Applications Sought for Roster of Independent Human Rights Adjudicators

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is requesting applications to be considered for the Board of Inquiry Roster.

The Board of Inquiry is an independent administrative tribunal and has full jurisdiction to adjudicate all complaints of discrimination made pursuant to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act.  Section 34 (1) of the Act states, that a board of inquiry shall conduct a public hearing and has all the powers and privileges of a commissioner under the Public Inquiries Act.

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission maintains a roster of a maximum of twelve (12) potential adjudicators, at least three (3) of whom are from outside the Halifax Regional Municipality. It is from this roster that the Chief Judge of the Provincial Court nominates person or persons for appointment to a Human Rights Board of Inquiry.

Successful applicants may be appointed to the roster for a maximum of five (5) years upon which time applicants will be eligible to reapply.

Standards for Appointment

Applicants must have the following minimum qualifications:

  • A law degree;
  • Be a member in good standing with the NS Barrister’s Society;
  • At least five years of experience in the legal profession;
  • Demonstrated experience in weighing conflicting information/evidence to arrive at a fair decision;
  • Demonstrated experience in chairing hearings, meetings, or consultations where there are conflicting interests;
  • Experience with human rights legislation and/or human rights issues;
  • High degree of cultural competency demonstrated by personal and/or professional experience such as working in and with equity-deserving communities;
  • Competency and experience employing trauma-informed approaches in legal processes and/or in other contexts; and
  • Resident of Nova Scotia, subject to the discretion of the Selection Committee to appoint to the Panel Member Roster an individual(s) living within a reasonable travel radius of Nova Scotia, i.e., Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

From among the applicants who meet the minimum qualifications listed above, preference for appointment to the roster will be given to those who have:

  • Ability to write clear, well-reasoned decisions based on the law and evidentiary procedures in a timely manner;
  • Experience with administrative or quasi-judicial tribunals;
  • Experience applying principles of natural justice;
  • Experience with conflict resolution such as mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution;
  • Knowledge of discrimination including systemic discrimination and its effects on individuals, communities, and society. Familiarity with approaches to preventing and remedying discrimination;
  • Commitment to restorative approaches to dispute resolution; and
  • Experience with social justice issues.

Representativeness

In keeping with the Nova Scotia Government’s employment equity policy, which seeks to increase the representation of members from the designated groups, preference may be given to applicants with characteristics that would enhance the diversity of the roster. Preference may also be given to applicants who can conduct hearings in French and/or Mi’kmaq or other languages in order to improve access for French and Mi’kmaq speakers and others. Regional representation will also be taken into consideration.

Application Process        

An application package which includes the application form, reference form, Guidelines for Professional Conduct, Board of Inquiry Policy and a copy of the Act can be found below.

Applicants will be asked to submit a covering letter outlining why they have an interest in serving, a completed application form as presented in Schedule B, a copy of their Curriculum Vitae, and the names of two references, to the attention of the Selection Committee Chair.

All applications are due by midnight, December 16, 2023.

Selection Committee Chair
Board of Inquiry Roster
c/o Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission
PO Box 2221
5657 Spring Garden Road, Suite 305
Halifax, NS B3J 3C4

Fax (902) 424-2407
For more information contact Amanda Willmore at (902) 424-4622 or email: Amanda.Willmore@novascotia.ca.

Application Package