• Administers the Official Languages Act by protecting language rights and promotes English and French in Canadian society
• Intervene with federal institutions when they do not meet their official language obligations
• Provides education to the general public about their language rights and investigates complaints from the public regarding federal institutions that infringe language rights

Under the Election Act, Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, and Recall and Initiative Act, the Chief Electoral Officer may conduct investigations of any matter that might contravene these Acts or their regulations.

The Election Act establishes administrative monetary penalties for some cases of non-compliance with the Act. The Chief Electoral Officer has the authority to determine the amount of the penalty within ranges established by the Act.

• conducts a federal general election, by-election or referendum, administers the political financing provisions of the Canada Elections Act, monitors compliance and enforces electoral legislation.
• conducts voter education and information programs
• handles complaints about how elections are run, an election official or another general matter.

• assists individuals and organizations who believe that federal institutions have not respected their rights under the Act
• provides arms-length oversight of the federal government’s access to information practices and encourages them to adopt approaches to information-sharing that meet the objectives of the Act.
• carries out investigations and dispute-resolution efforts to resolve complaints, represents the commissioner in court cases and provides legal advice

• Oversees compliance with the Privacy Act and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
• Helps individuals and organizations identify, address and report concerns related to possible mishandling of personal information
• investigates complaint

Complaints of discrimination referred to the CHRT by the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

The Tribunal‘s role is much like that of a court. It hears evidence and witnesses about complaints of discrimination; decides whether discrimination has occurred; and, if so, determines an appropriate remedy.

The Tribunal can only hear complaints of discrimination filed against federally regulated employers and service providers.

If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you may be able to file a human rights complaint with the Commission. 

• Complaints about discrimination on a protected trait in employment, housing, publications and services (like stores or schools)
• Responsible for accepting, screening, mediating, and adjudicating human rights complaints.
• The BCHRT’s complaint process allows parties to a complaint the opportunity to try to resolve the complaint through mediation
• If the parties do not resolve a complaint and the complaint is not dismissed, the Tribunal will hold a hearing

The CRT can deal with issues like: