PEI Human Rights Commission

PEI Human Rights Commission is an independent government agency in Prince Edward Island.^[1] The commission reports to Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island through the Minister of Justice and Public Safety.^[1] Joanne Ings is the chair of the commission.^[2]

History

PEI Human Rights Commission was established following the passage of the Prince Edward Island Human Rights Act in September 1976.^[3]

The commission has the authority to hold hearings following complaints of discrimination on Prince Edward Island.^[4] Decisions of the commission can be appealed in court.^[5]

In December 2020, Danté Bazard was appointed commissioner of PEI Human Rights Commission, the first black person to be commissioner.^[6]

In January 2022, the commission announced it has a backlog of over 128 cases that would take four year to clear.^[7] Kathleen Casey, Liberal member of the Legislative Assembly, has said recent immigrants to the island are not reaching out to the commission despite facing discrimination.^[8]