BC Human Rights Tribunal – Vancouver, BC

BC Human Rights Tribunal

The BC Human Rights Tribunal (BCHRT) is an independent, quasi-judicial body created by the British Columbia Human Rights Code. It is responsible for accepting, screening, mediating, and adjudicating human rights complaints. The Tribunal operates independently of the government to ensure impartiality in resolving disputes regarding discrimination.

Functions and Processes

The Tribunal manages the entire complaint process, from initial filing to final decision:

• Screening: Reviewing complaints to ensure they fall within the jurisdiction of the Human Rights Code.
• Mediation: Offering parties the opportunity to resolve complaints voluntarily through assisted negotiation.
• Adjudication: Conducting hearings for unresolved complaints, where evidence is presented and a legally binding decision is issued.

Areas of Discrimination

The Tribunal handles complaints involving discrimination in various areas of daily life, including employment, tenancy, and services customarily available to the public. Protected characteristics under the Code include race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and age.