News release

Amendments Introduced to Update Human Rights Act

Justice

Amendments have been introduced to update Nova Scotia's Human Rights Act and respond to recommendations from the Human Rights Commission.

"Our Human Rights Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation in our province, and protects the rights of all Nova Scotians," said Cecil Clarke, Minister responsible for the Human Rights Act. "These amendments modernize the act to ensure the act remains effective."

The amendments include updating key definitions in the act to ensure they are consistent with the federal Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and with human rights legislation in other jurisdictions. New language in the act will make sure there is uniform use of gender neutral terms.

Under the amendments a board of inquiry will now have the ability to order that a party pay the costs incurred during the investigation and hearing of a complaint and will obligate boards to issue their decisions within six months of the conclusion of a hearing. A one year time limit to file complaints will also be put in place, consistent with other jurisdictions.

Nova Scotia's Human Rights Act affirms every person is free and equal in dignity and rights without regard to age, race, colour, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ethnic, national or aboriginal origin, family or marital status, source of income, irrational fear of contracting an illness or political belief, affiliation or activity. The act also prohibits sexual harassment. In the proposed amendments the scope of prohibited harassment is extended to all protected characteristics.

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is an independent government commission that is charged with the administration of the province's Human Rights Act. Commission staff investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination.