I emailed the BC HRT this morning to submit a reply to an application. Below is the email I received in their automated email reply. I almost fell off my chair when I saw this. I had to read it a few times to just process what I was looking at.
Who knows how long this is going to last for but expect delays. Even when they do get back to work, they are going to be returning to a mountain of backed-up work.
They also have a message posted on their website.
I feel for everyone in the system who is urgently needing their issue resolved. Society really undervalues the role the BC HRT plays, and I feel an investment in BC HRT is essential to create a more fair and just life for those who are facing discrimination. We need a more prompt system to navigate and have issues addressed.
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Subject: Temporary Closure due to Strike Action
Due to notice of strike action beginning on Monday, September 22, 2025, please note the following:
BC Human Rights Tribunal Office – 1270 – 605 Robson Street, Vancouver
The Tribunal’s office at this location is closed. Please do not attend the office in person unless you have a matter scheduled at this location.
Hearings and Mediations
Hearings and mediations are generally proceeding as scheduled. If you have a hearing or mediation scheduled, you will be contacted if there are any changes to the schedule.
Phone Lines
The Tribunal will monitor its voicemail messages for urgent matters. If your message is not an urgent matter, it will be responded to when the Tribunal resumes services.
Email, Mail and other Deliveries
Regular communications are not being monitored during this time. Expect delays as a result. A mailbox is available outside the Tribunal office’s entrance if you wish to make a delivery. The mailbox will be monitored daily from 8:30 to 4:30.
Urgent Communications
The Tribunal will be monitoring its inbox for urgent matters only such as:
· • Communications regarding hearings and mediations scheduled in the next 4 weeks;
· • Extension requests for deadlines within the next 4 weeks;
· • Application materials including fast track requests; and
· • Service of judicial review materials.
·
If your matter is urgent, you must mark “URGENT” in the subject line with the case number. We recommend you also leave a message at (604) 775-2000, telling us you have sent an urgent email.
Date of Receipt
Email and Fax: Communications sent by email or fax will be considered received on the date of the email or fax. Communications received after 4:30 will be dated the following business day. Please keep a copy of your sent email for your records.
Complaints Filed Online: Any new complaints filed online are automatically dated on the date they are submitted on the Tribunal’s system.
Mail and Courier Deliveries: Deliveries by mail and courier will be dated the date of receipt. Access to the mailbox at the Tribunal’s office closes at 4:30 each day.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this interruption to our services and regret the impact this has on the processing of the complaint. The Tribunal will make its best efforts to process materials filed during the strike action when it resumes services.
Sincerely,
BC Human Rights Tribunal