Filing Provincial Human Rights Claim: Manitoba Guide for Workplace Discrimination

In Manitoba, there is the Human Rights Commission (MHRC), which is the body to deal with complaints related to The Human Rights Code, which is a set of laws that forbids discrimination in the workplace depending on 13 different aspects, such as race, disability, gender, or age. Workers who either receive negative treatment, such as refusal to promote or harassment, may complain within 1 year after the incident. The free process begins with the intake through the phone/email, and then the questionnaire, drafted formal complaint (1-2 pages), investigation, and potential adjudication. MHRC is successful in 70% of cases; no lawyers are necessary in the beginning. More than 500 claims at the workplace were filed in 2025, with the focus being on safeguarding different workers.

Workplace Discrimination Grounds

A range of areas, including hiring, pay, training and termination, are safeguarded and reprisal of complaints is prohibited. Examples: discrimination on racial grounds, accommodation refusal based on disability, and bias against sexual orientation.

Filing Claim Steps

Contact MHRC (204-945-3007/1-888-884-8681) for intake; submit details/written statement. Review/sign the drafted form served to the respondent. Investigation yields report; parties respond before decision on dismissal, mediation, or hearing.​

Official Social Update

​

FAQs

What is the time limit to file?
One year from discriminatory act or last incident in ongoing cases; extensions possible for good cause like incapacity. Act promptly to preserve evidence.​

Do I need a lawyer?
No, MHRC provides free assistance drafting/investigating; legal aid available for hearings. Intake officers guide throughout process.

What happens after filing?
MHRC investigates, shares report for responses, then decides: dismiss, mediate, or refer to adjudication panel for hearing/enforcement.

Can employers retaliate?
No, reprisals violate Code; report them separately. Most cases resolve via voluntary settlement without hearing.

What proof is needed?
Witness statements, emails, performance reviews, medical notes; MHRC helps gather during intake/investigation.