A: The CHRC will assign your complaint to a mediator or an investigator. Throughout, you will be encouraged use alternative dispute resolution processes, which are ways of resolving the dispute without going to the CHRT; usually this is done through mediation or conciliation.
Mediation is voluntary and confidential. A trained mediator guides you through a process to reach an agreement. The mediator is neutral which means they do not take sides. If the parties reach an agreement, the mediator will prepare a written agreement that outlines what each party has to do. The CHRC will watch over the parties to make sure they follow the agreement. The court can enforce the agreement. If an agreement isn’t reached, the CHRC will likely investigate the complaint.
Conciliation is similar to mediation but it is not voluntary, the parties must go through it if the CHRC mandates it. Usually conciliation happens after an investigation and the conciliator can use the investigation to provide feedback to the parties on the strengths and weaknesses of their case. If an agreement isn’t reached, the CHRC can review the case again and either dismiss it or send it to the CHRT for a hearing.
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