Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island has a Human Rights Act and the Prince Edward Island Human Rights Commission, cases found here, although publication has been sporadic.

Grounds of Discrimination Recognized: Age, colour, creed, disability, ethnic or national origin, family status, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or source of income.

Areas of Application: Accommodations, Employment, Lease or Sale of Property, Membership in Professional, Business or Trade Associations and Employee Organizations, Publications, Broadcasts, Public Displays, and Advertisements, Services and Facilities Available to the Public and Volunteer Work.

Procedure: Complainants begin by filing a complaint, and if the complaint is accepted the Commission provides the respondent an opportunity to respond in writing. The Commission may encourage settlement. However, they will investigate to ensure the complaint has merit before the matter goes to a hearing, and may be dismissed outright.

How to Begin a Complaint: The Commission requires original complaint forms be mailed to their office or delivered in person. Fax is available, however, mail or delivery is still required. The Commission provides a clear guide on how to fill out your application, please visit the Commission’s page here.

Limitation Periods: A complaint shall be made in writing in a form acceptable to the Commission and be made within one year after the alleged contravention of the Act occurred.

Remedies: A human rights panel may order: a letter of apology, a letter of reference, an education session on the PEI Human Rights Act provided to the Respondent by a Commission staff member, an indication that the Respondent will not discriminate in the manner complained of in the future, monetary compensation for injury to dignity and hurt feelings, lost wages, and expenses incurred due to the discrimination, reinstatement to an employment position and the provision of the service or accommodation that was denied.

This content has been updated on 23 February 2023 at 11 h 28 min.