Filing a Complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission

About the Process

The Commission’s dispute resolution process involves three main stages. The complaint may go through only one stage or all three before it is resolved. Although the descriptions are linear, a complaint does not always go through the process in the same way. Sometimes, it might skip steps or stages.

Stage 1: Before a formal complaint is filed

Inquiry and Screening

Every potential discrimination complaint starts with a call or a letter to the Commission. The potential complainant explains why they want to file a complaint.

Stage 2: After a formal complaint is filed

Notification

You will be notified in writing once the Commission receives a discrimination complaint. This is your opportunity to say whether you think the Commission should deal with the complaint, or not, and why.

A report, along with any submissions from your organization and the complainant, is provided to the Commission members who will decide whether or not to move forward with the complaint. At this stage, mediation could be offered.

Mediation

The mediation process is voluntary and confidential. It gives both sides the opportunity to explain their understanding of the issue, and attempts to resolve the concerns that led to the complaint.

If the mediation works then both sides must sign a settlement agreement. This agreement would outline what each side has decided to do, to resolve the dispute.

If mediation does not work, the discrimination complaint may be investigated.

Investigation

During the investigation process, the investigator may:

• Speak with you (or your representative) and the complainant.
• Interview any witnesses.
• Review any supporting documents.
• Decide whether there is evidence to support the allegations in the complaint.

After the investigation, the investigator prepares a report to dismiss the complaint, send it to conciliation or refer it to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. The investigation report will be shared with you and the complainant. You will both have the opportunity to make written comments on the report.

The Commission’s Decision

After analyzing the investigation report, the Commission members make a decision either to dismiss a complaint, send it to conciliation or refer it to the Tribunal. Commission decisions are final.

Stage 3: After the Commission’s decision

Conciliation

If the Commission decides your matter should go to conciliation, the process is similar to mediation, but is mandatory. You will normally be given a window of 3 to 4 months to settle the discrimination complaint. If you cannot reach a settlement, the case could be sent back to the Commission, and possibly to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.

The Tribunal

If the Commission decides to refer a complaint to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, the Commission no longer controls the complaint. The Tribunal will hold a hearing. It will ask both you and the complainant to provide any documents and call witnesses for support.

After the hearing, the Tribunal will either dismiss the complaint or find that there has been discrimination. If the Tribunal finds there has been discrimination it can order corrective measures, such as a change in policies or practices, paying the complainant lost wages or giving them their job back, awareness training or other compensation.

Judicial Review

If you or the complainant disagrees with a decision made by the Commission or by the Tribunal, you can ask the Federal Court to review the decision.

Complaints may be made online at:
www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/eng/make-a-complaint

Complaints may be made by mail using a form available online at:
www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/sites/default/files/2018-complaint-form.pdf

and sent to:

Canadian Human Rights Commission
344 Slater Street, 8th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1E1

Complaints may be made by telephone at:

Toll Free: 1-888-214-1090
TTY: 1-888-643-3304
Fax: 613-996-9661