The Human Rights Code, C.C.S.M. c. H175 (Assented to July 17, 1987) bilingual version (HTML) Table of Contents Section 1 Definitions PART I COMMISSION AND ADJUDICATION PANEL 2 Human Rights Commission 3 Quorum 3.1 Practice and procedure 4 Responsibilities of Commission 5 Guidelines 6 Responsible to minister 7 Executive director 8 Adjudication panel PART II PROHIBITED CONDUCT AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS 9 Discrimination 10 Acts of officers and employees 11 Affirmative action, etc. permitted 12 Reasonable accommodation 13 Discrimination in service, accommodation, etc. 14 Discrimination in employment 15 Discrimination in contracts 16 Discrimination in rental of premises 17 Discrimination in purchase of real property 18 Discriminatory signs and statements 19 Harassment 20 Reprisals PART III COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES 21 Repealed 22 Complaints 23 Filing and serving complaint 24 Amendment of complaint 24.1 Settlement of complaint 24.2 Resolution before complaint filed 24.3 Reasonableness of offer to settle dispute 25 Reply to complaint 26 Investigation of complaint 27 Access to premises and documents 28 Representations re investigation 28.1 Repealed 29 Actions after investigation 30 Notification of disposition 30.1 Application for review by Commission 30.2 Commission to sit in panels 30.3 Decision 30.4 Notification of disposition 31 Repealed 32 Designation of adjudicator 33 Complaint and reply to adjudicator 33.1 Hearing date 34 Parties to adjudication 34.1 Designating adjudicator to explore settlement 35 Notice to parties 36 Public notice 37 General powers of adjudicator 37.1 Repealed 38 Order to produce documents 39 Hearing 40 Amending complaint or reply 41 Time limit for making decision 42 Jurisdiction re decisions 43 Decision re contravention 44 No expulsion of incumbents 45 Costs 46 Decisions and orders in writing 47 Supervision of special program 48 Enforcement of order 49 Finality of adjudication 50 Application for judicial review 51 Prosecution 52 Onus of proof 53 Status of unions and organizations PART IV SPECIAL REMEDIES 54 Application for court order 55 Injunction 56 Contract compliance and repudiation PART V GENERAL 57 Code binding on Crown 58 Paramountcy of Code 59 Confidentiality of information 60 Agreements re investigations 61 Technical defects 62 Protection from liability 63 Regulations 63.1 Forms 64 Repeal of Human Rights Act, references in other Acts 65 C.C.S.M. reference 66 Coming into force WHEREAS Manitobans recognize the individual worth and dignity of every member of the human family, and this principle underlies the Universal Declaration of Human Rights , the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms , and other solemn undertakings, international and domestic, that Canadians honour; AND WHEREAS Manitobans recognize that (a) implicit in the above principle is the right of all individuals to be treated in all matters solely on the basis of their personal merits, and to be accorded equality of opportunity with all other individuals; (b) to protect this right it is necessary to restrict unreasonable discrimination against individuals, including discrimination based on stereotypes or generalizations about groups with whom they are or are thought to be associated, and to ensure that reasonable accommodation is made for those with special needs; (c) in view of the fact that past discrimination against certain groups has resulted in serious disadvantage to members of those groups, and therefore it is important to provide for affirmative action programs and other special programs designed to overcome this historic disadvantage; (d) much discrimination is rooted in ignorance and education is essential to its eradication, and therefore it is important that human rights educational programs assist Manitobans to understand all their fundamental rights and freedoms, as well as their corresponding duties and responsibilities to others; and (e) these various protections for the human rights of Manitobans are of such fundamental importance that they merit paramount status over all other laws of the province; NOW THEREFORE HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows: Definitions 1 In this Code "adjudication panel" means the adjudication panel established under section 8; (« tribunal d'arbitrage ») "adjudicator" means the member of the adjudication panel who has been designated under this Code to adjudicate a complaint; (« arbitre ») "chief adjudicator" means the person designated as chief adjudicator under subsection 8(1.1); (« arbitre en chef ») "Commission" means the Manitoba Human Rights Commission; (« Commission ») "complainant" means a person who files a complaint, but does not include the Commission or the executive director in respect of a complaint filed under subsection 22(3); (« plaignant ») "complaint" means a complaint filed under section 22 alleging a contravention of this Code; (« plainte ») "court" means the Court of King's Bench; (« tribunal ») "Crown agency" means (a) a board, commission, association, or other body, whether incorporated or unincorporated, all the members of which or of the board of management or board of directors of which are appointed by an Act of the Legislature or by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council; or (b) a corporation the election of the board of directors of which is controlled by the Crown, directly or indirectly, through ownership of the shares of the capital stock thereof by the Crown or by a board, commission, association, or other body that is a Crown agency within the meaning of this definition; (« organisme gouvernemental ») "discrimination" has the meaning set out in section 9; (« discrimination ») "employers' organization" means an organization of employers formed for purposes that include the regulation of relations between employers and employees; (« association d'employeurs ») "executive director" means the executive director of the Commission; (« directeur général ») "hearing" means a hearing held by an adjudicator for the purpose of adjudicating a complaint; (« audience ») "local authority" includes (a) a municipality; (b) a local government district; (c) the board of trustees of a school division or school district established under The Public Schools Act ; (d) the board of a planning region or planning district established under The Planning Act ; (e) a health and social services board established under The District Health and Social Services Act ; and (f) [repealed] S.M. 2017, c. 34, s. 19 ; (g) a council of a community within the meaning of The Northern Affairs Act ; (« autorité locale ») "minister" means the member of the Executive Council charged by the Lieutenant Governor in Council with the administration of this Code; (« ministre ») "occupational association" means an organization, other than a trade union or employers' organization, in which membership is a prerequisite or from which licensing or certification is necessary to carrying on an occupation or employment; (« association professionnelle ») "person" , in addition to the extended meaning given it by The Interpretation Act , includes (a) an employment agency, employers' organization, trade union, occupational association, professional association, trade association and any other group or class of persons; and (b) for greater certainty, a local authority; (« personne ») "reply" means a reply filed under section 25 in response to a complaint; (« réponse ») "respondent" means a person alleged in a complaint to have contravened this Code; (« intimé ») "service animal" means an animal that has been trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability that relates to that person's disability; (« animal d'assistance ») "social disadvantage" means diminished social standing or social regard due to (a) homelessness or inadequate housing; (b) low levels of education; (c) chronic low income; or (d) chronic unemployment or underemployment; (« désavantage social ») "trade union" means an organization of employees formed for purposes that include the regulation of relations between employees and employers. (« syndicat ouvrier ») S.M. 2006, c. 34, s. 260 ; S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 2 ; S.M. 2017, c. 34, s. 19 ; S.M. 2021, c. 36, s. 77 . PART I COMMISSION AND ADJUDICATION PANEL Human Rights Commission 2(1) The Commission existing at the time this section comes into force under the name of "The Manitoba Human Rights Commission" is hereby continued under the same name as an independent agency with the responsibilities assigned to it under this Code and any other Act of the Legislature. Membership and appointment 2(2) The Commission shall consist of eight members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Chairperson 2(3) The Lieutenant Governor in Council shall designate one member of the Commission as chairperson, and the chairperson shall hold office for three years from the date of being appointed and thereafter until re-appointed or replaced. Other members 2(4) Every member of the Commission except the chairperson shall normally hold office for three years from the date of being appointed and thereafter until re-appointed or replaced, but in order to assure that three of the appointments shall expire in each year the Lieutenant Governor in Council shall, if necessary, appoint any such members to terms of less than three years. Termination for cause 2(5) No appointment of a member of the Commission shall be terminated except for cause. Vice chairperson 2(6) The Lieutenant Governor in Council shall designate one member of the Commission as vice chairperson. Vacancies 2(7) Where a member of the Commission except the chairperson ceases to be a member before the normal expiry of his or her term, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may fill the vacancy by appointing a person who shall serve for the unexpired portion of the term and thereafter until appointed to a full term under subsection (4) or replaced. Transitional 2(8) Notwithstanding anything in this section, those persons who are members of the Commission on the coming into force of this section shall continue to hold office for the duration of their appointments and thereafter until re-appointed or replaced. S.M. 1997, c. 20, s. 2 ; S.M. 2018, c. 8, s. 9 . Quorum 3 Notwithstanding subsection 2(2), the Commission has full authority to exercise its responsibilities under this Code when it has fewer than eight members, and for purposes of exercising those responsibilities or otherwise conducting Commission business, a quorum of the Commission consists of a majority of the members holding office at the time. S.M. 1997, c. 20, s. 3 ; S.M. 2018, c. 8, s. 9 . Practice and procedure 3.1 The Commission may determine its own practice and procedure. S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 3 . Responsibilities of Commission 4 In addition to discharging its other responsibilities under this Code, the Commission shall (a) promote the principle that all members of the human family are free and equal in dignity and rights and entitled to be treated on the basis of their personal merits, regardless of their actual or presumed association with any group; (b) further the principle of equality of opportunity and equality in the exercise of civil and legal rights regardless of status; (c) disseminate knowledge and promote understanding of the civil and legal rights of residents of Manitoba and develop, promote and conduct educational programs for that purpose; (d) develop, promote and conduct educational programs designed to eliminate all forms of discrimination prohibited by this Code; and (e) promote understanding and acceptance of, and compliance with, this Code and the regulations. Guidelines 5 The Commission may prepare and distribute, or cause to be prepared and distributed, guidelines to assist in the understanding and application of this Code and the regulations. Responsible to minister 6(1) Subject to the powers and responsibilities expressly vested in other authorities by this Code, the Commission is responsible to the minister for the administration of this Code. Annual report 6(2) The Commission must submit an annual report to the minister on the activities of the Commission and the adjudication panel. Tabling report in Assembly 6(3) The minister must table a copy of the report in the Assembly on any of the first 15 days on which the Assembly is sitting after the minister receives it. S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 2 . Executive director 7(1) One of the officers and employees of the Commission shall be designated as executive director. Responsibilities of executive director 7(2) In addition to discharging his or her other responsibilities under this Code, the executive director shall (a) act as registrar of complaints received by the Commission and ensure that they are disposed of in accordance with this Code; (b) direct the day-to-day activities of the Commission's staff in the investigation and settlement of complaints, the provision of educational programs, and the other responsibilities of the Commission under this Code; and (c) generally carry out, in accordance with the Commission's policies and directives, the administration of this Code. Delegation by executive director 7(3) The executive director may, in writing, delegate any responsibility or power of the executive director under this Code to another officer or employee of the Commission, other than (a) the powers under subsection 22(3) (complaint by Commission or executive director); (b) the powers under section 27 (access to premises and documents); (c) the responsibilities under subsection 29(2) (adjudication or prosecution); and (d) the powers under subsection 29(4) (combined complaints). Executive director may still exercise power 7(4) The executive director may continue to carry out a responsibility or exercise a power that they have delegated. S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 4 . Adjudication panel 8(1) There is hereby established an adjudication panel consisting of at least five persons appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Chief adjudicator 8(1.1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council must designate one member of the adjudication panel as the chief adjudicator. Commission members ineligible 8(2) No member of the Commission shall be appointed to the adjudication panel. Length of appointment 8(3) A person appointed to the adjudication panel is a member of the panel for the term fixed in the order appointing the member, which may not exceed three years, and continues to be a member until a replacement is appointed or the person is re-appointed. Appointment continues 8(3.1) Unless terminated for cause under subsection (4), a member of the adjudication panel who has commenced a hearing into a complaint may continue as adjudicator and issue a final decision on the complaint even if his or her appointment has expired and a replacement has been named. Termination for cause 8(4) No appointment of a member of the adjudication panel shall be terminated except for cause. Oath of impartiality 8(5) Upon being appointed to the adjudication panel, a member shall make an oath or affirmation in the following form: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully, truly, impartially and to the best of my knowledge, skill and ability, adjudicate complaints under The Human Rights Code of Manitoba. So help me God." (Omit last four words where the member affirms.) Procedural rules 8(6) After consulting with the members of the adjudication panel, the chief adjudicator may establish rules of practice not inconsistent with this Code regulating the procedure for an adjudication under this Code. Rules for exploring settlement before hearing 8(7) The chief adjudicator's power under subsection (6) includes the power to make rules of practice respecting an adjudicator assisting the parties to resolve matters at issue in a complaint prior to a hearing. Rules made available to the public 8(8) The chief adjudicator must make rules established under subsection (6) available to the public. S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 4 ; S.M. 2015, c. 43, s. 54 ; S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 5 . PART II PROHIBITED CONDUCT AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS "Discrimination" defined 9(1) In this Code, "discrimination" means (a) differential treatment of an individual on the basis of the individual's actual or presumed membership in or association with some class or group of persons, rather than on the basis of personal merit; or (b) differential treatment of an individual or group on the basis of any characteristic referred to in subsection (2); or (c) differential treatment of an individual or group on the basis of the individual's or group's actual or presumed association with another individual or group whose identity or membership is determined by any characteristic referred to in subsection (2); or (d) failure to make reasonable accommodation for the special needs of any individual or group, if those special needs are based upon any characteristic referred to in subsection (2). Interpretation 9(1.1) In this Code, "discrimination" includes any act or omission that results in discrimination within the meaning of subsection (1), regardless of (a) the form of the act or omission; and (b) whether the person responsible for the act or omission intended to discriminate. Applicable characteristics 9(2) The applicable characteristics for the purposes of clauses (1)⁠(b) to (d) are (a) ancestry, including colour and perceived race; (b) nationality or national origin; (c) ethnic background or origin; (d) religion or creed, or religious belief, religious association or religious activity; (e) age; (f) sex, including sex-determined characteristics or circumstances, such as pregnancy, the possibility of pregnancy, or circumstances related to pregnancy; (g) gender identity; (g.1) gender expression; (h) sexual orientation; (i) marital or family status; (j) source of income; (k) political belief, political association or political activity; (l) physical or mental disability or related characteristics or circumstances, including reliance on a service animal, a wheelchair, or any other remedial appliance or device; (m) social disadvantage. Discrimination on basis of social disadvantage 9(2.1) It is not discrimination on the basis of social disadvantage unless the discrimination is based on a negative bias or stereotype related to that social disadvantage. Systemic discrimination 9(3) Interrelated actions, policies or procedures of a person that do not have a discriminatory effect when considered individually can constitute discrimination under this Code if the combined operation of those actions, policies or procedures results in discrimination within the meaning of subsection (1). Criminal conduct excluded 9(4) For the purpose of dealing with any case of alleged discrimination under this Code, no characteristic referred to in subsection (2) shall be interpreted to extend to any conduct prohibited by the Criminal Code of Canada. No condoning or condemning of beliefs, etc. 9(5) Nothing in this Code shall be interpreted as condoning or condemning any beliefs, values, or lifestyles based upon any characteristic referred to in subsection (2). S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 5 ; S.M. 2025, c. 38, s. 2 . Acts of officers and employees 10 For the purposes of this Code, where an officer, employee, director or agent of a person contravenes this Code while acting in the course of employment or the scope of actual or apparent authority, the person is also responsible for the contravention unless the person (a) did not consent to the contravention and took all reasonable steps to prevent it; and (b) subsequently took all reasonable steps to mitigate or avoid the effect of the contravention. S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 6 . Affirmative action, etc. permitted 11 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, it is not discrimination, a contravention of this Code, or an offence under this Code (a) to make reasonable accommodation for the special needs of an individual or group, if those special needs are based upon any characteristic referred to in subsection 9(2); or (b) to plan, advertise, adopt or implement an affirmative action program or other special program that (i) has as its object the amelioration of conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups, including those who are disadvantaged because of any characteristic referred to in subsection 9(2), and (ii) achieves or is reasonably likely to achieve that object. Reasonable accommodation required 12 For the purpose of interpreting and applying sections 13 to 18, the right to discriminate where bona fide and reasonable cause exists for the discrimination, or where the discrimination is based upon bona fide and reasonable requirements or qualifications, does not extend to the failure to make reasonable accommodation within the meaning of clause 9(1)⁠(d). Discrimination in service, accommodation, etc. 13(1) No person shall discriminate with respect to any service, accommodation, facility, good, right, licence, benefit, program or privilege available or accessible to the public or to a section of the public, unless bona fide and reasonable cause exists for the discrimination. Exception for age of majority 13(2) Nothing in subsection (1) prevents the denial or refusal of a service, accommodation, facility, good, right, licence, benefit, program or privilege to a person who has not attained the age of majority if the denial or refusal is required or authorized by a statute in force in Manitoba. Discrimination in employment 14(1) No person shall discriminate with respect to any aspect of an employment or occupation, unless the discrimination is based upon bona fide and reasonable requirements or qualifications for the employment or occupation. "Any aspect", etc. defined 14(2) In subsection (1), "any aspect of an employment or occupation" includes (a) the opportunity to participate, or continue to participate, in the employment or occupation; (b) the customs, practices and conditions of the employment or occupation; (c) training, advancement or promotion; (d) seniority; (e) any form of remuneration or other compensation received directly or indirectly in respect of the employment or occupation, including salary, commissions, vacation pay, termination wages, bonuses, reasonable value for board, rent, housing and lodging, payments in kind, and employer contributions to pension funds or plans, long-term disability plans and health insurance plans; and (f) any other benefit, term or condition of the employment or occupation. Employment advertising 14(3) No person shall publish, broadcast, circulate or display, or cause to be published, broadcast, circulated or displayed, any statement, symbol or other representation, written or oral, that indicates directly or indirectly that any characteristic referred to in subsection 9(2) is or may be a limitation, specification or preference for an employment or occupation, unless the limitation, specification or preference is based upon bona fide and reasonable requirements or qualifications for the employment or occupation. Pre-employment inquiries 14(4) No person shall use or circulate any application form for an employment or occupation, or direct any written or oral inquiry to an applicant for an employment or occupation, that (a) expresses directly or indirectly a limitation, specification or preference as to any characteristic referred to in subsection 9(2); or (b) requires the applicant to furnish information concerning any characteristic referred to in subsection 9(2); unless the limitation, specification or preference or the requirement to furnish the information is based upon bona fide and reasonable requirements or qualifications for the employment or occupation. Discrimination by employment agencies, etc. 14(5) No person who undertakes, with or without compensation, to (a) obtain any other person for an employment or occupation with a third person; or (b) obtain an employment or occupation for any other person; or (c) test, train or evaluate any other person for an employment or occupation; or (d) refer or recommend any other person for an employment or occupation; or (e) refer or recommend any other person for testing, training or evaluation for an employment or occupation; shall discriminate when doing so, unless the discrimination is based upon bona fide and reasonable requirements or qualifications for the employment or occupation. Discrimination by organizations, etc. 14(6) No trade union, employer, employers' organization, occupational association, professional association or trade association, and no member of any such union, organization or association, shall (a) discriminate in respect of the right to membership or any other aspect of membership in the union, organization or association; or (b) negotiate on behalf of any other person in respect of, or agree on behalf of any other person to, an agreement that discriminates; unless bona fide and reasonable cause exists for the discrimination. Employee benefits 14(7) Subject to subsection 21(7.1) of The Pension Benefits Act , the Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations prescribing distinctions, conditions, requirements or qualifications that, for the purposes of this section, shall be deemed to be bona fide and reasonable in respect of an employee benefit plan, whether provided for by individual contract, collective agreement or otherwise. Personal services in private residence 14(8) For the purposes of this section, it is a bona fide and reasonable requirement or qualification where, in choosing a person to provide personal services in a private residence, the employer discriminates for the bona fide purpose of fostering or maintaining a desired environment within the residence, if there is otherwise no contravention of this Code in the employment relationship. "Personal services" defined 14(9) In subsection (8), "personal services" means work of a domestic, custodial, companionship, personal care, child care, or educational nature, or other work within the residence that involves frequent contact or communication with persons who live in the residence. Exception for age of majority 14(10) Nothing in this section prevents a person from limiting the employment or occupation of a person under the age of majority, or from classifying or referring to a person under the age of majority for an employment or occupation, in accordance with a statute in force in Manitoba that regulates the employment or occupation of persons under the age of majority. Promotion of beliefs, etc. 14(11) Nothing in this section prohibits the lawful and reasonable disciplining of an employee or person in an occupation who violates the duties, powers or privileges of the employment or occupation by improperly using the employment or occupation as a forum for promoting beliefs or values based upon any characteristic referred to in subsection 9(2). No reduction of wages, etc. 14(12) An employer shall not, in order to comply with this section, (a) terminate the employment or occupation of any person; or (b) reduce the wage level or diminish any other benefit available to any person in an employment or occupation; or (c) change the customs, practices and conditions of an employment or occupation to the detriment of any person; if the person accepted the employment or occupation, the wage level or other benefit, or the customs, practices and conditions in good faith. "Employment or occupation" defined 14(13) In this section, "employment or occupation" includes (a) work that is actual or potential, full-time or part-time, permanent, seasonal or casual, and paid or unpaid; and (b) work performed for another person under a contract either with the worker or with another person respecting the worker's services. S.M. 2005, c. 2, s. 36 . Discrimination in contracts 15(1) No person shall discriminate with respect to (a) entering into any contract that is offered or held out to the public generally or to a section of the public; or (b) any term or condition of such a contract; unless bona fide and reasonable cause exists for the discrimination. Life insurance, etc., contracts 15(2) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations prescribing distinctions, conditions, requirements or qualifications that, for the purposes of this section, shall be deemed to be bona fide and reasonable in respect of life insurance, accident and sickness insurance or life annuities, whether provided for by individual contract, collective agreement, or otherwise. Discrimination in rental of premises 16(1) No person shall discriminate with respect to (a) the leasing or other lawful occupancy of, or the opportunity to lease or otherwise lawfully occupy, any residence or commercial premises or any part thereof; or (b) any term or condition of the leasing or other lawful occupancy of any residence or commercial premises or any part thereof; unless bona fide and reasonable cause exists for the discrimination. Exception for private residence, etc. 16(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to (a) the choice of a boarder or roomer for a private residence by the occupier of the residence; or (b) the choice of a tenant for a unit in a duplex by the owner of the duplex, if the owner occupies the other unit in the duplex. Discrimination in purchase of real property 17 No person shall discriminate with respect to (a) the purchase or other lawful acquisition of, or the opportunity to purchase or otherwise lawfully acquire, any residence, commercial premises, or other real property or interest therein that has been advertised or otherwise publicly represented as being available for purchase or acquisition; or (b) any term or condition of the purchase or other lawful acquisition of any such property or interest; unless bona fide and reasonable cause exists for the discrimination. Discriminatory signs and statements 18 No person shall publish, broadcast, circulate or publicly display, or cause to be published, broadcast, circulated or publicly displayed, any sign, symbol, notice or statement that (a) discriminates or indicates intention to discriminate in respect of an activity or undertaking to which this Code applies; or (b) incites, advocates or counsels discrimination in respect of an activity or undertaking to which this Code applies; unless bona fide and reasonable cause exists for the discrimination. Harassment 19(1) No person who is responsible for an activity or undertaking to which this Code applies shall (a) harass any person who is participating in the activity or undertaking; or (b) knowingly permit, or fail to take reasonable steps to terminate, harassment of one person who is participating in the activity or undertaking by another person who is participating in the activity or undertaking. "Harassment" defined 19(2) In this section, "harassment" means (a) a course of abusive and unwelcome conduct or comment undertaken or made on the basis of any characteristic referred to in subsection 9(2); or (b) a series of objectionable and unwelcome sexual solicitations or advances; or (c) a sexual solicitation or advance made by a person who is in a position to confer any benefit on, or deny any benefit to, the recipient of the solicitation or advance, if the person making the solicitation or advance knows or ought reasonably to know that it is unwelcome; or (d) a reprisal or threat of reprisal for rejecting a sexual solicitation or advance. Reprisals 20 No person shall deny or threaten to deny any benefit, or cause or threaten to cause any detriment, to any other person on the ground that the other person (a) has filed or may file a complaint under this Code; or (b) has laid or may lay an information under this Code; or (c) has made or may make a disclosure concerning a possible contravention of this Code; or (d) has testified or may testify in a proceeding under this Code; or (e) has participated or may participate in any other way in a proceeding under this Code; or (f) has complied with, or may comply with, an obligation imposed by this Code; or (g) has refused or may refuse to contravene this Code. PART III COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES 21 [Repealed] S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 7 . Complaints 22(1) Any person may file, at an office of the Commission, a complaint alleging that another person has contravened this Code. Consent of alleged victim 22(2) Where the complainant is not the person against whom the Code is alleged to have been contravened, the executive director may refuse to accept the complaint unless that person consents to the filing of the complaint. Complaint by Commission or executive director 22(3) Where the Commission or the executive director believes on reasonable grounds that any person has contravened this Code, the Commission or the executive director may file a complaint against the person, and the provisions of this Code apply with such modifications as the circumstances require to the complaint. Complaint form 22(4) Every complaint shall be filed on a form approved by the Commission. S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 8 . Time limit for filing 23(1) Subject to subsection (2), every complaint shall be filed within one year after the day of the alleged contravention of the Code or, where a continuing contravention is alleged, within one year after the day of the last alleged instance of the contravention. Extension for filing 23(2) The executive director may extend the time for filing any complaint except a complaint filed under subsection 22(3), but the executive director shall not extend the time if they are satisfied that the extension would cause undue prejudice to the respondent. Time limit for serving 23(3) Within 30 days after the day the complaint is filed, the executive director shall cause the respondent to be served with a copy of the complaint, but failure to meet the 30 day time limit does not invalidate the complaint. S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 9 ; S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 6 . Amendment of complaint 24 The executive director may, on such terms and conditions as they consider appropriate, add parties to the complaint or otherwise amend the complaint at any time after it has been filed and before it has been disposed of in accordance with section 29, but the executive director shall not do so if satisfied that undue prejudice would result to any party or any person proposed to be added as a party to the complaint. S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 7 . Executive director may explore settlement of complaint 24.1(1) The executive director may attempt to resolve a complaint through mediation, conciliation or other means at any time before an adjudicator is appointed to hear the complaint. Termination of proceedings on settlement 24.1(2) If a complaint is settled on terms satisfactory to the complainant and respondent, the executive director must terminate the proceedings in respect of the complaint in accordance with the settlement. Non-compliance with settlement 24.1(3) Despite subsection (2), if the executive director determines that either party to the settlement has failed to substantially comply with the settlement terms, the executive director may, after giving written notice to the parties, re-open the proceedings and proceed as if no settlement had been reached. 24.1(4) [Repealed] S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 8 . S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 10 ; S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 8 . Resolution before complaint filed 24.2 If a person contacts the Commission with a concern about the conduct of another person that could constitute a contravention of the Code, the executive director may try to assist them in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution of the concern before a complaint about the conduct is filed. S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 10 ; S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 9 . Executive director to determine reasonableness of offer 24.3(1) If a respondent makes a settlement offer before an adjudicator is appointed to hear a complaint, the executive director must determine if the offer is reasonable. Settlement offer not accepted 24.3(2) If the complainant rejects a settlement offer that the executive director considers reasonable, the executive director must terminate the proceedings in respect of the complaint. Offer must remain open 24.3(3) An offer to settle a complaint that is disposed of under this section must remain open for acceptance for at least 15 days after the day notice of the disposition is given under section 30 or any longer period that the executive director considers reasonable in the circumstances. S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 10 . Reply to complaint 25 The respondent may file, at an office of the Commission, a written reply to the complaint. Investigation of complaint 26(1) Subject to subsection (2), as soon as is reasonably possible after a complaint has been filed, the executive director must cause the complaint to be investigated to the extent the executive director regards as sufficient for fairly and properly disposing of it in accordance with section 24.1, 24.3 or 29. Dismissal of complaint without investigation 26(2) The executive director may dismiss a complaint or part of a complaint without causing it to be investigated if the executive director is of the opinion that (a) it is frivolous or vexatious; (b) the acts or omissions described in it do not contravene this Code; (c) it is not within the jurisdiction provided by this Code; (d) its subject matter is being or has been dealt with appropriately according to a procedure provided for under another Act; or (e) additional proceedings in respect of it would not benefit the person against whom this Code is alleged to have been contravened. S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 11 ; S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 11 . Access to premises and documents 27(1) Where the executive director or an investigator acting on the written authorization of the executive director has reasonable and probable grounds to believe that access to any land, residence or commercial premises will assist in the investigation of a complaint, the executive director or investigator (a) shall have access at any reasonable time to the land, residence or commercial premises; and (b) may inspect any document, correspondence or record that is situated on or in the land, residence, or commercial premises and is specifically relevant to the complaint, and may make copies thereof or take extracts therefrom. Authority for access 27(2) Where a person refuses to grant access to land, a residence or commercial premises or refuses to produce a document, correspondence or record for the purposes of subsection (1), the executive director or investigator may, without giving notice to the person, apply to a justice for an order authorizing the executive director or investigator to do any or all of the things authorized under subsection (1). Where order may be issued 27(3) Upon hearing the application referred to in subsection (2), the justice may grant the order on such terms and conditions as the justice considers appropriate, if satisfied that (a) there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that access to the land, residence or commercial premises will assist in the investigation of the complaint; and (b) the authority for access is reasonable and necessary for purposes of investigating the complaint. Assistance of peace officers 27(4) The person to whom an order is issued under subsection (3) may engage the assistance of one or more peace officers in exercising the powers granted by the order. Copies as evidence 27(5) Copies of all or part of a document, correspondence or record obtained under this section are admissible in evidence to the same extent, and have the same evidentiary value, as the original document, correspondence, record or part thereof, if certified as true copies by the person who made them. Allegedly privileged material 27(6) Where a document, correspondence or record to which access is sought under this section is alleged to be protected from disclosure by a privilege recognized by law, the person who claims the privilege, or the executive director or the investigator seeking access to the document, correspondence or record, may apply to the court for a determination on the question of privilege. Sealing of document 27(7) Where an application is being or has been brought under subsection (6), the person having custody of or control over the document, correspondence or record shall cause it to be sealed and delivered to the court. Representations re investigation 28 Upon completion of the investigation into a complaint and prior to disposition of the complaint in accordance with section 29, the complainant and the respondent have the right to be informed of the findings of the investigation and the right to respond to the investigator in respect of those findings. 28.1 [Repealed] S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 12 ; S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 12 . Dismissal of complaint after investigation 29(1) Following the completion of the investigation into a complaint, the executive director must dismiss the complaint or a part of the complaint if the executive director is satisfied that (a) it is frivolous or vexatious; (b) the acts or omissions described in it do not contravene this Code; (c) it is not within the jurisdiction provided by this Code; (d) its subject matter is being or has been dealt with appropriately according to a procedure provided for under another Act; (e) additional proceedings in respect of it would not benefit the person against whom this Code is alleged to have been contravened; or (f) the evidence in support of it is insufficient to substantiate the alleged contravention of this Code. Adjudication or prosecution 29(2) If a complaint is not otherwise disposed of in its entirety and the executive director is satisfied that additional proceedings in respect of the complaint would further the objectives of this Code or assist the Commission in discharging its responsibilities under this Code, the executive director must (a) request the chief adjudicator to designate a member of the adjudication panel to adjudicate the complaint, in whole or in part; or (b) recommend that the minister commence a prosecution for an alleged contravention of this Code. Termination of proceedings 29(3) If a complaint is not otherwise disposed of in its entirety and the executive director does not proceed under subsection (2), the executive director must terminate the proceedings in respect of the complaint. Complaints may be combined 29(4) If the executive director is satisfied that two or more complaints involve substantially similar issues of fact and law, the executive director may do one or both of the following: (a) deal with the complaints together under this section; (b) request the chief adjudicator to designate an adjudicator to adjudicate the complaints, in whole or in part, together in a single hearing. S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 13 ; S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 13 . Notification of disposition 30 After disposing of a complaint under subsection 24.1(2) or (3), section 24.3, subsection 26(2) or section 29, the executive director must send written notice of the disposition to each party by regular mail to the party's last known address. The notice is deemed to have been given seven days after the day it was mailed. S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 14 ; S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 14 . Application for review by Commission 30.1(1) A complainant may apply to the Commission for a review of a decision made by the executive director (a) to terminate proceedings after a settlement offer is made, under section 24.3; (b) to dismiss a complaint or part of a complaint without an investigation, under subsection 26(2); (c) to dismiss a complaint or part of a complaint after an investigation, under subsection 29(1); or (d) to terminate proceedings without an adjudication or prosecution, under subsection 29(3). Application requirements 30.1(2) The application must be filed on a form approved by the Commission within 30 days after the day the complainant is given notice of the disposition under section 30 or within any longer period allowed by the Commission. Application given to respondent 30.1(3) The executive director must give a copy of the application to the respondent. S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 15 . Commission to sit in panels 30.2(1) The chairperson must designate three members of the Commission to sit as a panel of the Commission to consider an application for review filed under section 30.1. Chairperson on panel 30.2(2) A panel designated under subsection (1) may include the chairperson. Jurisdiction of panel 30.2(3) When considering an application and reviewing the decision, (a) a panel has all the jurisdiction of the Commission and may exercise the Commission's powers and perform its duties; and (b) a decision of a majority of the members of a panel is the decision of the Commission. S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 15 . Decision 30.3(1) Upon considering an application for review filed under section 30.1, the Commission may (a) confirm the decision of the executive director to terminate proceedings or dismiss the complaint; (b) make any decision that in its opinion ought to have been made by the executive director; or (c) if the decision was made under section 24.3 or 29, refer the complaint or part of the complaint back to the executive director for further investigation in accordance with any direction that the Commission may give. Decision after further investigation 30.3(2) If the Commission refers the complaint or part of the complaint for further investigation, (a) the executive director must provide the Commission with a written report satisfactory to the Commission setting out the findings of the investigation and any responses received under section 28 (parties' representations re investigation) in respect of the findings; and (b) the Commission must, after considering the report, dispose of the application in accordance with clause (1)⁠(a) or (b). Decision based on written record 30.3(3) In disposing of an application for review filed under section 30.1, the Commission may consider only the application, the written record of the executive director's decision and, if the executive director provides a report under subsection (2), the report. S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 15 . Notification of disposition 30.4 After disposing of an application for review filed under section 30.1, the Commission must send each party written notice of the disposition by regular mail to the party's last known address. S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 15 . 31 [Repealed] S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 15 . Designation of adjudicator 32(1) As soon as reasonably possible after receiving a request under clause 29(2)⁠(a) or (4)⁠(b), the chief adjudicator shall designate a member of the adjudication panel to hold a hearing into the complaint or complaints. Decision on combined hearing 32(1.1) When a request is made under clause 29(4)⁠(b), the chief adjudicator may designate an adjudicator to hold a single hearing into the complaints if the chief adjudicator is satisfied that a single hearing will not result in unnecessary complications or delay or cause undue prejudice to a party. 32(2) [Repealed] S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 16 . Prohibition on designation 32(3) The chief adjudicator shall not designate a member of the adjudication panel to adjudicate a complaint if the member has participated in any capacity in the prior investigation or disposition of the complaint. S.M. 2012, c. 38, s. 16 ; S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 16 . Complaint and reply to adjudicator 33 The executive director must provide to the adjudicator, or cause to be provided, a copy of the complaint and, where applicable, the reply. S.M. 2021, c. 27, s. 17 .