Who can help
Federal human rights complaints
Last updated: February 1, 2024
Canadian Human Rights Commission
The Commission is responsible for receiving and resolving discrimination complaints under the Canadian Human Rights Act. The Commission deals with discrimination complaints against the federal government, First Nations governments, and private companies that are regulated by the federal government such as banks, inter-provincial trucking companies, and telecommunications companies.
The Commission provides an independent dispute resolution process designed to resolve discrimination complaints at the earliest opportunity.
The Commission’s dispute resolution process has three main stages:
- Before a formal complaint is filed
- After a formal complaint is filed
- After the Commission’s decision
Some discrimination complaints may be resolved after only one stage. Others may go through all three. It all depends on the details of the complaint and the parties involved.
If the two sides cannot reach an agreement, the Commission may conduct an investigation. In some instances, the Commission may refer complaints to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, a separate organization, for adjudication.
Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday,
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
344 Slater Street, 8th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1E1
Email: info.com@chrc-ccdp.gc.ca
Toll Free: 1-888-214-1090
Phone: 613-995-1151
TTY: 1-888-643-3304
Fax: 613-996-9661
VRS: For Canadians who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired, access can be achieved via their own interpreter or via Canada VRS, which provides an interpreter.