COVID-19 Issues at the Tribunal
1-Year Time Limit to File a Complaint
Vaccine Requirement Complaints
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.
Urgent Complaints
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:
- Explain the urgency in an email or letter. Example. Your landlord is trying to evict you because you have COVID-19 or because they think you might have it.
- Make an application for a Fast-Track Process
Mask Wearing Complaints
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has made public health orders requiring masks in some settings.
Many people are filing complaints related to mask wearing when seeking services. Often, people say that they can’t wear a mask because of a disability. They say the store denied them services.
The Tribunal encourages people to talk to the service provider. Ask the service provider to read the information below. Ask how the service provider can serve you and provide a safe place for employees and customers.
Tribunal process for mask wearing complaints
If the Tribunal proceeds with a complaint, the Tribunal:
- will give the parties information about their human rights and duties
- may discuss with the parties whether they can solve the complaint themselves
- will direct the parties about the process
Rights and duties under the Human Rights Code – Mask wearing complaints
The Human Rights Code does not protect people who object to mask rules because of their personal beliefs.
The Human Rights Code only protects people who cannot wear a mask because of a protected characteristic, like disability.
People who cannot wear a mask because of a protected characteristic have a right to “reasonable accommodation”.
Employers and service providers are allowed to make rules requiring masks. The rules do not discriminate, if:
- evidence supports the need for the rule
- the rule is made in good faith
- the employer or service provider offers reasonable accommodation.
What is reasonable accommodation?
A service provider or employer does not discriminate if they offer reasonable accommodation.
An accommodation may be reasonable even if it does not give full access to the service. For example, a business may offer to serve a customer outside or may offer online shopping. This could be a reasonable accommodation. What is reasonable will depend on the circumstances.
An accommodation is not reasonable if it causes undue hardship.
The Human Rights Tribunal of Alberta has issued decisions about reasonable accommodation. In two cases, a store had a mask policy to protect employees and customers. The stores based the policy on public health regulations and scientific information. In both cases, a customer could not wear a mask due to a disability. The Alberta Tribunal said that human rights law requires a balancing of rights.
- In one case, the store offered the customer a face shield. It also offered online and other shopping options. The Alberta Tribunal found the store’s policy was reasonable and justified. It dismissed the complaint without a hearing. See: Szeles v. Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd., 2021 AHRC 154.
- In another case, the store offered the customer online shopping with free delivery or curb-side pick-up. The store had a science-based reason for its policy. The customer disagreed but did not have evidence. The Alberta Tribunal dismissed the complaint without a hearing. See: Beaudin v Zale Canada Co. o/a Peoples Jewellers, 2021 AHRC 155.
The BC Tribunal has also issued decisions about reasonable accommodation. It has said a customer is entitled to a reasonable, not perfect solution:
- A store adopted a mask policy in good faith to implement a COVID safety plan. The store offered the customer services at the door. The Tribunal dismissed the complaint as having no reasonable chance of success: Ratchford v. Creatures Pet Store, 2021 BCHRT 157.
- A store adopted a mask policy in good faith ensure the health and safety of its employees and members of the public in a global pandemic. The store offered the customer options of shopping outside or online. The customer’s assertion that she was “exempt” from a mask order did not give her unfettered access to the store. The Tribunal dismissed the complaint has having no reasonable chance of success: Coelho v. Lululemon Athletica Canada Inc., 2021 BCHRT 156.
When can I file a complaint?
You can file a complaint if you believe a service provider discriminated.
In your complaint, you need to say:
- What did the respondent do that negatively affected you in a protected area, such as employment or services.
- How the negative effect is connected to a protected characteristic, such as disability. For example, explain how a disability prevents you from wearing a mask.
When will the Tribunal proceed with a mask wearing complaint?
The Tribunal has issued three decisions about when it will let a complaint about mask wearing proceed.
- A store did not allow the customer to enter without a mask. The customer said wearing a mask made it “very difficult to breathe” and “causes anxiety”. She did not give information to the Tribunal to show she has a disability that prevents her from wearing a mask. This information is necessary for a human rights complaint. The Tribunal did not let the complaint proceed. See: The Customer v. The Store, 2021 BCRT 39.
- A worker refused to wear a mask because he said it dishonored God. The worker did not set out facts that could show a particular religion banned masks. He believed masks are ineffective. The Human Rights Code does not protect this belief. The Tribunal did not proceed with the complaint. See: The Worker v. The District Managers, 2021 BCHRT 41.
- A store did not allow the customer to enter without a mask. The customer said she has “breathing issues”. She did not say that she has a disability that interferes with her ability to wear a mask. She did not say that she asked the store to accommodate a disability. This information is necessary for a human rights complaint. The Tribunal dismissed the complaint. See Rael v. Cartwright Jewelers and another, 2021 BCHRT 106.
How do I file a complaint?
Use a complaint form to make a complaint.
Related topics
- Information for Customers and Service Providers (BC Human Rights Clinic)
- FAQs for Customers Seeking Accommodation (BC Human Rights Clinic)
- FAQs for Business Owners and Staff (BC Human Rights Clinic)
- Guidance from the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
- Guidance from WorkSafe BC
Vaccine Requirement Complaints
The Tribunal can only deal with complaints that allege someone violated the Human Rights Code.
The Tribunal cannot deal with a complaint that only says someone disagrees with a vaccine requirement. See the Tribunal’s decision in Complainant obo Class of Persons v. John Horgan, 2021 BCHRT 120.
A complaint must set out:
- What is the vaccine requirement.
- How did the vaccine requirement negatively affect a person or group.
- How does the negative effect relate to a protected area such as employment or public services.
- How is the person the complaint is against [respondent] responsible for the negative effect.
- How is a protected characteristic a factor in the negative effect.
For example, disability is a protected characteristic. A complaint must explain how the disability is connected to the adverse effect, such as the disability prevents the person from being vaccinated. See the Tribunal’s decision Complainant v. Dr. Bonnie Henry, 2021 BCHRT 119.
Related Topics
For more information, see:
- BC Vaccine Card (BC Human Rights Clinic)
- Workplace Vaccination Policies (BC Human Rights Clinic)
- A human rights approach to proof of vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic (Office of the Human Rights Commissioner)
How to File Materials
The reception desk has reopened to the public. You can file materials by mail, fax, and email.
Filing Deadlines
If you have trouble meeting a filing deadline because of the COVID-19 situation, contact your case manager.
Mediations and Hearings
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.
Public Access to 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 (listen in only without video) at the presiding Member’s discretion. The email you send us must
- Identify the hearing from the hearing schedule
- Attach a completed and signed agreement to attend the virtual hearing that includes your name and the telephone number you will be dialing in with
Affidavits
The Tribunal will accept affidavits executed following the process identified by the BC Courts and approved by the Law Society of BC.
Return to Work Plan
See the Return to Work Plan page for information.