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SASKATCHEWAN HUMAN RIGHTS CODE, 2018
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The  
Saskatchewan 
Human Rights  
Code, 2018
being
Chapter S-24.2 of the Statutes of Saskatchewan, 2018 
(effective October 1, 2018)
NOTE:
This consolidation is not official. Amendments have been 
incorporated for convenience of reference and the original statutes 
and regulations should be consulted for all purposes of interpretation 
and application of the law. In order to preserve the integrity of the 
original statutes and regulations, errors that may have appeared 
are reproduced in this consolidation.

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Table of Contents
PART 1
Preliminary Matters
 1 Short title
 2 Definitions
 3 Objects
PART 2
Bill of Rights
 4 Right to freedom of conscience
 5 Right to free expression
 6 Right to free association
 7 Right to freedom from arbitrary imprisonment
 8 Right to elections
PART 3
Prohibition of Certain  
Discriminatory Practices
 9 Right to engage in occupations
10 Discrimination in sale of property prohibited
11 Discrimination in rental of property prohibited
12 Discrimination in accommodation, service 
 or facility prohibited
13 Right to education
14 Discriminatory publications prohibited
15 Discrimination in contracts prohibited
16 Discrimination in employment prohibited
17 Right to membership in occupational 
associations
18 Discrimination by trade unions prohibited
19 Employment applications and advertisements 
 not to express discrimination
PART 4
Administration
20 Interpretation of “member”
21 Commission
22 Appointment of staff and consultants and 
 payment of witness fees
23 Superannuation
24 Duties of commission
25 Financial requirements
26 Provision of services
27 Administration
28 Delegation of powers
PART 5
Complaints
29 Complaints
30 Dismissal and deferral of complaint
31 Resolution, settlement or investigation of complaints
32 Search and seizure
33 Mediation
34 Application for hearing
35 Hearing
36 Costs
37 Parties to proceeding
38 Dismissal of complaint
39 Orders by court
40 Special compensation
41 Terms of order
42 Appeals
43 Immunity
PART 6
Remedies and Enforcement
44 Offences and penalties
45 Prosecution of trade union, occupational  
 association or employers’ organization
46 Technical defects
47 Injunction
48 Onus of proof
49 No imprisonment
50 Conviction entered as judgment
PART 7
General
51 Crown bound
52 Act takes precedence unless expressly excluded
53 Protection against intimidation or discrimination
54 Regulations
55 Programs, approved or ordered by commission
56 Reasonable and justifiable measures
57 Annual report
58 Appropriation
PART 8
Repeal and Coming into Force
59 SS 1979, c S-24.1 repealed
60 Coming into force

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CHAPTER S-24.2
An Act respecting the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code and its 
Administration and repealing a certain Act
PART 1
Preliminary Matters
Short title
1 This Act may be cited as The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018.
Definitions
2(1) In this Act:
“age” means any age of 18 years or more; (« âge »)
“commercial unit” means a building or other structure or part of it that 
is used or occupied, or that is intended, arranged or designed to be used or 
occupied:
(a) for the manufacture, sale, resale, processing, reprocessing, displaying, 
storing, handling, garaging or distribution of personal property; or
(b) as a separate business, professional unit or office; (« local commercial »)
“commission” means the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission; 
(« commission »)
“court” means the Court of Queen’s Bench; (« tribunal »)
“creed” means religious creed; (« foi »)
“disability” means:
(a) any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or 
disfigurement, including:
(i) epilepsy;
(ii) any degree of paralysis;
(iii) amputation;
(iv) lack of physical coordination;
(v) blindness or visual impediment;
(vi) deafness or hearing impediment;
(vii) muteness or speech impediment; or

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(viii) physical reliance on a service animal, wheelchair or other 
remedial appliance or device; or
(b) any of the following disabilities:
(i) an intellectual disability or impairment;
(ii) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the 
processes involved in the comprehension or use of symbols or spoken 
language;
(iii) a mental disorder; (« incapacité »)
“employee” means a person employed by an employer and includes a person 
engaged pursuant to a limited term contract; (« employé »)
“employer” means a person employing one or more employees, and includes 
a person acting on behalf of an employer; (« employeur »)
“employers’ organization”  means an organization of employers formed 
for purposes that include the regulation of relations between employers and 
employees; (« organisation patronale »)
“employment agency” includes a person who undertakes, with or without 
compensation:
(a) to procure employees for employers; or
(b) to procure employment for persons; (« agence de placement »)
“family status” means the status of being in a parent and child relationship 
and, for the purposes of this definition:
(a) “child” means son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, adopted child 
and person to whom another person stands in place of a parent;
(b) “parent” means father, mother, stepfather, stepmother, adoptive 
parent and person who stands in place of a parent to another person; 
(« situation de famille »)
“fiscal year” means the period commencing on April 1 in one year and ending 
on March 31 in the following year; (« exercice financier »)
“housing accommodation” means any dwelling unit, and includes any place 
where other services are provided in addition to accommodation, but does not 
include a dwelling unit:
(a) that is part of a building in which the owner or the owner’s family 
resides; and
(b) in which the occupant of the dwelling unit is required to share 
a bathroom or kitchen facility with the owner or the owner’s family; 
(« logement »)
“marital status” means the status of being engaged to be married, married, 
single, separated, divorced, widowed or living in a common-law relationship, 
but discrimination on the basis of a relationship with a particular person is 
not discrimination on the basis of marital status; (« état matrimonial »)

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“mental disorder”  means a disorder of thought, perception, feelings or 
behaviour that impairs a person’s:
(a) judgment;
(b) capacity to recognize reality;
(c) ability to associate with others; or
(d) ability to meet the ordinary demands of life; (« trouble mental »)
“minister” means the member of the Executive Council to whom for the time 
being the administration of this Act is assigned; (« ministre »)
“occupational association” means an organization, other than a trade union 
or employers’ organization, in which membership is a prerequisite to carrying 
on a trade, occupation or profession; (« ordre professionnel »)
“offer” includes an invitation to treat; (« offre »)
“person”, in addition to the extended meaning contained in The Interpretation 
Act, 1995,  includes an employment agency, an employers’ organization, an 
occupational association and a trade union; (« personne »)
“prohibited ground”  means one of the following prohibited grounds of 
discrimination:
(a) religion;
(b) creed;
(c) marital status;
(d) family status;
(e) sex;
(f) sexual orientation;
(g) disability;
(h) age;
(i) colour;
(j) ancestry;
(k) nationality;
(l) place of origin;
(m) race or perceived race;
(n) receipt of public assistance;
(o) gender identity; (« motif illicite »)
“receipt of public assistance” means the receipt of:
(a) assistance as defined in The Saskatchewan Assistance Act; or
(b) a benefit as defined in The Saskatchewan Income Plan Act ; 
(« réception de l’aide sociale »)

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“religion” includes all aspects of religious observance and practice as well as 
beliefs; (« religion »)
“sex” means gender, and, unless otherwise provided in this Act, discrimination 
on the basis of pregnancy or pregnancy-related illnesses is deemed to be 
discrimination on the basis of sex; (« sexe »)
“trade union”  means an organization of employees formed for purposes 
that include the regulation of relations between employees and employers; 
(« syndicat ouvrier »)
“undue hardship”, for the purposes of sections 38 and 39, means intolerable 
financial cost or disruption to business having regard to the effect on:
(a) the financial stability and profitability of the business undertaking;
(b) the value of existing amenities, structures and premises as compared 
to the cost of providing proper amenities or physical access;
(c) the essence or purpose of the business undertaking; and
(d) the employees, customers or clients of the business undertaking, 
disregarding personal preferences;
but does not include the cost or business inconvenience of providing washroom 
facilities, living quarters or other facilities for persons with physical disabilities 
if those facilities must be provided by law for persons of both sexes. (« contrainte 
excessive »)
(2) Nothing in Part 3 prohibits a distinction on the basis of age if that distinction 
is permitted or required by any Act or regulation in force in Saskatchewan.
2018, c S-24.2, s.2.
Objects
3 The objects of this Act are:
(a) to promote recognition of the inherent dignity and the equal and 
inalienable rights of all members of the human family;
(b) to further public policy in Saskatchewan that every person is free and 
equal in dignity and rights and to discourage and eliminate discrimination.
2018, c S-24.2, s.3.
PART 2
Bill of Rights
Right to freedom of conscience
4 Every person and every class of persons has the right to freedom of conscience, 
opinion and belief and freedom of religious association, teaching, practice and 
worship.
2018, c S-24.2, s.4.

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Right to free expression
5 Every person and every class of persons has the right to freedom of expression 
through all means of communication, including the arts, speech, the press or radio, 
television or any other broadcasting device.
2018, c S-24.2, s.5.
Right to free association
6 Every person and every class of persons has the right to peaceable assembly 
with others and to form with others associations of any character under the law.
2018, c S-24.2, s.6.
Right to freedom from arbitrary imprisonment
7 Every person and every class of persons has the right to freedom from arbitrary 
arrest or detention.
2018, c S-24.2, s.7.
Right to elections
8 Every qualified voter resident in Saskatchewan has the right:
(a) to exercise freely his or her franchise in all elections; and
(b) to require that no Legislative Assembly continue for a period of more 
than 5 years.
2018, c S-24.2, s.8.
PART 3
Prohibition of Certain Discriminatory Practices
Right to engage in occupations
9 Every person and every class of persons has the right to engage in and carry on 
any occupation, business or enterprise under the law without discrimination on the 
basis of a prohibited ground.
2018, c S-24.2, s.9.
Discrimination in sale of property prohibited
10(1) No person shall, on the basis of a prohibited ground:
(a) deny to a person or class of persons the opportunity to purchase a 
commercial unit or dwelling unit that is advertised or in any way represented 
as being available for sale;
(b) deny to a person or class of persons the opportunity to purchase or 
otherwise acquire land or an interest in land; or
(c) discriminate against a person or class of persons with respect to any term 
or condition of the purchase or other acquisition of a commercial unit, dwelling 
unit, land or interest in land.

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(2) Nothing in subsection (1) prohibits the sale, the offering for sale or the 
advertising for sale of a dwelling unit for occupancy exclusively by persons who 
are 55 years of age or more.
2018, c S-24.2, s.10.
Discrimination in rental of property prohibited
11(1) No person, directly or indirectly, alone or with another or by the interposition 
of another, shall, on the basis of a prohibited ground:
(a) deny to a person or class of persons occupancy of any commercial unit or 
any housing accommodation; or
(b) discriminate against a person or class of persons with respect to any term 
or condition of occupancy of any commercial unit or any housing accommodation.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to discrimination on the basis of the sex of a 
person with respect to housing accommodation if the occupancy of all of the housing 
accommodation in a building, except that of the owner or the owner’s family, is 
restricted to individuals who are of the same sex.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to discrimination on the basis of the sex of a 
person with respect to the renting or leasing of a dwelling unit in any housing 
accommodation that is composed of not more than 2 dwelling units that share a 
common entrance, if the owner of the housing accommodation or the owner’s family 
resides in one of the dwelling units.
(4) Nothing in subsection (1) prohibits the renting or leasing, the offering for 
rent or lease, or the advertising for rent or lease of any housing accommodation for 
occupancy exclusively by persons who are 55 years of age or more.
2018, c S-24.2, s.11.
Discrimination in accommodation, service or facility prohibited
12(1) No person, directly or indirectly, alone or with another or by the interposition 
of another, shall, on the basis of a prohibited ground:
(a) deny to a person or class of persons any accommodation, service or facility 
to which the public is customarily admitted or that is offered to the public; or
(b) discriminate against a person or class of persons with respect to any 
accommodation, service or facility to which the public is customarily admitted 
or that is offered to the public.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to prevent the barring of any person on the basis 
of that person’s sex from any accommodation, service or facility on the ground of 
public decency.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to prevent the giving of preference on the basis of 
age, marital status or family status with respect to membership dues, fees or other 
charges for services or facilities.
2018, c S-24.2, s.12.

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Right to education
13(1) Every person and every class of persons has the right to education in any 
school, college, university or other institution or place of learning, vocational training 
or apprenticeship without discrimination on the basis of a prohibited ground other 
than age.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) prevents a school, college, university or other 
institution or place of learning from following a restrictive policy with respect to 
enrolment on the basis of sex, creed, religion or disability if:
(a) it enrols persons of a particular sex, creed or religion exclusively;
(b) it is operated by a religious order or society; or
(c) it enrols persons with a disability.
2018, c S-24.2, s.13.
Discriminatory publications prohibited
14(1) No person shall publish or display, or cause or permit to be published or 
displayed, before the public any statement, publication, notice, sign, symbol, emblem 
or other representation:
(a) tending or likely to tend to deprive, abridge or otherwise restrict the 
enjoyment by any person or class of persons, on the basis of a prohibited ground, 
of any right to which that person or class of persons is entitled under the law; or
(b) that exposes or tends to expose to hatred any person or class of persons 
on the basis of a prohibited ground.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) restricts the right to freedom of expression under 
the law on any subject.
2018, c S-24.2, s.14.
Discrimination in contracts prohibited
15(1) No person shall, in making available to any person a contract that is offered 
to the public:
(a) discriminate against any person or class of persons on the basis of a 
prohibited ground; or
(b) include a term or condition in the contract that discriminates against a 
person or class of persons on the basis of a prohibited ground.
(2) The right pursuant to subsection (1) does not apply to discrimination on the 
basis of disability within the meaning of clause (b) of the term “disability” as defined 
in subsection 2(1) if a person refuses to contract with another person who does not 
have the legal capacity to contract.
(3) The right pursuant to subsection (1) is not infringed if the contract is prescribed 
in the regulations as a contract or one of a category of contracts that differentiates 
or makes a distinction, exclusion or preference on reasonable and bona fide grounds 
on the basis of disability, age or family status.
2018, c S-24.2, s.15.

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Discrimination in employment prohibited
16(1) No employer shall refuse to employ, refuse to continue to employ or otherwise 
discriminate against a person or class of persons with respect to employment, or a 
term or condition of employment, on the basis of a prohibited ground.
(2) No employee shall discriminate against another employee on the basis of a 
prohibited ground.
(3) No employment agency shall discriminate on the basis of a prohibited ground 
against a person or class of persons:
(a) in receiving, classifying, disposing of or otherwise acting on applications 
for the agency’s services; or
(b) in referring a person to an employer.
(4) No employer, in the hiring or recruitment of persons for employment, shall 
use an employment agency that discriminates on the basis of a prohibited ground 
against a person or class of persons seeking employment.
(5) No provision of this section relating to age prohibits the operation of any term 
or condition of:
(a) a bona fide retirement, superannuation or pension plan;
(b) a bona fide group or employee insurance plan; or
(c) any bona fide scheme based on seniority.
(6) Nothing in this section deprives a college established pursuant to an Act, 
a school, a board of education or the Conseil scolaire fransaskois of the right to 
employ persons of a particular religion or religious creed if religious instruction 
forms or may form the whole or part of the instruction or training provided by 
the college, school, board of education or Conseil scolaire fransaskois pursuant 
to The Education Act, 1995 . 
(7) The provisions of this section relating to any discrimination, limitation, 
specification or preference for a position or employment based on sex, disability or 
age do not apply if sex, ability or age is a reasonable and bona fide occupational 
qualification and requirement for the position or employment.
(8) This section does not prohibit an employer from refusing to employ or refusing to 
continue to employ a person on the basis of any prohibited ground if the employee is:
(a) employed in a private home; or
(b) living in the employer’s home.
(9) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prohibit distinctions 
in terms or conditions of employment if those distinctions are permitted by virtue 
of Part II of The Saskatchewan Employment Act or the regulations made pursuant 
to that Act.

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(10) This section does not prohibit an exclusively non-profit charitable, 
philanthropic, fraternal, religious, racial or social organization or corporation that is 
primarily engaged in serving the interests of persons identified by their race, creed, 
religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, marital status, 
disability, age, nationality, ancestry, place of origin or receipt of public assistance 
from only employing, or from giving preference in employment to, persons similarly 
identified if the qualification is a reasonable and bona fide qualification given the 
nature of the employment.
(11) This section does not prohibit an employer from:
(a) granting employment to, continuing to employ or advancing a person 
who is the parent, child or spouse of another employee of the employer if a 
reasonable and bona fide cause exists for the employer’s action; or
(b) refusing to employ, to continue to employ or to advance a person who is 
the parent, child or spouse of another employee of the employer if a reasonable 
and bona fide cause exists for the employer’s refusal.
2018, c S-24.2, s.16.
Right to membership in occupational associations
17 Every person and every class of persons has the right to membership, and to 
all the benefits appertaining to membership, in any professional society or other 
occupational association without discrimination on the basis of a prohibited ground.
2018, c S-24.2, s.17.
Discrimination by trade unions prohibited
18 No trade union shall exclude any person from full membership or expel, suspend 
or otherwise discriminate against any of its members, or discriminate against any 
person in regard to employment by any employer, on the basis of a prohibited ground.
2018, c S-24.2, s.18.
Employment applications and advertisements not to express discrimination
19(1) No person shall use or circulate any form of application for employment 
to which this Act applies, publish any advertisement in connection with that 
employment or prospective employment, or make any written or oral inquiry or 
statement in connection with that employment:
(a) that expresses, directly or indirectly, a limitation, specification or 
preference indicating discrimination or an intention to discriminate on the 
basis of a prohibited ground; or
(b) that contains a question or request for particulars with respect to a 
prohibited ground.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), for the purposes of subsection 16(6) or (10), 
an application or advertisement for employment may specify or contain a request 
for information respecting a qualification or preference permitted pursuant to 
subsection 16(6) or (10).
2018, c S-24.2, s.19.

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PART 4
Administration
Interpretation of “member”
20 In this Part, “member” means a member of the commission.
2018, c S-24.2, s.20.
Commission
21(1) The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission is continued.
(2) The persons appointed as members pursuant to The Saskatchewan Human 
Rights Code continue as members until such time as new members are appointed 
pursuant to this section.
(3) The commission consists of not less than 3 members appointed by the Lieutenant 
Governor in Council.
(4) The Lieutenant Governor in Council:
(a) shall designate one member as Chief Commissioner; and
(b) may designate another member as Deputy Chief Commissioner.
(5) Subject to subsections (6) and (7), each member:
(a) holds office for a term of 5 years and, notwithstanding the expiry of his or 
her term, continues to hold office until a successor is appointed; and
(b) is eligible for reappointment for further terms of 5 years.
(6) If a member dies or resigns, that person ceases to be a member on the date of 
death or on the date on which the resignation is received by the minister.
(7) If the office of a person appointed pursuant to this section becomes vacant, the 
Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint a person to fill the vacancy for the 
remainder of the term of the person who vacated the office.
(8) The Lieutenant Governor in Council shall fix the remuneration and rate of 
reimbursement for expenses to be paid to the members.
(9) A quorum of the commission is a majority of the members or 3 members, 
whichever is fewer.
(10) A decision of a quorum of the commission is the decision of the commission.
(11) In the event of an equality of votes on any matter before the commission:
(a) the Chief Commissioner has a casting vote; or
(b) in the absence or inability to act of the Chief Commissioner, the Deputy 
Chief Commissioner has a casting vote.
2018, c S-24.2, s.21.

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Appointment of staff and consultants and payment of witness fees
22(1) The commission may:
(a) appoint or employ any officers and employees that it considers necessary 
for the proper conduct of its business; and
(b) determine the respective duties and powers, the conditions of employment 
and the remuneration of those officers and employees.
(2) The commission may engage the services of any legal counsel, consultants 
and technical advisors that it considers necessary to assist it in carrying out its 
responsibilities and may pay any fees and expenses that it considers necessary.
(3) The commission may pay any witness fees and allowances that may be provided 
for pursuant to The Queen’s Bench Act, 1998.
2018, c S-24.2, s.22.
Superannuation
23 The Public Service Superannuation Act and The Superannuation (Supplementary 
Provisions) Act apply, with any necessary modification, to persons appointed or 
employed by the commission pursuant to subsection 22(1).
2018, c S-24.2, s.23.
Duties of commission
24 The commission shall:
(a) forward the principle that every person is free and equal in dignity and 
rights without regard to religion, creed, marital status, family status, sex, 
gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, colour, ancestry, nationality, 
place of origin, race or perceived race or receipt of public assistance;
(b) promote an understanding and acceptance of, and compliance with, this 
Act;
(c) develop and conduct educational programs designed to eliminate 
discriminatory practices;
(d) disseminate information and promote understanding of the legal rights of 
residents of Saskatchewan and conduct educational programs in that respect;
(e) further the principle of the equality of opportunities for persons, and 
equality in the exercise of the legal rights of persons, regardless of their status;
(f) conduct and encourage research by persons and associations actively 
engaged in the field of promoting human rights;
(g) forward the principle that cultural diversity is a basic human right and 
fundamental human value;
(h) promote and pursue measures to prevent and address systemic patterns 
of discrimination; and
(i) promote and pursue alternative dispute resolution methods in resolving 
complaints.
2018, c S-24.2, s.24.

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Financial requirements
25 The commission:
(a) shall prepare and submit annually to the minister, in any form that the 
minister may require, an estimate of its financial requirements for the following 
fiscal year; and
(b) may, to the extent that funds are provided to the commission, dedicate the 
resources of the commission in the way the commission considers necessary 
and advisable to carry out the purposes of this Act.
2018, c S-24.2, s.25.
Provision of services
26 The minister may provide services to the commission to carry out the purposes 
of this Act.
2018, c S-24.2, s.26.
Administration
27 The commission is responsible to the minister for the administration of this 
Act and any other Acts that are assigned by the Lieutenant Governor in Council to 
be administered by the commission.
2018, c S-24.2, s.27.
Delegation of powers
28(1) The Chief Commissioner may, in writing, delegate to a member or to an 
employee of the commission any of the Chief Commissioner’s powers pursuant to 
this Act other than the power of delegation pursuant to this section.
(2) A delegation may be made to:
(a) a specified member or employee or class of employees of the commission; or
(b) the holder of a specified office for as long as he or she holds that office.
(3) Every delegation is revocable at will, and no delegation prevents the exercise 
of any power by the Chief Commissioner.
(4) A delegation may be made:
(a) subject to any restrictions and conditions that the Chief Commissioner 
considers appropriate; and
(b) either generally or in relation to a particular case or matter or class of 
cases or matters.
(5) A delegation continues in force until it is revoked, and if the Chief Commissioner 
who made the delegation ceases to hold office, the delegation continues to have effect 
as if it were made by his or her successor.

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(6) If the Chief Commissioner has delegated a power pursuant to this section, 
the person to whom the power is delegated shall, when required to do so, produce 
evidence of his or her authority to exercise the power.
(7) If the Chief Commissioner is of the opinion that there is a conflict of interest 
respecting the exercise of his or her powers, the Chief Commissioner may delegate 
his or her powers pursuant to subsection (1) to an individual who is not a member 
or an employee of the commission.
2018, c S-24.2, s.28.
PART 5
Complaints
Complaints
29(1) A person may file a complaint with the commission, in the form prescribed 
by the commission, if:
(a) the complaint falls within the jurisdiction of the commission; and
(b) the person provides sufficient evidence that reasonable grounds exist 
for believing that a person has, with respect to a person or class of persons, 
contravened:
(i) this Act; or
(ii) any other Act administered by the commission.
(2) If a complaint is made by a person other than the person who it is alleged was 
dealt with contrary to this Act or any other Act administered by the commission, 
the commission may refuse to act on the complaint unless the person alleged to be 
offended against consents.
(3) The commission may initiate a complaint if the commission has reasonable 
grounds for believing that a person has, with respect to a person or class of persons, 
contravened:
(a) this Act; or
(b) any other Act administered by the commission.
(4) One or more grounds of discrimination may be alleged in any complaint.
(5) Subject to subsection (6) but notwithstanding any other provision of this 
Act, the commission shall refuse to accept a complaint, and shall not initiate a 
complaint, if the complaint is made more than one year after the person making 
the complaint became aware, or should have been aware, of the alleged act of 
discrimination.
(6) The commission may accept or initiate a complaint after the one-year period 
mentioned in subsection (5) if, in the Chief Commissioner’s opinion, it is appropriate 
in the circumstances to do so.
2018, c S-24.2, s.29.

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Dismissal and deferral of complaint
30(1) In this section, “proceeding” includes the following:
(a) a proceeding authorized by another Act;
(b) a civil proceeding;
(c) a grievance under a collective agreement.
(2) At any time after a complaint is filed or initiated pursuant to section 29, the 
Chief Commissioner may dismiss the complaint if, in his or her opinion:
(a) the best interests of the person or class of persons on whose behalf the 
complaint was made will not be served by continuing with the complaint;
(b) the complaint is without merit;
(c) the complaint raises no significant issue of discrimination;
(d) the substance of the complaint has been appropriately dealt with pursuant 
to another Act or proceeding;
(e) the complaint:
(i) is made in bad faith or for improper motives; or
(ii) is frivolous or vexatious;
(f) there is no reasonable likelihood that an investigation or further 
investigation will reveal evidence of a contravention of this Act or any other 
Act administered by the commission; or
(g) having regard to all the circumstances of the complaint, a hearing of the 
complaint is not warranted.
(3) At any time after a complaint is filed or initiated, the Chief Commissioner may 
defer further action if, in the Chief Commissioner’s opinion, another proceeding is 
more appropriate having regard to:
(a) the nature of the allegations; and
(b) the remedies available in the other proceeding.
2018, c S-24.2, s.30.
Resolution, settlement or investigation of complaints
31(1) If a complaint is filed with or initiated by the commission, the Chief 
Commissioner, subject to subsection 29(5) and section 30, shall do one or more of 
the following:
(a) attempt to resolve the complaint by mediation between the parties;
(b) attempt to negotiate a settlement of the complaint;
(c) investigate the complaint;
(d) continue an investigation of the complaint after an unsuccessful attempt 
to mediate or settle the matter.

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(2) A complaint shall be considered settled for the purposes of this Act only if the 
Chief Commissioner has approved the terms of the settlement.
(3) When a complaint is settled for the purposes of this Act or a decision or order 
is made pursuant to section 39 or 40, the Chief Commissioner may, in his or her 
discretion, publicize in any manner the results of the settlement, decision or order.
2018, c S-24.2, s.31.
Search and seizure
32(1) In this section, “investigator” means a person authorized by the commission 
to investigate a complaint.
(2) For the purposes of an investigation pursuant to subsection 31(1), the 
commission or an investigator may, with the consent of the owner or occupier, enter 
into any premises that in the opinion of the commission or the investigator may 
provide information relating to the investigation.
(3) For the purposes of an investigation pursuant to subsection 31(1), the 
commission or an investigator may, at any reasonable time:
(a) require the production of books, documents, correspondence, records or 
other papers that relate or may relate to the complaint;
(b) make any inquiries relating to the complaint, of any person, in writing 
or orally; and
(c) subject to subsection (4), on giving a receipt for books, documents, 
correspondence, records or other papers, remove any books, documents, 
correspondence, records or other papers examined pursuant to this section 
for the purpose of making copies or extracts of those books, documents, 
correspondence, records or other papers.
(4) The commission or the investigator shall:
(a) carry out the copying of books, documents, correspondence, records or 
papers removed pursuant to clause (3)(c) with reasonable dispatch; and
(b) promptly return the books, documents, correspondence, records or papers 
after the copying to the person who produced them.
(5) If any person refuses or fails to comply with a demand, requirement or request 
pursuant to subsection (3), the commission or the investigator may, on application 
without notice, apply to the court for:
(a) an order requiring that person to immediately produce books, documents, 
correspondence, records or other papers for the purpose of an investigation;
(b) an order requiring that person to respond to inquiries made pursuant to 
clause (3)(b); or
(c) any other order the court considers necessary.
(6) No person shall hinder, obstruct, resist, molest or interfere with the commission 
or an investigator, or attempt to hinder, obstruct, resist, molest or interfere with the 
commission or an investigator, in the investigation of a complaint made pursuant 
to this Act or any other Act administered by the commission.
2018, c S-24.2, s.32.

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Mediation
33(1) If the Chief Commissioner determines that there are no grounds to dismiss 
a complaint pursuant to subsection 30(2), before making an application to the court 
pursuant to section 34, the Chief Commissioner may require the parties to enter 
into mediation.
(2) If the parties reach a settlement during the mediation entered into pursuant to 
subsection (1), the complaint shall be considered settled for the purposes of this Act.
(3) If, during the mediation entered into pursuant to subsection (1), the person 
against whom the complaint is made proposes an offer of settlement that the Chief 
Commissioner considers fair and reasonable but that the complainant rejects, the 
Chief Commissioner may dismiss the complaint.
2018, c S-24.2, s.33.
Application for hearing
34(1) At any time after a complaint is filed or initiated pursuant to section 29, the 
Chief Commissioner may apply to the court for a hearing of the complaint at the 
judicial centre nearest to the place where the subject-matter of the complaint arose.
(2) If the Chief Commissioner applies for a hearing pursuant to subsection (1), 
the Chief Commissioner shall serve a copy of the application on the person against 
whom the complaint was made.
2018, c S-24.2, s.34.
Hearing
35(1) Subject to subsection (2), on the receipt of an application for a hearing 
pursuant to subsection 34(1), the court shall fix a date, time and place for the hearing.
(2) Before setting a hearing date, the court may direct the parties to participate 
in a pre-hearing conference.
(3) Except where modified by this Act, The Queen’s Bench Rules apply to a hearing 
pursuant to this section.
(4) The court is entitled:
(a) to receive and accept evidence led for the purpose of establishing a pattern 
or practice of resistance to or disregard or denial of any of the rights secured 
by this Act; and
(b) in arriving at its decision, to place any reliance that it considers appropriate 
on the evidence and on any pattern or practice disclosed by the evidence.
2018, c S-24.2, s.35.
Costs
36 Neither the court nor the Court of Appeal may award costs to any party unless 
the court or the Court of Appeal considers that there has been vexatious, frivolous 
or abusive conduct on the part of any party.
2018, c S-24.2, s.36.

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Parties to proceeding
37(1) The parties to a hearing with respect to a complaint are:
(a) the commission, which shall have carriage of the complaint;
(b) the person named in the complaint as the complainant;
(c) any person, other than the complainant, named in the complaint who 
is alleged to have been dealt with contrary to this Act or any other Act 
administered by the commission;
(d) any person named in the complaint who is alleged to have contravened 
this Act or any other Act administered by the commission; and
(e) any other person specified by the court, on any notice that the court 
determines, and after that person has been given an opportunity to be heard 
against being made a party.
(2) A copy of the complaint must be annexed to the notice of the hearing that is 
given to any party other than the commission.
(3) A party mentioned in clause (1)(b), (c), (d) or (e) may be represented at a hearing 
by counsel at that party’s expense.
(4) If the court considers it appropriate in the circumstances, and subject 
to any conditions that the court considers necessary, a party mentioned in  
clause (1)(b), (c), (d) or (e) may appear at a hearing with the assistance of a third 
party other than counsel.
2018, c S-24.2, s.37.
Dismissal of complaint
38 The court shall dismiss a complaint if the court finds:
(a) that the complaint is not substantiated; or
(b) that:
(i) the only basis on which the complaint could be substantiated is that 
the premises, facilities or services of the person complained against impede 
physical access or lack proper amenities for persons with disabilities; and
(ii) ordering that measures be taken to improve physical access or provide 
proper amenities would cause undue hardship to the person complained 
against.
2018, c S-24.2, s.38.
Orders by court
39(1) If the court finds that there has been a contravention of this Act or any other 
Act administered by the commission, the court may, subject to section 41, order 
any person to do any act or thing that in the opinion of the court constitutes full 
compliance with that provision and to rectify any injury caused to any person and 
to make compensation for that injury, including:
(a) requiring that person to cease contravening that provision and to take 
measures, including adoption of a program mentioned in section 55, to prevent 
the same or a similar contravention occurring in the future;

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(b) requiring that person to make available to any person injured by that 
contravention, on the first reasonable occasion, any rights, opportunities or 
privileges that, in the opinion of the court, are being or were being denied the 
injured person, and including reinstatement in employment;
(c) requiring that person to compensate any person injured by that 
contravention for any or all of the wages and other benefits of which the injured 
person was deprived and for any expenses incurred by the injured person as 
a result of the contravention;
(d) requiring that person to pay any compensation that the court considers 
appropriate, to any person injured by that contravention, for any or all 
additional costs of obtaining alternative goods, services, facilities or 
accommodations and for any expenses incurred by the injured person as a 
result of the contravention; and
(e) if the complaint is based on disability and the premises, facilities or 
services of the person complained against impede physical access or lack proper 
amenities, requiring that person to make the premises, facilities or services 
accessible or to provide the proper amenities, but only if that requirement 
would not cause an undue hardship.
(2) On making an order pursuant to subsection (1), the court may direct the 
commission to supervise the measures undertaken by the person against whom the 
order is made for the purpose of ensuring that proper measures are taken and that 
the order is being complied with by the person against whom the order is made.
(3) If the measures taken by the person against whom an order pursuant to 
subsection (1) is made are not satisfactory to the commission, the commission may 
apply to the court for an order directing compliance with the order made pursuant 
to subsection (1).
(4) On an application pursuant to subsection (3), the court may grant an order 
directing compliance and may make any other order that the court considers 
appropriate.
2018, c S-24.2, s.39.
Special compensation
40 In addition to any order the court may make pursuant to section 39, the court 
may order the person who has contravened or is contravening that provision to pay 
any compensation to the person injured by that contravention that the court may 
determine, to a maximum of $20,000, if the court finds that:
(a) a person has wilfully and recklessly contravened or is wilfully and recklessly 
contravening this Act or any other Act administered by the commission; or
(b) the person injured by a contravention of this Act or any other Act 
administered by the commission has suffered with respect to dignity, feelings 
or self-respect as a result of the contravention.
2018, c S-24.2, s.40.

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Terms of order
41(1) No order made pursuant to section 39 shall contain a term:
(a) requiring the removal of an individual from a position if that individual 
accepted employment in that position in good faith; or
(b) requiring the expulsion of an occupant from any housing accommodation 
if the occupant obtained that housing accommodation in good faith.
(2) An order made pursuant to section 39 or 40 may require the person against 
whom the order is made to provide the Chief Commissioner with information 
respecting the implementation of the order.
2018, c S-24.2, s.41.
Appeals
42(1) A decision or order of the court pursuant to section 38, 39 or 40 may be 
appealed to the Court of Appeal.
(2) The minister is entitled to be heard, by counsel or otherwise, on the argument 
of an appeal mentioned in subsection (1).
2018, c S-24.2, s.42.
Immunity
43 No action or proceeding lies or shall be commenced against the minister, the 
Government of Saskatchewan, the commission, a member of the commission, an 
employee or agent of the commission, or an individual mentioned in subsection 28(7) 
for any loss or damage suffered by a person by reason of anything in good faith 
done, caused, permitted or authorized to be done, attempted to be done or omitted 
to be done by any of them pursuant to or in the exercise or supposed exercise of any 
power conferred by this Act or in the carrying out or supposed carrying out of any 
duty imposed by this Act.
2018, c S-24.2, s.43.
PART 6
Remedies and Enforcement
Offences and penalties
44(1) Every person who contravenes subsection 32(5) or contravenes or fails to 
comply with an order made pursuant to section 39, 40, 42 or 47 or pursuant to 
subsection 55(1) is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to the 
penalties provided in subsection (2).
(2) Any person who is convicted of an offence mentioned in subsection (1) is liable 
to a fine of not more than:
(a) $10,000 in the case of a first offence; and
(b) $25,000 in the case of a subsequent offence.
(3) The penalties provided by this section may be enforced on the information of 
the Chief Commissioner or any other person in whose favour an order has been 
made pursuant to section 39, 40, 42 or 47.
2018, c S-24.2, s.44.

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Prosecution of trade union, occupational association or employers’ organization
45(1) A prosecution for an offence under this Act may be brought against a trade 
union, occupational association or employers’ organization in the name of the trade 
union, occupational association or employers’ organization.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, a trade union, occupational association or an 
employers’ organization is deemed to be a legal entity and any act or thing done or 
omitted to be done by an officer or agent of a trade union, occupational association 
or employers’ organization who is acting within the scope of the officer’s or agent’s 
authority on behalf of the trade union, occupational association or employers’ 
organization is deemed to be an act or thing done or omitted to be done by the trade 
union, occupational association or employers’ organization, as the case may be.
2018, c S-24.2, s.45.
Technical defects
46 No proceeding pursuant to this Act shall be considered invalid by reason of a 
defect in form or a technical irregularity.
2018, c S-24.2, s.46.
Injunction
47(1) If a person has been convicted of an offence under this Act or any other Act 
administered by the commission, the commission may apply, by notice of application, 
to a judge of the court for an order enjoining that person from continuing or repeating 
the offence, and the judge may make any order that the judge considers fit.
(2) An order made pursuant to subsection (1) may be enforced in the same 
manner as any other order or judgment of the court.
(3) The commission or any person may, by statement of claim, commence an 
action in the court against any person for an injunction to restrain the person:
(a) from depriving, abridging or otherwise restricting or attempting to deprive, 
abridge or restrict a person or a class of persons in the enjoyment of a right 
pursuant to this Act or any other Act administered by the commission; or
(b) from contravening or attempting to contravene this Act or any other Act 
administered by the commission.
(4) In an action pursuant to subsection (3), the judge may make any order that 
the judge considers fit.
(5) An appeal lies to the Court of Appeal from the order or decision of a judge made 
pursuant to subsection (4).
2018, c S-24.2, s.47.

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Onus of proof
48(1) If, in a proceeding pursuant to this Act, it is established that the party 
complained against, directly or indirectly, by himself, herself or any other person 
on his or her behalf:
(a) deprived or attempted to deprive a person or class of persons of the 
enjoyment;
(b) abridged or attempted to abridge the enjoyment by a person or class of 
persons; or
(c) otherwise restricted or attempted to otherwise restrict a person or class 
of persons in the enjoyment;
of any accommodation, service or facility that is offered to the public, that is ordinarily 
available to the public or to which the public is customarily admitted, or of the 
occupancy of any housing accommodation or commercial unit, the onus is on the 
party against whom the complaint is made to prove on a balance of probabilities that 
the deprivation, abridgment, restriction or attempted deprivation, abridgment or 
restriction was not because of discrimination against that person or class of persons 
contrary to this Act or any other Act administered by the commission.
(2) If, in a proceeding pursuant to this Act, it is established that the party complained 
against, directly or indirectly, alone or with another or by the interposition of another, 
refused to employ or continue to employ or otherwise discriminated against a person 
or class of persons with respect to employment or a term, condition or privilege of 
employment, the onus is on the party against whom the complaint is made to prove 
on a balance of probabilities that the refusal or discrimination was not because of 
discrimination against that person or class of persons contrary to this Act or any 
other Act administered by the commission.
2018, c S-24.2, s.48.
No imprisonment
49 Notwithstanding any other Act, no person shall be imprisoned for default of 
payment of a fine imposed pursuant to this Act.
2018, c S-24.2, s.49.
Conviction entered as judgment
50 If a fine imposed pursuant to a conviction for a contravention of subsection 44(1) 
is not paid within the time designated by the court:
(a) the commission may, by filing the conviction with the court, have the 
amount ordered to be paid entered as a judgment of the court; and
(b) the amount entered as a judgment pursuant to clause (a) is enforceable 
against the accused in the same manner as any other judgment in civil 
proceedings in the court.
2018, c S-24.2, s.50.

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PART 7
General
Crown bound
51 The Crown is bound by this Act.
2018, c S-24.2, s.51.
Act takes precedence unless expressly excluded
52 Every law of Saskatchewan is inoperative to the extent that it authorizes or 
requires the doing of anything prohibited by this Act unless:
(a) that law falls within an exemption provided by this Act; or
(b) that law is expressly declared by an Act to operate notwithstanding this 
Act.
2018, c S-24.2, s.52.
Protection against intimidation or discrimination
53 No person shall:
(a) refuse to employ or to continue to employ any person;
(b) threaten to dismiss or to penalize in any other way any person with 
respect to that person’s employment or any term, condition or privilege of that 
person’s employment;
(c) discriminate against any person with respect to that person’s employment 
or any term, condition or privilege of that person’s employment; or
(d) intimidate, retaliate against, coerce or impose any pecuniary or other 
penalty, loss or disadvantage on any person;
on the grounds that that person:
(e) has made or may make a complaint pursuant to this Act;
(f) has made or may make a disclosure concerning any matter complained of;
(g) has testified or may testify in a proceeding pursuant to this Act; or
(h) has participated or may participate in any other way in a proceeding 
pursuant to this Act.
2018, c S-24.2, s.53.
Regulations
54 The Lieutenant Governor in Council, or the commission subject to the approval 
of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, may make regulations:
(a) defining, enlarging or restricting the meaning of any word or expression 
used in this Act but not defined in this Act;
(b) exempting persons or classes of persons from the provisions of Part 3, 
subject to any terms and conditions that the Lieutenant Governor in Council 
or commission may specify;

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(c) prescribing procedures for the commencement and conduct of inquiries;
(d) prescribing qualifications for service animals;
(e) prescribing contracts or categories of contracts for the purposes of 
subsection 15(3);
(f) respecting information to be provided by persons complained against;
(g) prescribing any matter or thing that is authorized or required by this Act 
to be prescribed in the regulations;
(h) respecting any other matter or thing that the Lieutenant Governor in 
Council, or the commission with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in 
Council, considers necessary to carry out the intent of this Act.
2018, c S-24.2, s.54
Programs, approved or ordered by commission
55(1) On the application of any person or on its own initiative, the commission 
may approve or order any program to be undertaken by any person if the program 
is designed to prevent disadvantages that are likely to be suffered by, or to eliminate 
or reduce disadvantages that are suffered by, any group of individuals when those 
disadvantages would be or are based on or related to the race, creed, religion, colour, 
sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, marital status, disability, age, 
nationality, ancestry or place of origin of members of that group, or the receipt of 
public assistance by members of that group, by improving opportunities respecting 
services, facilities, accommodation, employment or education in relation to that 
group or the receipt of public assistance by members of that group.
(2) At any time before or after the commission approves a program, or a program 
is ordered by the commission or the court, the commission may:
(a) make inquiries concerning the program;
(b) vary the program;
(c) impose conditions on the program; or
(d) withdraw approval of the program as the commission thinks fit.
(3) Nothing done in accordance with a program approved pursuant to this section 
is a violation of the provisions of this Act.
2018, c S-24.2, s.55.
Reasonable and justifiable measures
56(1) Subject to subsection (2), it is not a contravention of this Act for a person to 
adopt or implement a reasonable and justifiable measure:
(a) that is designed to prevent disadvantages that are likely to be suffered 
by, or to eliminate or reduce disadvantages that are suffered by, any group of 
individuals if those disadvantages would be or are based on or related to one 
or more prohibited grounds; and
(b) that achieves or is reasonably likely to achieve that objective.

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(2) If a program has been approved or ordered pursuant to section 55, a measure 
mentioned in subsection (1) must comply with the terms and conditions of that 
program.
2018, c S-24.2, s.56.
Annual report
57(1) In each fiscal year, the commission, in accordance with section 13 of The 
Executive Government Administration Act, shall submit to the minister a report on 
the administration of this Act, and in particular on:
(a) the commission’s business for the preceding fiscal year; and
(b) any other information the commission may consider necessary.
(2) In accordance with section 13 of The Executive Government Administration 
Act, the minister shall lay before the Legislative Assembly each report received by 
the minister pursuant to subsection (1).
2018, c S-24.2, s.57.
Appropriation
58 Amounts required for the purposes of this Act shall be paid out of the moneys 
appropriated by the Legislature for the purpose.
2018, c S-24.2, s.58.
PART 8
Repeal and Coming into Force
SS 1979, c S-24.1 repealed
59 The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code is repealed.
2018, c S-24.2, s.59.
Coming into force
60 This Act comes into force on proclamation.
2018, c S-24.2, s.60.
REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN
Printed by the authority of  
THE QUEEN’S PRINTER
Copyright©2018
