Frequently asked questions
Investigations
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What is the Summary of Investigation?
The Summary of Investigation provides an overview of the core elements and findings of a human rights investigation. The investigator prepares the Summary of Investigation by examining the complaint, analyzing relevant documents, and gathering testimony from anyone who is involved. The Summary sets out all facts that are relevant, observable, and indispensable to the analysis of a situation of discrimination, harassment, or exploitation. It is used by the Commission to make a decision.
Although not every detail that is shared with the investigator is included in the Summary, we record and consider everything that is submitted or requested during the complaint process.
We send the Summary of Investigation to the complainants, their representatives, if any, and the accused parties (respondents) for feedback. The investigator then reviews this feedback and decides if any changes are needed. Then, this version, which considers the comments and feedback from all parties, is used by the Complaints Committee to make a decision.
- The Commission’s staff are impartial and neutral, with the expertise to identify the key facts for analysis of evidence.
Learn more about investigations - Please note that people who report exploitation do not receive a Summary of Investigation. Exploitation investigations are confidential, so this information is not shared with the person who reported the situation.
Learn more about exploitation complaints
- The Commission’s staff are impartial and neutral, with the expertise to identify the key facts for analysis of evidence.
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How do you decide which facts are relevant?
The Commission’s investigators are trained to identify which facts are relevant to determining whether discrimination, harassment, or exploitation took place. The law gives them the authority to gather evidence, including confidential documents, and to question people and organizations who have information that can help verify the allegations made in a complaint.
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What if an important detail is missing from the Summary of Investigation?
It is normal for some details to be left out of the Summary of Investigation. The Summary only includes essential information for determining whether discrimination, harassment, or exploitation occurred.
All parties involved in a complaint receive the Summary of Investigation and can comment on it and correct any errors. If new relevant facts come to light, the investigator revises the Summary accordingly before presenting it to the Complaints Committee to make a decision.
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Does the Commission always rule in favour of the victim?
No. The Commission investigates all complaints in a fair, objective, and impartial manner. It gathers information and analyzes the relevant facts without taking sides with either the complainant or the accused person (respondent).
- The Commission’s staff are impartial and neutral, with the expertise to identify the key facts for analysis of evidence.
- As part of our commitment to procedural fairness, we send all the parties a summary of the investigation’s findings so that they can review and respond to it before the Commission makes a decision.