Members

The Tribunal is comprised of:

• A full-time chairperson
• A full-time Vice-Chairperson
• 13 full- or part-time members
  

The Chairperson
The Chairperson is appointed for a term of not more than seven years by a Parliamentary Order-in-Council. In addition to administrative duties, the Chairperson usually continues to hear cases.Shirish P. Chotalia was appointed Chairperson of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal on November 2, 2009. Ms. Chotalia was originally a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal member from 1999 to 2005.

Once the Canadian Human Rights Commission determines that an inquiry is warranted, it is the Chairperson's duty to assign members to inquire into the complaint. The Chairperson decides, once the facts of a particular case have been determined, if the tribunal will consist of one or three members. In tribunals consisting of three members, the Chairperson will also designate one of the members to chair the proceedings.

The Vice-Chairperson
The Vice-Chairperson has administrative duties and planning responsibilities for various operations of the Tribunal. The Vice-Chairperson also hears cases and assists with the Chairperson's duties and assumes those responsibilities in the Chairperson's absence.

13 full- or part-time members
The Tribunal is comprised of a full-time Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, as well as up to 13 full- or part-time members, who are appointed for terms of up to five years. When a case is referred to the Tribunal, the Chairperson assigns either one or three members to hear the case. All members take an oath of office prior to being assigned to their first case. They must also adhere to the principles established by the Code of Conduct for Members of the Human Rights Tribunal Panel.