About The Commission

The Yukon Human Rights Commission (the Commission) was created in 1987 to promote equality and diversity through research, education, and enforcement of the Yukon Human Rights Act (the Act). The Commission is independent from all levels of government. Its process is governed by the Act and the Yukon Human Rights Regulations (the Regulations).

How to Reach Us

Contact us by sending us a message, calling, or stopping by in person. The Commission is open to the public from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. We have a duty officer available for drop ins or appointments during opening hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If you are unable to be available during these times please let us know your needs and we will do our very best to accommodate.

COVID-19

The Commission encourages members of the public to make appointments or inquire at the Commission by phone or email if possible. If you do not have access to a phone or email, or have accommodation needs that require an in person meeting please let us know and we will do everything we can to accommodate you in a way that is safe and effective for all.

What We Do

Research

The Commission has a mandate to conduct research and share information about equality, harassment, discrimination, and human rights.

Education

The Commission provides helpful, accessible resources and materials for individuals, organisations, and schools. It hosts conferences and events to inform and bring awareness to human rights issues. The Commission also offers training on human rights issues on request. If you would like specific resources or to request training for your organisation, please submit a rights promotion request.

Enforcement

The Commission functions as a screening body to determine if there is enough evidence of prohibited discrimination to warrant a hearing in front of the Yukon Human Rights Panel of Adjudicators. This rights enforcement function occurs through the human rights complaint process as laid out in the Act and Regulations. The Commission does not police human rights, and can only act on issues brought forward through the human rights complaint process.

The Commission does not take the side of the Complainant or the Respondent. At the initial stages of a human rights complaint the Commission is a neutral party and will try to promote settlement of the complaint. If settlement is not possible and the complaint goes to a hearing, the Commission will take a public interest position which will not necessarily align with either the position of the Complainant or the Respondent.

Who We Are

The Commission is made up of 3-5 Commission Members and its day to day operations are led by the Director of Human Rights. The Commission Members make decisions about whether there is sufficient evidence to justify a hearing in front of a Panel of Adjudication, as well as hear any appeals of decisions made by the Director. The Director of Human Rights is responsible for the administration of the Commission and enforcement of the Act. Other staff carry out the day to day administrative functions of the Commission.