What are the protected grounds?

The Quebec Charter lists grounds including race, colour, sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, civil status, age, religion, political convictions, language, ethnic or national origin, social condition, and disability.

Does the Commission decide my complaint?

No. It investigates and tries to resolve matters, and can refer cases with sufficient evidence to the Tribunal des droits de la personne, which decides.

Yes, and human rights deadlines are typically much shorter than ordinary civil limitation periods. Contact the Commission promptly.

Does it cost anything?

Filing a complaint with the Commission is free, and it may represent the complainant before the Tribunal in cases it refers.

CDPDJ — Filing a Discrimination or Harassment Complaint in Quebec

Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ)

Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission

The CDPDJ investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and exploitation under the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, and protects children's rights. It investigates and attempts to resolve complaints — it does not itself decide them. Where it finds sufficient evidence and the matter isn't resolved, it can refer the case to the Tribunal des droits de la personne.

What it does

Investigates discrimination and harassment complaints
Attempts settlement and mediation between parties
Refers unresolved cases with sufficient evidence to the Tribunal
Protects the rights of children and youth

Matters it hears

Discrimination in employment, housing, and services
Harassment based on a protected ground
Exploitation of elderly or disabled persons
Youth rights matters

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Tribunal des droits de la personne.

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the protected grounds?: The Quebec Charter lists grounds including race, colour, sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, civil status, age, religion, political convictions, language, ethnic or national origin, social condition, and disability.
Does the Commission decide my complaint?: No. It investigates and tries to resolve matters, and can refer cases with sufficient evidence to the Tribunal des droits de la personne, which decides.
Is there a deadline?: Yes, and human rights deadlines are typically much shorter than ordinary civil limitation periods. Contact the Commission promptly.
Does it cost anything?: Filing a complaint with the Commission is free, and it may represent the complainant before the Tribunal in cases it refers.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ). Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.