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News and notices
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COVID-19 Issues at the Tribunal
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 has set requirements for complaints…
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Fall 2021 updates
November 25, 2021 The government amended the Human Rights Code effective November 25, 2021 to add Indigenous identity as a ground of discrimination. In Expanding Our Vision: Cultural Equality & Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights, Ardith Walpetko We’dalx Walkem recommended that the Tribunal advocate to add Indigenous identity as a protected ground to the Code. That recommendation has…
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Summer 2021 updates
August 16, 2021 The Tribunal has introduced a new logo. July 28, 2021 BCHRT’s Annual Report 2020-2021 has been filed with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and is now available to the public. July 12, 2021 Emily Ohler has been appointed chair of the BC Human Rights Tribunal effective August 1, 2021 for a three-year term.…
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Notice to Counsel appearing before the Human Rights Tribunal
April 28, 2021 Re: Expectations of Counsel The purpose of this notice is to draw counsel’s attention to the obligations to conduct themselves in a respectful, trauma-informed manner when appearing before the Tribunal, as set out in: The Benchers of the Law Society have issued a statement that lawyer competence includes: We encourage all lawyers involved with…
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The Tribunal welcomes two new members
The Tribunal welcomes two new members to our team: Simmy Chauhan and Jessica Derynck. Ms. Chauhan and Ms. Derynck were both appointed as full-time Tribunal Members for six month terms commencing April 6, 2021 and April 12, 2021, respectively.
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March 2021 updates
March 22, 2021 Tribunal will set automatic mediation dates starting April 6, 2021. When the Tribunal notifies the parties that a complaint is proceeding, it will set a mediation date. Mediation remains voluntary. Parties can opt out or ask for a date change, if necessary. This change is aimed to gain efficiencies in the process…
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February 2021 updates
February 26, 2021 The Tribunal has adopted a Mediation Policy, which covers: The Tribunal updated the Agreement to Participate in Mediation to add clause 3, which addresses standards of conduct in mediation. February 17, 2021 Tribunal announces new process for mask wearing complaints. February 11, 2021 Indigenous Tribunal Members Appointed. Following the release of the Report of Ardith Walpetko…
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2020 updates
September 22, 2020 The Tribunal has issued a Guide to On-line Hearings and Microsoft Teams Participant Instructions. These guides contain practical information that will help participants prepare for video hearings at the Tribunal. June 22, 2020 The Tribunal has: We will start inviting participants to create accounts. We ask for your patience as we move 1,600 cases into…
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2019 updates
November 7, 2019 The Tribunal has a new practice direction on applications to dismiss against individual respondents. July 17, 2019 BCHRT’s Annual Report 2018-2019 has been filed with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and is now available to the public. June 14, 2019 The Report of the Working Group on Strengthening Tribunal Processes for Representative Complaints is available…
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2018 updates
November 27, 2018 The Human Rights Amendment Act, 2018 (Bill 50), received Royal Assent today. The following amendments come into effect on Royal Assent Some amendments will come into effect by regulation: November 16, 2018 The Tribunal is asking for input about how to protect both privacy and freedom of expression in relation to its process.…