• Democracy

Kishawi v. Vancouver Island University

Published on: August 24, 2026

B.C.’s Human Rights Commissioner intervened in two cases asking the court to consider B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA or “Declaration Act”) in the mineral claims context.

Learn more about Kishawi v. Vancouver Island University

• Poverty

Fox, Scheu and Smith v. City of Victoria and Attorney General of British Columbia

Published on: October 7, 2025

B.C.’s Human Rights Commissioner intervened in this case to clarify how the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and international human rights law applies to the rights of unhoused people living in encampments.

Learn more about Fox, Scheu and Smith v. City of Victoria and Attorney General of British Columbia

• Poverty

Abbotsford (City) v. Matsqui-Abbotsford Impact Society

Published on: June 9, 2025

B.C.’s Human Rights Commissioner intervened in this case to clarify how the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and international human rights law applies to the rights of unhoused people living in encampments.

Learn more about Abbotsford (City) v. Matsqui-Abbotsford Impact Society

• Decolonization

Gitxaala Nation and Ehattesaht First Nation challenge B.C. mineral tenure regime 

Published on: September 26, 2023

B.C.’s Human Rights Commissioner intervened in two cases asking the court to consider B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA or “Declaration Act”) in the mineral claims context.

Learn more about Gitxaala Nation and Ehattesaht First Nation challenge B.C. mineral tenure regime 

• Hate & racism

BCTF vs. Neufeld

Published on: August 24, 2023

BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner intervened in this case to seek clarity on where victims of hate crimes can turn to for justice.

Learn more about BCTF vs. Neufeld

• Discrimination

Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services (VACFSS) v. R.R.

Published on: June 22, 2023

B.C.’s Human Rights Commissioner intervened in a case concerning discrimination in matters related to child protection.

Learn more about Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services (VACFSS) v. R.R.

• Discrimination

Gibraltar Mines v. Harvey

Published on: June 17, 2022

B.C.’s Human Rights Commissioner intervened in Gibraltar Mines v. Harvey (2022 BCSC 385), a case with important implications for promoting and protecting human rights in B.C., particularly the rights of women.

Learn more about Gibraltar Mines v. Harvey