Canadian Human Rights Commission
The Canadian Human Rights Commission (Commission) is akin to an Agent of Parliament. It operates independently from government. As Canada’s human rights watchdog, the Commission is responsible for representing the public interest and holding the Government of Canada to account on matters related to human rights.
The Canadian Human Rights Act gives the Commission the authority to research, raise awareness, and speak out on any matter related to human rights in Canada.
The Commission is responsible for administering the law, which protects people in Canada from discrimination when based on any of the 11 grounds such as race, sex and disability.
The Commission receives discrimination complaints and works with both the complainant and respondent to resolve the issues through mediation. When a complaint cannot be settled, or when the Commission determines that further examination is warranted, it may refer the complaint to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.
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I want to know more about human rights
Find general information on human rights, discrimination, and how human rights are protected in Canada.
I want to complain
Find out how to make a formal complaint because you believe you have been discriminated against. Anyone who works for or receives services from a business or organization that is regulated by the federal government can make a complaint.
I want to know my employer obligations
Find information on your obligations as an employer. Organizations and businesses that are regulated by the federal government are legally required to follow the rules set out by the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Employment Equity Act.
I want to respond to a discrimination complaint
Find guidance on what your organization can expect after you receive notification that it has been named in a discrimination complaint. You will also learn about how to prepare a response to the discrimination complaint.
I want to develop an internal process for resolving complaints
Find guidance on how to develop a process to resolve complaints informally. People are encouraged to try to solve their disputes before involving the Commission. The Commission may refer a complaint back to an informal process when available.
I want to prepare for an employment equity audit
Find guidance on what your organization can expect after you receive notification of an employment equity audit. The Commission conducts compliance review audits to determine if you are implementing proper practices to achieve equality in the workplace.
I want to improve my workplace
Find guidance on how to improve your workplace. As an employer, one of your many responsibilities is to create and maintain a safe and healthy workplace. It is in your interest to create a work environment that attracts good employees and makes them want to stay.
I want to use the Human Rights Maturity Model
Consult the Human Rights Maturity Model to help create a self-sustaining human rights culture in the workplace. In concert with employers, employees, unions and management from a cross-section of organizations across Canada, the Commission has developed a human rights model for today’s workplace.
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Features
National Aboriginal Initiative’s website
The Do You Know Your Rights website is tailored to meet the needs of people living in First Nations communities who would like additional information about human rights.
Human Rights Maturity Model’s website
The Commission developed the Human Rights Maturity Model to help organizations improve their workplace cultures and make human rights an integral part of the way they do business. The Model is voluntary and free.
Canadian Human Rights Commission YouTube channel
The Commission has developed several videos to help individuals living in Canada to better understand their human rights.
Corporate information
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