The human rights complaint process is a legal process that is not suitable for everyone or all situations. Justice looks different to everyone, and we recognize that there are other ways to deal with conflict. The Commission believes in a strengths-based, relational approach to resolving human rights concerns. This means we harness people’s skills, focus on relationships, and prioritize solutions.
When is Early Resolution Offered?
We offer early resolution based on what happened and our capacity. It works well when:
- it appears that we have the power to act (a legal term known as jurisdiction)
- the people involved have an ongoing relationship
- the people involved understand the possibilities (reconnection, education, resource development, timely resolution, less adversarial) and limitations (information gathering, inability to request financial compensation) of the process
- the people involved are committed to resolving the problem in creative ways
- the people involved want a timely resolution
The Role of the Commission
We can’t tell you what to do or give you legal advice. Instead, we can listen, talk about options and help generate ideas. We can get the people to work together or do it separately. We can also help:
- Find a reasonable accommodation
- Build or re-build relationships
- Provide conflict coaching or system navigation
- Discuss ways to advocate for yourself
- Deliver training sessions
- Develop public education resources
- Review policies and procedures
- Connect people with others to work on lasting change
Finding Solutions
Success will look different to everyone. Sometimes a reasonable solution is not found. In these cases, we review all the information gathered and re-assess our jurisdiction to proceed forward with a human rights complaint.