The office staff administer the Human Rights Act and run the day-to-day operations of the Commission. The Commission serves the people of Newfoundland and Labrador from our office in St. John’s. The Executive Director of the Commission is the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Commission. The office is currently staffed by 8 permanent positions. We also have 2 contract positions including a Public Relations Specialist and a Lead Community Facilitator.
The Commissioners
The Human Rights Commissioners collectively possess experience with human rights issues and an interest in as well as sensitivity to human rights. The Human Rights Commissioners are appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Cabinet for a 5-year term. One member is designated as Chair. Commissioners are not full-time employees of the Commission and have very specific duties outlined in the Human Rights Act. Human Rights Commissioners review complaints after an investigation is complete. The Commissioners decide if there is “sufficient evidence” to send a complaint to a hearing. It is a screening function only. Human Rights Commissioners do not make findings of discrimination or harassment. That is the job of an Adjudicator at a human rights hearing.
Human Rights Panel of Adjudicators
Human Rights Adjudicators possess knowledge or training with respect to human rights law and issues. They are appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council for a 3-year term. One member is designated as Chief Adjudicator. Adjudicators preside over human rights complaints that have been referred to a Board of Inquiry. Adjudicators decide whether or not there is a violation of the Human Rights Act and can order certain remedies. The Panel of Adjudicators is independent of the statutory office of the Human Rights Commission.
Click the link to learn more: Human Rights Commission Panel of Adjudicators – Justice and Public Safety (gov.nl.ca)