British Columbia

The British Columbia Human Rights Code (BCHRC) makes it an offence to discriminate against people in relation to services or facilities customarily available to the public, businesses (except those regulated by the federal government), the purchase of real estate, tenancy, employment, advertisements, membership in unions or associations, harassment and retaliation.

The British Columbia Human Rights Commission has been disbanded, but the BC Human Rights Clinic provides assistance and guidance with your complaint.

The British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal (Tribunal) is the appropriate body to deal with complaints.

What are the prohibited grounds of discrimination? The Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age.

What are the time limits for filing a complaint? A complaint must be filed within six months of the alleged discrimination. However, an extension may be granted if it is in the public interest to accept the complaint, and no one is harmed by the delay.

What is the process? The process begins with the filing of your complaint with the Tribunal, which will notify the respondent. The parties can agree to settle the complaint. The respondent can answer your complaint and can ask that it be dismissed. If the complaint is not settled or dismissed, the Tribunal will hold a hearing to determine if discrimination has occurred.

How do I file a complaint? You can download the online complaint form from the Commission's website here. For more information or to file a group complaint, see the Tribunal website.

What compensation can you get? The Tribunal can make different types of orders: declaratory (acknowledging the discrimination), cease and desist (ordering the discrimination to stop) and then decide to award you monetary compensation for the harm you suffered.

This content has been updated on 4 March 2023 at 11 h 16 min.