Alberta Human Rights Commission

Alberta Human Rights Commission
Commission overview
TypeIndependent human rights commission
Headquarters
800 - 10405 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 4R7
620 - 7 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 0Y8
MottoFostering equality and reducing discrimination
Annual budget$6.918 m CAD (2023)[1]
Minister responsible
Commission executive
  • Kathryn Oviatt, K.C., Chief of the Commission and Tribunals
Key document
Websitealbertahumanrights.ab.ca

The Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is a quasi-judicial human rights commission in Alberta, Canada, created by the provincial government.

The Commission was established under and tasked with administering the Alberta Human Rights Act (AHRA). Its mandate is to reduce discrimination in Alberta "through the resolution and settlement of complaints of discrimination, and through human rights tribunal and court hearings." In relation to complaint resolution and settlement, the primary purpose of the tribunals is adjudicative.[2]

It is headed by the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, who is tasked with informing Alberta's Minister of Justice of human rights issues, as well as providing guidance to Commission members regarding such functions as their tribunal hearings, and to the Commission director regarding the overall objective of the Commission. Both the Chief and Commission members are appointed by Order in Council.[2]

The AHRC differs from the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC), which deals with complaints relating to treatment by the federal government or a federally-regulated business.[3]

  1. ^ "Ministry of Justice Annual Report (2022-23)" (PDF). p. 41. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "About Us". Alberta Human Rights Commission. October 24, 2012. Retrieved June 4, 2019.[self-published source]
  3. ^ "Human Rights in Alberta". Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre. Retrieved April 25, 2021.