The number of complaints to the Human Rights Tribunal seems to only be increasing. The more common type of complaints against local governments are those related to employment. Section 8 of the Human Rights Code also prohibits discrimination in the delivery of services generally available to the public, which includes all local government services. Complaints have been accepted against local governments in respect of a diverse range of “services”, including recreation, bylaw enforcement, and the issuance of a development permit.

In this session, Carolyn will review the differences between the courts and Human Rights Tribunal processes, including responding to complaints, time limit defences, mediation options, applications to dismiss complaints without a hearing, and costs. Carolyn will also provide a step by step guide of what to do when you receive a complaint and a summary of various cases against local governments. Finally, Carolyn will provide tips on how to avoid complaints in the first place.

This session may qualify for the following Professional Development Credits: Law Society CPD, CPHR