Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories Human Rights Act (NWT HRA) makes it an offence to discriminate in employment, membership in a professional organization, labour association or union, access to public services (health care and education), and facilities (stores and restaurants), rentals and publications (newspapers, magazines, advertising signs).

The Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission (Commission) is responsible for dealing with complaints of discrimination and disseminating the principles of the NWT Human Rights Act.

The Northwest Territories Human Rights Adjudication Panel (Tribunal) is a separate and independent body that hears complaints referred by the Commission. It also hears appeals if a complaint is dismissed by the Commission.

What are the prohibited grounds of discrimination? Race, colour, ancestry, nationality, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, family affiliation, political belief, political association, social condition and a conviction that is subject to a pardon or record suspension.

What are the deadlines for filing a complaint? A complaint must be filed within two years of the alleged discrimination or, in the case of continuing discrimination, within two years of the last incident.

What is the procedure? If your complaint is accepted by the Commission, an initial mediation will be considered. If this fails, an investigation is conducted, which allows the Commission to dismiss the complaint or refer it to the Tribunal for a hearing.

How do I file a complaint? To file a complaint, a Human Rights Officer will meet with you to explain the facts. After speaking with the officer, if you decide to file a complaint, you will then be asked to complete and sign a complaint form. The Human Rights Officer will assist you if necessary.

What compensation can you get? The Tribunal may order a party to stop the alleged contravention; refrain from committing a similar offence; compensate a party for all or part of the wages or expenses incurred as a result of the discrimination; or compensate the victim for injury to dignity, etc.

This content has been updated on 4 March 2023 at 11 h 01 min.