About the Human Rights Commission

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is an independent government commission that is charged with the administration of the province's Human Rights Act.

Nova Scotia's Human Rights Act is a provincial law that affirms every person is free and equal in dignity and rights without regard to age, race, colour, religion, creed, sex (gender), sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ethnic, national or aboriginal origin, family or marital status, source of income or political belief, affiliation or activity. The act also prohibits sexual harassment in all areas of public life.

Commission staff investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination. As well, staff in the Race Relations and Affirmative Action Division provide programs and services on a range of diversity topics, policy development and preventing or dealing with sexual harassment. These can be tailored for the workplace or school presentations. Please call (902) 424-4111 or 1-877-269-7699 (toll-free in Nova Scotia) for more information. Commission staff also consult with organizations to help them set up their own policies, programs and services in these areas.

The Commission's central office is located in Halifax, N.S. and there are regional offices in Sydney, Digby and New Glasgow, N.S. to serve people across Nova Scotia.

The Human Rights Commission tries to make itself accessible to all members of the public. The Commission has a TTY and will provide interpretation to persons with hearing impairments upon request. Aussi, nous offrons quelques services en français. The Human Rights Act is available in French and English and in braille and on audio tape.

For more information on filing a human rights complaint in Nova Scotia, see Guide to the Complaint Process. To view the act on line, go to Human Rights Act. For recent information on the Commission, see News Releases.


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