The NWT Human Rights Commission encourages employers, housing and service providers to consider the potential disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on the vulnerable groups they employ or serve. These vulnerable groups include indigenous and racialized peoples, people with disabilities, older people living alone or in institutions, and people with low-wage employment or no employment.
At the same time, the NWT Human Rights Commission recognizes the importance of balancing people’s right to non-discrimination with public health and safety, including the need to address evidence-based risks associated with COVID-19.
Employers and housing and service providers should ensure any actions they are taking or any restrictions made concerning COVID-19 are consistent with recent advice from medical and public health officials and are justified for health and safety reasons.
In the difficult decisions that we face in the coming days, we encourage everyone to remember our human rights obligations while ensuring public health and safety.
In light of COVID-19 and the need to keep clients and staff safe, the office of the NWT Human Rights Commission will be closed for the foreseeable future and staff will be working remotely. Staff are available to respond to general inquiries but the complaints process is suspended until further notice. We are exploring alternative ways of doing our work and will post information as options become available. Please email info@nwthumanrights.ca for clarification. If you wish to speak to someone, provide your number and a staff member will call you.
The NWT Human Rights Commission is committed to promoting and protecting human rights in the NWT. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of uncertainty.
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