Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Rules, 2021

Summary#

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Rules of Procedure, 2021 are the Tribunal’s published rules for how it runs hearings and case steps. They set out modern, written procedures for inquiries, including electronic filing, disclosure deadlines and timelines for decisions. The rules were registered on June 11, 2021 and come into force on the 30th day after registration (July 11, 2021).

What it does#

• Publishes and codifies the Tribunal’s procedures for inquiries under the Canadian Human Rights Act.
• Lets the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal use electronic service and filing (email, online addresses, video or phone hearings).
• Allows the panel to order remote hearings and to give directions about technology.
• Requires parties to file a list of documents and provide copies to other parties by 30 days before the first scheduled day of the hearing.
• Sets time limits for decisions: panels must issue a final decision within six months after hearing ends, and decisions on motions within three months.
• Gives panels explicit powers to sanction parties for non‑compliance (including dismissing complaints or ordering remedies).
• Defines the Tribunal’s official record, public access to that record, and retention rules.
• Adds clearer requirements for what complainants, respondents and the Canadian Human Rights Commission must say in their case summaries and witness lists.
• States hearing hours are Monday–Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. local time.

Who's affected#

• People who bring discrimination complaints to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (complainants).
• People, employers and groups named as respondents in those complaints.
• Representatives, lawyers and witnesses who take part in Tribunal inquiries.
• Organizations that appear before the Tribunal often — for example federally regulated employers, unions, advocacy groups and Indigenous organizations.
• The public and journalists to the extent they want access to hearing records and exhibits.
• It is unclear whether small administrative users will notice any extra costs; the rules say they aim to make proceedings more efficient and to lower costs through technology.

Why it matters#

• The rules make the Tribunal’s process more predictable and transparent by putting long‑used practices into a single, public document.
• Clearer timelines and disclosure rules reduce surprises at hearings and may speed up cases.
• The ability to hold remote hearings and file documents electronically can lower travel cost and make participation easier, especially for people far from hearing locations.
• Sanctions for non‑compliance give panels more tools to keep cases moving, which can affect how parties prepare and cooperate.
• Defining the official record clarifies what materials can be accessed by the public and how long they will be kept.