Manitoba Human Rights Commission awards for damage to be capped at $25K

The Manitoba government has introduced legislation that would put a cap on what the province’s human rights commission can award for damages.

The bill says damages for injury to dignity, feelings or self-respect stemming from a human rights complaint cannot be more than $25,000.

Currently, there is no limit.

Justice Minister Cliff Cullen says the cap was recommended after an independent review and follows similar decisions federally and in Saskatchewan.

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He says the legislation would also ensure decisions were made sooner by allowing the commission’s executive to dismiss complaints.

Opposition Leader Wab Kinew says the move could cause a chilling effect and discourage people from bringing forward important cases.

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