B.C. Human Rights Commission

Engagement Summary

On August 4, 2017 Premier John Horgan along with Attorney General David Eby announced that British Columbia will re-establish the B.C. Human Rights Commission to address inequality and discrimination. The Attorney General tasked Ravi Kahlon, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Multiculturalism, to lead a public engagement process and provide recommendations.
 
The report outlines recommendations in five categories, including the commission’s creation, purpose, functions, powers and early priorities. Additional recommendations related to the Human Rights Tribunal, the Human Rights Clinic and the Ministry of Attorney General are included.
 

Timeframe: 

September 20 to November 17, 2017
 

Input received:

• 511 online discussion form comments

• 88 stakeholder Meetings (68 organizations & 20 individuals)

• Two Indigenous workshops were held that included a total of 12 organizations

• 81 written submissions (72 organizations & 9 individuals)

Input leads to action:

The results of the public engagement have been summarized in a public report and recommendations to Attorney General David Eby.
 
On November 1, 2018, the Act was introduced in the Legislative Assembly. Legislation was passed and the position of Human Rights Commissioner was established following amendments to the Human Rights Code that were adopted on November 27, 2018.
 
Following the unanimous recommendation of a special committee to the Legislative Assembly, Kasari Govender was appointed as B.C.’s first independent Human Rights Commissioner on May 30, 2019. The appointment is for a term of five years, and will take effect on September 3, 2019.
 
Please review the news release from the Legislative Assembly along with the news release from the Ministry of Attorney General for more information.