A Board of Inquiry is the adjudicative stage of the provincial human-rights process. An independent Board Chair determines whether the Human Rights Act was violated after a complaint is referred.
Sources checked September 29, 2026.
How a matter reaches a Board
After a full investigation, Commissioners can refer a complaint to a Board of Inquiry. Referral is not itself a finding that discrimination occurred.
Independent adjudicator
The Board Chair is independent and determines whether the Act was violated. Once a case is referred, the Commission becomes a party acting in the public interest rather than counsel for either private party.
Public proceedings
The Commission states that Boards of Inquiry and Restorative Boards of Inquiry are open to the public and resulting hearing decisions are public unless the Board Chair orders otherwise.
Settlement remains possible
The parties and Commission can continue trying to settle after referral. A settlement reached at that stage can be forwarded to the Board Chair for approval and an order.
Official sources
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission — Boards of Inquiry
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission — Commissioners' decisions
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission — Board of Inquiry decisions
- Nova Scotia Legislature — Human Rights Act