The Human Rights Tribunal is an independent, quasi-judicial provincial body that adjudicates and mediates human rights complaints under the British Columbia Human Rights Code . The Tribunal conducts public hearings on complaints that have been referred to it by the British Columbia Human Rights Commission . Discrimination complaints may be based on race, colour, age, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, marital status, family status, place of origin or ancestry. The Human Rights Code covers discrimination in a variety of contexts, including tenancy, employment, employment advertisements, publications, public services and facilities, purchase of property and discrimination by unions or associations. At a Tribunal hearing, the parties have an opportunity to present evidence to support their case.
Hearings are open to the general public.
The Tribunal member or panel issues a decision, with reasons. B.C. Human Rights Tribunal decisions released between 1997 and the present are posted in the Decisions section of this web site. Cases can also be found in the Canadian Human Rights Reporter and on Quicklaw . The Tribunal does not comment publicly on its decisions nor does it issue Press Releases. Once a case has been referred to the Tribunal by the Commission, the Code requires that the Tribunal hold a hearing unless the complaint settles or is withdrawn by the Complainant.