Glossary term: Intervention

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The Commissioner can apply to intervene in court cases that have the potential to make a significant impact on human rights across B.C. If the Commissioner’s request to intervene is approved by the court, Intervenors provide submissions (also called legal arguments) to the judge or decision maker in a case. Intervenors do not represent either side in a case. Intervenors’ submissions must be different from the arguments being made by the parties to the case, and submissions must not advocate for either side to win or lose. Intervenors’ arguments are usually about how to interpret a narrow point of the law. Interventions can impact how the law evolves, making them an important tool in systemic work to promote and protect human rights. The Commissioner also has the right to intervene in cases at the BC Human Rights Tribunal.