Alberta

Alberta is governed by the Alberta Human Rights Act and has the Alberta Human Rights Commission, of which decisions can be found here.

Grounds of Discrimination Recognized: race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation.

Areas of Application: Employment Applications or Advertisements, Employment Practices, Equal Pay, Goods, Services, Accommodation or Facilities, Membership in Trade Unions, Statements, Publications, Notices, Signs, Symbols, Emblems or Other Representations, Tenancy.

Procedure: Complaints based on reasonable grounds that the Alberta Human Rights Act has been contravened are made to the Alberta Human Rights Commission. If the Commission refuses to accept the complaint it will notify the complainant in writing. If the Commission accepts the complaint, the Commission will ask the respondent to provide a written response.

The Commission may recommend both parties attempt conciliation, or decide to investigate the complaint. If there is no reasonable basis to proceed the Commission may dismiss the complaint. If there is a reasonable basis to proceed the Commission may require parties attempt to go through a resolution or settlement process. If this is unsuccessful, then a human rights tribunal may be appointed to hear the complaint.

How to Begin a Complaint: Go to the Alberta Human Rights Commission website, print off and fill out a Human Rights Complaint Form, and a Complainant Contact Information Form. These can be delivered in person at their Edmonton or Calgary offices, by mail or by fax. These forms and more information can be found here.

Limitation Periods: The Commission must receive the completed complaint form or letter within one year after the alleged contravention of the Act. This period starts the day after the date on which the alleged contravention of the Act occurred.

Remedies: Remedy’s consist of financial and/or non-financial relief awarded to an individual for their losses and suffering in cases of discrimination with merit.

This content has been updated on 23 February 2023 at 11 h 23 min.