File a Human Rights Complaint - Burnaby, BC

Civil Rights and Equity British Columbia 4 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

For residents of Burnaby, British Columbia, filing a human rights complaint usually starts with the provincial process administered by the BC Human Rights Tribunal. This guide explains how to identify discrimination, prepare a complaint, contact the right offices, and what to expect during resolution or tribunal review. It covers where to find official forms, the enforcing authority, common remedies, and practical next steps for Burnaby residents who believe they experienced discrimination in employment, housing, services, or government programs.

How to file a complaint

Follow these practical steps to begin a complaint under the BC Human Rights system:

  1. Confirm the issue is a human rights matter (protected ground such as race, sex, disability, etc.).
  2. Gather records: emails, contracts, photos, witness names, dates and descriptions of incidents.
  3. Act promptly and check any applicable filing deadline on the Tribunal site.
  4. Complete the Tribunal application or intake form and submit as directed by the Tribunal website BC Human Rights Tribunal - How to apply[1].
  5. Keep a copy of your submission and note any confirmation or file number given by the Tribunal.
Keep a clear timeline of events and copies of all evidence before you file.

Penalties & Enforcement

Human rights complaints in Burnaby are enforced through the BC Human Rights Tribunal, which can order remedies and require action where discrimination is found. Monetary fines in the criminal or municipal sense are not the usual enforcement tool; the Tribunal orders remedies intended to correct discrimination and compensate victims.

  • Monetary remedies: the Tribunal may award compensation for injury to dignity, feelings and self-respect or lost wages where proven; specific amounts are set case by case and are not listed as standard fines on the Tribunal guidance pages (not specified on the cited page). See Tribunal guidance[1].
  • Non-monetary orders: the Tribunal can order changes to policies, reinstatement, or other corrective steps.
  • Enforcer: BC Human Rights Tribunal handles investigations, mediation, and hearings; City of Burnaby departments (for workplace or service issues) may conduct internal reviews but do not issue Tribunal remedies.
  • Inspection/complaint pathways: file directly with the Tribunal; contact Burnaby civic departments for municipal service complaints or internal workplace issues.
  • Appeals/review: Tribunal decisions have appeal pathways to higher courts; time limits and processes for review are governed by tribunal rules and judicial review timelines (details are provided on Tribunal pages; where exact time limits are not shown on the cited guidance page, they are not specified on the cited page). Tribunal guidance[1].
The Tribunal typically prefers mediation first and moves to hearings if settlement fails.

Applications & Forms

The official application form and instructions are published by the BC Human Rights Tribunal. If a specific City of Burnaby form exists for an internal workplace complaint, it will be available on the City intranet or HR pages; no Burnaby-specific public bylaw form is required to start a Tribunal complaint.

  • Tribunal application form: name and submission method are listed on the Tribunal website; fees for filing are not specified on the Tribunal guidance page (not specified on the cited page). BC Human Rights Tribunal - How to apply[1].
  • Deadlines: check Tribunal pages for any filing time limits; if not listed, the guidance page does not specify a fixed deadline.

What to expect after filing

After you submit an application, the Tribunal will screen for jurisdiction, may offer mediation or dispute resolution, and then either dismiss, settle, or proceed to a hearing. Keep communication records and comply with any Tribunal requests for documents or statements.

Common violations

  • Employment discrimination (hiring, termination, accommodation).
  • Refusal of housing or services based on protected grounds.
  • Harassment in public services or facilities.

Action steps

  • Collect evidence and draft a clear timeline.
  • Submit the Tribunal application online or by mail as instructed on the Tribunal page BC Human Rights Tribunal - How to apply[1].
  • If the issue involves City of Burnaby staff or services, also contact the relevant Burnaby department to report the concern.

FAQ

Who can file a complaint?
Any person who believes they experienced discrimination on a protected ground in British Columbia can file with the BC Human Rights Tribunal; organizations may also apply in some circumstances.
Do I need a lawyer?
No, you can file without a lawyer, but you may choose legal representation for hearings or complex cases.
How long does the process take?
Timelines vary by case; the Tribunal offers mediation first and hearing scheduling can take months—check the Tribunal for current processing guidance.

How-To

  1. Decide if the incident involves a protected ground and gather evidence.
  2. Complete the BC Human Rights Tribunal application form as instructed on their site.
  3. Submit the application and keep the confirmation and file number.
  4. Participate in any offered mediation or resolution process.
  5. If unresolved, prepare for a tribunal hearing with witness lists and evidence.

Key Takeaways

  • File with the BC Human Rights Tribunal to seek remedies for discrimination.
  • Keep thorough records and respond promptly to Tribunal requests.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] BC Human Rights Tribunal - How to apply

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