Helping people find help

The Commission tries to help each and every person who asks for it — no matter how that request reaches us. This starts with determining whether a person has the basis of a human rights complaint and if so, whether the Commission is the right organization to help them.

In most cases, we are able to help people find the answers or solutions they need without them filing a formal discrimination complaint. In many instances, we are able to help the person resolve their issue quickly and informally. In other cases, we direct the complainant to the appropriate organization. For example, sometimes a complainant's concern is best addressed by a provincial or territorial human rights commission, or other organizations that have been given the authority to resolve complaints. Only a fraction of the thousands of people who contact the Commission end up needing to file a discrimination complaint.

Each person is treated individually, frequently requiring follow-up and one-on-one conversations with a human rights officer. In cases when someone is in a vulnerable situation, the Commission takes measures to ensure they are helped as quickly as possible.