About the Tribunal

The purpose of the Canadian Human Rights Act is to protect individuals from discrimination.

It states that all Canadians have the right to equality, equal opportunity, fair treatment, and an environment free of discrimination. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) applies these principles to cases that are referred to it by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC).

The Tribunal is similar to a court of law, but is less formal and only hears cases relating to discrimination. For further information about the different roles of the Tribunal and the Commission, please see the following section from our web site: Separate & Independent from the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Through the coming into force of the Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada Act, on November 1, 2014, the Government of Canada is consolidating the provision of support services to eleven administrative tribunals – including the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) – into a single organization, the Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada (ATSSC).

This administrative change does not affect the mandate of the CHRT. Case matters will continue to be filed, managed and safeguarded in accordance with existing CHRT procedures.