1-Year Time Limit to File a Complaint
The government declared a state of emergency in BC on March 18, 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this situation, people may need more time to file a complaint. If you file your complaint late because of the pandemic, explain this on your complaint form.
If your complaint is urgent because of the COVID-19 situation or for another reason, notify us when you file your complaint. Use one of these two methods:
Many people are filing complaints related to mask wearing. Often, people say that they can’t wear a mask because of a disability. They say they are denied services as a result.
The Tribunal will give the parties:
A case manager will ask the parties if they want to try to resolve the complaint quickly and informally. If so, the case manager will help the parties do this. If not, the Tribunal will put the complaint in the regular process.
To show possible discrimination under the Human Rights Code, you must show:
Some examples of the types of complaints related to mask wearing for COVID-19 that the Tribunal may process are:
Service settings:
Job settings:
Anyone wishing to file a mask use complaint must start one using a complaint form.
The reception desk has reopened to the public. You can file materials by mail, fax, and email.
If you have trouble meeting a filing deadline because of the COVID-19 situation, contact your case manager.
Most hearings and mediations are occurring by phone or video due to COVID-19. Where in-person proceedings are necessary, we will contact you to discuss setting them up safely.
If your hearing is occurring by on-line video conference, please review the Guide to On-line Hearings.
The Tribunal recognizes the importance of having its hearings open to the public. Contact the Tribunal by email at BCHumanRightsTribunal@gov.bc.ca at least one week before the hearing to request dial in audio access at the presiding Member’s discretion. The email should identify the hearing from the hearing schedule.
The Tribunal will accept affidavits executed following the process identified by the BC Courts and approved by the Law Society of BC.
See the Return to Work Plan page for information.