New Brunswick

New Brunswick has a Human Rights Act and the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission.
The Commission’s decisions are not available free of cost from CanLii.

Grounds of Discrimination Recognized: race, colour, religion, national origin, ancestry, place of origin, age, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, social condition or political belief or activity.

Areas of Application: Employment, Housing, Public Services, for example, Schools, Stores, Motels, Hospitals, Police and most Government Services, Publicity, and Certain Associations.

Procedure: Once a complaint has been filed the Commission may recommend early resolution intervention. If this is unsuccessful and the Commission feels as though the complaint is with merit they have three options: 1) The Commission members can dismiss a complaint, 2) ask for further settlement efforts, or 3) refer the matter to the New Brunswick Labour and Employment Board for a hearing. The Labour and Employment Board will conduct an inquiry into the matter via a hearing that is typically open to the public.

How to Begin a Complaint: It is not possible to file a complaint by online, by email phone or letter. If you wish to file a complaint about discrimination or harassment in New Brunswick, you should phone 1-888-471-2233 where staff will explain the human rights complaint process. If you decide to file a complaint, staff will mail you a complaint kit so you can complete the complaint form. For the most up to date information, please visit the Commission’s page here.

Limitation Periods: A complaint shall be filed within one year after the alleged violation of the Act or the last alleged instance of the violation if a continuing violation is alleged.

Remedies: The New Brunswick Labour and Employment board, may order a party to refrain from doing, any act or acts to ensure compliance with the Act, rectification of harm caused by the violation, reinstate a complainant in employment, or compensate individuals for financial loss or deprivation, compensate a party adversely affected by the violation for any consequent emotional suffering, including that resulting from injury to dignity, and feelings.

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