No panels of the P.E.I. Human Rights Commission sat in 2008, as all complaints were settled before reaching that stage in the proceedings.
There have been no public hearing panel decisions by the commission since September 2007, but executive director David Larter told CBC News this week that several cases came close to having a panel convened.
"We found this year we've had a number that have been scheduled, however just prior to the panel commencing, the parties have agreed on it, without prejudice basis, that they're going to settle this matter," said Larter.
The lack of panels does not mean the commission hasn't been busy. Larter said at any given time, it is handling more than 60 cases.
The most common discrimination complaints involve employment, disabilities and political beliefs. Larter said it is better to resolve issues without the panel, which take a lot of time and money for everyone involved.
"It's akin to a lawsuit," he said.
"If I were to sue you and we appear in court, we're going to have to call our witnesses; it's the same thing with a panel hearing on the Human Rights Act."
While have been no cases in 2008, Larter said there are two or three cases currently on the commission's books that he expects will reach the panel stage in the new year.
Share Tools
Latest Prince Edward Island News Headlines
- Outstanding P.E.I. fishing loans top $85M
- An increasing number of P.E.I. fishermen owe the province money and some of them are having a hard time paying it back. more »
- Power restored to most Maritimers
- Maritime Electric has restored power to all but a handful of customers in eastern P.E.I. after a winter storm Saturday night, while NB Power reports 55 customers in the Fredericton area still without power. more »
- More power out on Magdalen Islands
- Extra ferries shuttle equipment from Prince Edward Island to the Magdalen Islands, as Hydro-Québec struggles to restore power after a weekend winter storm. more »
- Fundraising support for Tignish girl 'unbelievable'
- The committee organizing fundraising for a new home for Bobbi-Jo LeClair in Tignish P.E.I., seriously injured in a car crash, says it's going well but needs a little more co-ordination. more »
Top News Headlines
- HMCS Corner Brook collision damage extensive
- The damage to HMCS Corner Brook when it hit the ocean floor off B.C.'s coast last summer was more extensive than first reported, CBC News has learned by obtaining exclusive pictures of the submarine. more »
- Mandatory gun sentence struck down by Ontario judge
- An Ontario Superior Court judge has struck down a mandatory minimum sentence for a first offence of possessing a loaded firearm. more »
- 12 Flag Day stories of patriotism
- Ahead of tomorrow's Flag Day celebrations, our readers shared some of their proudest Canadian moments. Here are some of the best. more »
- Valentine's Day means big bucks
- For some, it may be a day for romance. But for many retailers, February 14 means big business. Here's a look at some numbers behind Cupid's day. more »
- Fundraising support for Tignish girl 'unbelievable'
- Coyote worries Charlottetown residents
- More power out on Magdalen Islands
- Power restored to most Maritimers
- P.E.I. overpaid on equalization, says think tank
- Students pinched by late scholarship
- Acadian Lines talks fail to resolve dispute
- Paralyzying crash pushes P.E.I. coach to chase dreams
- Maritimers hope for WestJet regional service
