Narrator: We come in all shapes and sizes, from different backgrounds, and beliefs. Whether you know exactly who you are or you’re just starting your journey. At your core, you’re a human being. You exist in the world, and simply by existing, you’re entitled to certain basic rights, your human rights. These are the same rights that every other human has. Your child, your neighbour, a refugee, a farmer. We all get these rights at birth, without exception. Because human rights don’t have to be earned, they’re yours, regardless of who you are, or what you’ve done.

They exist at three basic levels: International, Constitutional and statutory. You may have heard of the right to education, the right to food, the right to housing. They apply to every single person around the world and they’re enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

You also have rights that are specific to Canada. These are protected by our Constitution, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They include the right to vote, the right to equality and freedom of expression. These rights all dictate how governments should treat people.

But there’s a third level. Statutory. The laws that dictate how people should treat each other in certain situations. Unless there’s a justifiable reason, these laws protect you from discrimination by other people, or organizations. For example, if you’re looking for a washroom, there should be one you feel safe using. If you’re trying to get medical help, you should be able to make it inside of the doctor’s office. If you’re interviewing for a job, you shouldn’t be rejected because you’re pregnant. And if you’re looking to rent a home, you shouldn’t be turned down because of your race.

If you live anywhere on the lands now known as British Columbia, your rights are protected by the B.C. Human Rights Code. This code is a shield. It’s a tool to seek help, and justice. It protects you in the areas of employment, housing, and services, like stores, and restaurants. This means people like your landlord, your boss, or your server, can’t discriminate against you based on certain characteristics, or grounds. Things like gender expression, ability, family status, age, religion, the list goes on.

The Code is here to support you, because you have rights. We all do. And we also have responsibilities. To respect the rights of others. To recognise discrimination. To speak out against injustice. And together, to preserve dignity, respect, and the beauty of the human experience.

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(peaceful music)

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– [Narrator] Every person
around the world is entitled

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to basic human rights.

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The treatment we all deserve

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and can expect to receive
simply by being human.

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You have the right to an
education, no matter how you learn.

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The right to get service at a store,

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no matter the colour of your skin,

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and the right to equal pay
for work of equal value.

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At BC’s Office of the
Human Rights Commissioner,

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we want to be part of building
a fair and just society.

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We try to protect human rights
and prevent discrimination

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from happening in the first place.

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But what happens if
someone doesn’t recognize

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or respect your rights?

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If you live anywhere on the land

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now known as British Columbia,

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you are protected by a law
called the Human Rights Code.

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It covers how you should be treated

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in areas like employment,
housing, and services.

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If you experience treatment that you think

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goes against in this code,

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BC’s human rights system
is here to support you.

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First, you can file a complaint

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with the Human Rights Tribunal.

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The tribunal is like a court,

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it does not investigate
discrimination complaints

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but resolves them by
reviewing people’s evidence

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and making decisions or helping people

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resolve things themselves.

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A decision in your favour
could result in compensation,

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new rules or training
that helps to make sure

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no one else will experience
what you experienced.

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You may also need help
with the complaint process,

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the Human Rights Clinic
may be able to help.

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Their lawyers and advocates
offer free legal advice

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and can help you decide if
you should file a complaint.

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If you do, they may represent
you for free at the tribunal.

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If your workplace is unionised

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and your complaint is about work,

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you can also talk to your
union about filing a grievance.

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Sometimes discrimination can
be larger than one person

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and one place.

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Human rights can be denied to
you in a way that’s systemic,

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where discrimination
shows up in different ways

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across systems like
public policies or law.

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BC’s office of the Human
Rights Commissioner

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works on systemic human rights issues.

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We’re an independent office
that advocates for changes

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to systems and laws that result
in inequality and injustice.

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We also educate people
about their human rights

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and we monitor provincial government

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and industry actions to
make sure all BC residents

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are treated equally.

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Together, we work hand in hand
to support your human rights

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recognising discrimination,
standing up against injustice

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and supporting dignity
and respect for everyone.