara Korenkiewicz and Emily Ohler, effective June 9, 2016.

June 14, 2016

Diana Juricevic has been appointed as tribunal chair, effective August 1, 2016. The government issued a press release.

April 8, 2016

The Tribunal will begin surveying our participants this month. The purpose is to evaluate and improve the Tribunal's services to the public. The survey is short and confidential. Participation is voluntary, but we strongly encourage you to participate. It is only with your feedback that we can improve the complaint process.

Individual surveys will be tailored to a party's experience at the tribunal and emailed to them after their case closes. Look at all the possible survey questions.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

January 15, 2016

The Tribunal has issued amended Rules and new forms. See:

With these changes the Tribunal has amended:

Information Sheets P2 Tribunal Process
Information Sheet P6 Disclosure Requirements
Process Flow Chart
Form 7.2 – Dismissal Application

January 4, 2016

Amendments to the Human Rights Code and Administrative Tribunals Act came into effect on December 17, 2015. (See Order in Council No. 797 regarding the Administrative Tribunals Statutes Amendment Act, 2015.) We will add links to the amended legislation as soon as they are available. The amendments to the Human Rights Code include changes to:

The definitions of chair and member (section 1)
The tribunal's power to make rules and orders (section 27.3(2)(m))
The provision regarding the tribunal (section 31)
The provision regarding the application of the Administrative Tribunals Act (section 32)

The amendments to the Administrative Tribunals Act affecting the tribunal include:

A new definition of “facilitated settlement process” (section 1)
An amended definition of “tribunal” (section 1)
Changes to the application of the Act (section 1.1)
Changes to the provisions regarding appointments (Part 2)
New provisions regarding the clustering of tribunals (Part 3)
New provision regarding facilitated settlement (section 28)
New provisions regarding surveys and reporting (section 59.1 and 59.2)
Changes to the provision regarding the power to make regulations (section 60)

October 1, 2015

The Tribunal seeks a regular Legal Counsel. For more information on the position, deadlines and details on how to apply, go to BC Public Service Job Opportunities on the MyHR website.

September 24, 2015

The Tribunal's Annual Report for fiscal year 2014-2015 was filed with the Clerk of the Legislature on September 22, 2015.

June 3, 2015

The Tribunal invites your feedback in an effort to make the human rights process accessible, timely and fair. In particular, please provide your comments on recent changes to our Rules of Practice and Procedure and Forms by June 30, 2015. See the Registrar's letter for more details regarding our feedback request. You may wish to send your comments via our email address: BCHumanRightsTribunal@gov.bc.ca

May 20, 2015

The definition of retaliation has been expanded. For conduct occurring on or after May 14, 2015, the Human Rights Code protects you from retaliation because you:

made a complaint or might make a complaint
are named in a complaint or might be named in a complaint
give evidence or help in some other way in a complaint, or you might do so

March 25, 2015

IMPORTANT NOTICE - As of March 30, 2015, the BC Human Rights Coalition will be known as the BC Human Rights Clinic and their new contact information will be:

Suite 300 – 1140 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 4G1
Tel: 604-622-1100
Fax: 604-685-7611
Toll Free: 1-855-685-6222

The BC Human Rights Clinic will continue to conduct their short service clinics every Monday at the Tribunal's location.

February 19, 2015

The Tribunal amended the Settlement Meeting Policy to incorporate the new Agreement to Participate in Mediation, which replaces the Settlement Meeting Agreement.

February 17, 2015

The Tribunal has replaced the Practice Direction Hearing Recording and Transcripts, including a model order for access to audio recordings.

December 9, 2014

The Tribunal has changed the judicial review page so that it now lists only those Tribunal decisions where there has been a court decision on the judicial review application.

November 17, 2014

The Tribunal's Annual Report for fiscal year 2013-2014 was tabled in the Legislature on October 20, 2014.

October 28, 2014

The Tribunal issued new Information Sheets about settling a complaint:

July 15, 2014

The Tribunal has issued amended Rules, new forms, and has replaced all of its Information Sheets. See:

New Tribunal Rules

The Amended Rules replace the January 1, 2008 Rules
Highlighted Changes in Amended Rules
Table: Finding a January 1, 2008 Rule in the Amended Rules
Practice Direction regarding application of amended Rules

The Tribunal's policies have been amended to reflect changes in the Rules.

The following practice directions have been withdrawn:

April 21, 2011 - Public Access to the Complaint File
February 11, 2014 - New Tribunal Forms

Also see changes to our home page.

February 25, 2014

The Tribunal's Annual Report for fiscal year 2012-2013 was tabled in the Legislature on February 24, 2013.

February 11, 2014

New Tribunal Forms

March 20, 2013

New Practice Direction : - Hearing Recordings

March 4, 2013

The Tribunal's Annual Report for fiscal year 2011-2012 was tabled in the Legislature on February 27, 2013.

December 20, 2012

Holiday Hours – The Tribunal will be closed for statutory holidays on December 25, 26, 2012 and January 1, 2013.

December 10, 2012

December 10, known as International Human Rights Day, marks the 64th anniversary of the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Please follow this link to the United Nations website for detailed information, including a link to the Declaration itself.

August 30, 2012

Strike - On August 29, 2012 the BCGEU (BC Government and Service Employees' Union) announced that B.C. government workers across the province will go on strike on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 for one day. Alternate arrangements have been made for hearings and mediations scheduled on September 5. Those affected will be contacted by the Tribunal. Our offices will be open on the day of the strike to receive new complaints and submissions. Telephone inquires made on September 5 will be received by voice mail message and attended to the following day.

April 20, 2012

The BC Human Rights Tribunal welcomes Steven Adamson as our new Registrar. Mr. Adamson comes to us from the Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal where he worked as a Vice Chair and Deputy Registrar. In his previous role he was instrumental in revising WCAT's website, forms and guides. Prior to that Mr. Adamson was an Appeal Commissioner with the former Worker's Compensation Board Appeal Division. He is looking forward to working with the stakeholders in the BC human rights community.

March 8, 2012

Update on the Tribunal's Review Policy and Procedure.

August 26, 2011

The Tribunal is undertaking a policy and procedural review and is inviting feedback from stakeholders.

April 21, 2011

The Tribunal's Acting Chair, Bernd Walter, issued a new practice directive.
Public Access to the Complaint File

December 8, 2010

The Tribunal's Acting Chair, Bernd Walter, responded by letter to the BC Law Institute regarding their Workplace Dispute Resolution Project Report to the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry for the Attorney General.

October 5, 2010

The Tribunal's Acting Chair, Bernd Walter, presented an Information Brief to the BC Law Institute's Workplace Dispute Resolution Consultation. The Tribunal prepared the Information Brief to identify human rights and administrative law principles relevant to law reform in this area, to identify previous reports respecting human rights reform, and to provide information about the Tribunal's processes for consideration in the Law Institute's review process.

March 2, 2010

New Information Sheet 16B: How to Respond to an Application to Dismiss a Complaint