File a Discrimination Complaint in Laval, Quebec

Civil Rights and Equity Quebec 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Quebec · By Daniel Roy

Intro

Residents of Laval, Quebec who believe they experienced discrimination can file a complaint with the provincial human rights authority or, in some cases, the federal commission. This guide explains where to submit complaints, what to include, how investigations and settlement options typically work, and practical next steps for Laval residents seeking remedy and support.

Act promptly and preserve evidence such as emails, photos and witness names.

Overview of Jurisdiction

In Quebec, the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) handles complaints about discrimination under the Quebec Charter; federally regulated situations may be dealt with by the Canadian Human Rights Commission. For Laval-specific municipal matters, contact the City of Laval for local services and referrals.

To start a complaint with the provincial commission, use the CDPDJ complaint process and contact details below.[1] For federally regulated employers or services, consult the Canadian Human Rights Commission process.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Human-rights complaints are primarily remedial rather than penal. The available sanctions and enforcement pathways depend on the governing instrument and the outcome of an investigation or tribunal decision.

  • Monetary damages: not specified on the cited page.
  • Court or tribunal orders (reinstatement, cease-and-desist, damages): described in statutes and commission procedures; check the cited commission pages for specifics.
  • Non-monetary remedies such as apologies, policy changes or corrective orders: available following investigation or settlement.
  • Enforcer: Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse for provincial matters; Canadian Human Rights Commission for federal matters. Use the official complaint/contact pages below to initiate a report.[1][2]
  • Appeals/review: procedures and time limits depend on the commission or tribunal; time limits are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the relevant body.
Remedies are determined case-by-case after investigation or tribunal review.

Applications & Forms

The provincial commission provides an online complaint intake and guidance; fees are generally not charged for filing a discrimination complaint, but specific form names or fees are not specified on the cited pages. See the commission pages for the official intake form and submission methods.[1]

Common Violations & Typical Outcomes

  • Refusal of service based on protected characteristics — typical remedies: orders to stop discrimination, possible damages or corrective measures (details depend on investigation).
  • Employment discrimination (hiring, firing, harassment) — may lead to reinstatement orders or damages if substantiated.
  • Discriminatory municipal services or bylaws — enforcement pathway may involve the provincial commission or municipal review if the city is responsible.
Keep a clear timeline of incidents and all correspondence to support your complaint.

Action Steps for Laval Residents

  • Gather evidence: dates, witnesses, documents, photos.
  • Contact the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse to inquire about filing in Quebec.[1]
  • If the respondent is federally regulated, contact the Canadian Human Rights Commission for the federal process.[2]
  • Submit the complaint using the commission’s intake form or by the method indicated on the official page.
  • Keep copies of submissions and note any deadlines or dates given by the commission.

FAQ

Who can file a discrimination complaint?
Any person who believes they were discriminated against because of a protected characteristic can file; organizations or advocates may file on behalf of a complainant in some cases.
How do I file a complaint in Laval?
Start by contacting the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse for Quebec matters or the Canadian Human Rights Commission for federal matters and follow their intake procedure.
Is there a fee to file?
No fee is specified on the cited commission pages for filing a discrimination complaint; confirm on the official intake page.

How-To

  1. Document the incident: collect dates, times, witness names, emails and any supporting evidence.
  2. Contact the appropriate commission to confirm jurisdiction and obtain the official intake form or instructions.[1]
  3. Complete and submit the complaint form with all evidence as instructed by the commission.
  4. Cooperate with the investigation, respond to requests for information, and consider mediation if offered.
  5. If the commission refers the matter to a tribunal, follow tribunal directions for hearings, evidence, and remedies.

Key Takeaways

  • File with the provincial commission for most cases in Quebec; federal commission applies to federally regulated entities.
  • Preserve evidence and follow the commission’s intake instructions closely.
  • Contact official commission pages for forms, submission methods and deadlines.

Help and Support / Resources

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Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.