Human rights complaints in the Canadian Armed Forces

What this service offers

The Directorate of External Review works with the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to respond to human rights complaints against the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Complaints may be submitted by serving personnel or members of the Canadian public.

What you need before you start

The CHRC complaint process is separate from the internal processes in the CAF. The Commission expects members to use the CAF's internal Conflict Solutions and Services (CSS) resources or recourse structures before it will receive a complaint.

CSS' Conflict and Complaint Management Services Centres provide information on internal recourse structures and informal resolution options. They can help find a resolution method that is best suited for any situation.

If members have a complaint of sexual harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, however, they can file their complaint with the CHRC without needing to use the CAF’s internal complaint and conflict resolution process.

How to submit a complaint

Members can file a complaint with the CHRC by:

Using the Commission’s online complaint form
Emailing the Commission at plainte@chrc-ccdp.gc.ca
Downloading the complaint form and fax it to the Commission at 613-996-9661
Or mailing the Commission your completed form at:

Canadian Human Rights Commission
344 Slater Street, 8^th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 1E1

After you submit

The CAF receives complaints from the CHRC and works directly with them to provide a response. The Commission will then address the complaint in the manner it sees as the most appropriate course based on the information provided.

The time it will take to process your application will depend on the nature and complexity of the complaint and the case load of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Contact us for help

Your local Conflict and Complaint Management Services centre can help you decide if informal and formal resolution services are appropriate for your situation. Conflict Solutions and Services (CSS) is easy to access and always confidential whether in-person or online.

To contact CSS directly, please call us toll free at 1-833-328-3351.

Related services and information

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Conflict Solutions and Services – Program

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Date modified:: 2023-08-15

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Human rights complaints in the Canadian Armed Forces

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