Improving Wait Times in the Human Rights Complaint System

Currently, parties are waiting too long to have their complaints investigated by the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. We recognize that these wait times can have a significant impact on public trust in the human rights system, can affect the efficacy of the human rights complaint process and can take an emotional toll on the people involved. We are committed to improving client service and removing any unnecessary delay in the human rights complaint system.

What are we doing to help improve timeliness?

On January 1, 2022, changes to The Human Rights Code came into effect. These changes were introduced by the Government of Manitoba to help ensure that the human rights complaint system is more timely and efficient.

In accordance with the changes to The Human Rights Code, the Commission has introduced an “early assessment” process. This allows the Commission to efficiently deal with complaints that may be dismissed without investigation because:

• the complaint is considered “frivolous” or “vexatious” by law;
• the allegations are not a violation of The Code;
• the Commission does not have jurisdiction to examine the issues being alleged;
• the issues are being dealt with or have already been dealt with appropriately under another Act; and/or
• continuing through the complaint process would not benefit the person who experienced the alleged discrimination.

As of fall 2022, we have increased our number of investigators to help ensure we can deal with a greater number of files in investigation.

We have also introduced a streamlined process for assigning investigation files, including special investigative initiatives for files that deal with similar issues or allegations.

What are current wait times in the investigation of human rights complaints?

The Commission has a very large volume of complaints in our system. We have also seen a significant increase in the number of people contacting the Commission since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, parties are waiting 24 months on average to have their complaint investigated.

(current as of September 2022)

Target for Reducing Wait Times

As of April 2022, the Commission had 614 files awaiting early assessment or investigation. Based on current projections, the Commission expects that it will eliminate wait times in investigation by 2025. We will do this by disposing of at least 325 files each year from 2022 to 2024.

How will we know if this plan is working?

We are determined to be transparent and accountable in our plan to reduce wait times and improve client service in the human rights complaint system.

Every 6 months, the Commission will update this webpage with information about the number of files we have disposed of and the current wait time for assignment to an investigator. We will show the progress we have made in reaching our targets and the work that is left to be done. If we do not reach our target or goal, we will provide you with a clear explanation and our plan to get back on track.

For more information on the status of your file, please contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission at (204) 945-3007, 1-888-884-8681 Toll-Free in Manitoba, or hrc@gov.mb.ca