In one of the more noteworthy trends visible in human rights
decisions throughout the last few years, human rights tribunals
across the country have been increasing monetary awards to
successful complainants – sometimes incrementally, sometimes
in more dramatic fashion. Most recently, an award granted by the
British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal (the "BCHRT" or
the "Tribunal") to a former B.C. correctional officer was
substantially larger than any previous award for injury to
dignity.
Mr. Levan Francis worked at the North Fraser Pretrial Centre as
a correctional officer. In 2012, he filed a claim alleging he was
discriminated against due to his race and was the subject of
multiple instances of harassment. Mr. Francis claimed injury to his
dignity, feelings, and self-respect. There is no legislated cap on
the amount the BCHRT may award under this head of
damages.
