|
Changes to Human Rights Act |
Changes to Human Rights ActLEGAL NEWSChanges to Nova Scotia’s Human Rights Act came into effect on June 30 2008. The Human Rights Act aims at ensuring that all Nova Scotians are protected from discrimination in, for example, employment, accommodation, and access to facilities and services. Based on recommendations from the Human Rights Commission, the changes are intended to modernize and update the Act. They also make it consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and human rights laws in other provinces. Here are some important changes to the Act: - New definition of “harass” and a prohibition against harassment with respect to any prohibited ground of discrimination, such as race, disability, or religion;
- New time limit of 12 months to make a complaint to the Commission;
- New time limit of 6 months for a Board of Inquiry to make a decision;
- Board of Inquiry can now order payment of costs.
Click here to read the wording of the changes, and click here to go to the Human Rights Commission homepage. You'll find the Nova Scotia government News Release here. For more information on discrimination in employment, visit LISNS employment law pages.
|
