Human Rights - FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions for Human Rights

Question (Q): What is the function/role of the COHREA?

Answer (A): The COHREA at KPRDSB is an arms-length office for Human Rights Code compliance under KPRDSB’s Human Rights: Code-Based Discrimination and Harassment Board Policy. The role of the COHREA is to:

Act upon receipt of general correspondences and/or reporting of human rights concerns promptly, fairly, judiciously and with confidentiality; and
Support and facilitate preventable actions through human rights education and training with the goal of fostering working and inclusive learning environments.

Any member of the KPRDSB community may contact the COHREA on a human rights concern or a belief they have been the recipient of harassment and/or discrimination under a protected ground identified in the Human Rights: Code-based Disability and Harassment Board Policy.

Q: I received a reply informing me that my matter is being reviewed by the Human

Rights Commissioner. When can I expect a reply on next steps?

A: It may be possible, given the nature of each complaint, to complete the preliminary assessment process via email, by telephone or through video conferencing, as appropriate. Review of each complaint and a decision on next steps is done on a case-by-case basis, in line with the Human Rights: Code-Based Discrimination & Harassment Policy.

Q: I believe that I am experiencing human rights harassment or discrimination. What can

I do?

A: If you believe you are experiencing harassment and discrimination by a member of the KPRDSB community, the COHREA requires a completed Report It! detailing your complaint in order to proceed with a review. The Report It! tool and other information about the COHREA process, can be found online at: www.kprschools.ca/en/student-and-family-support/report-a-problem.aspx

Q: Do I have to complete a Report It! Confidential online reporting form for reporting any issue?

A: No; There are issues/concerns that you may choose to deal with and/or resolve and does not require any involvement with anyone. You ultimately have the choice of determining whether you wish to report an issue/concern. It is best to use Report IT! when you believe that there was breach of a Board policy, you or someone that you can specifically identity were negatively impacted, or you seek assistance in having the issue/concern addressed.

Q: Can I use Report It! to inform about a concern/issue anonymously?

A: No. Report IT! is intended to be used for an issue/concern to which you can be contacted about. Any issue/concern sent anonymously will not be reviewed.

Q: I am concerned about confidentiality. How do I know this process is confidential?

A: Confidentiality is at the core of Report IT! and the online reporting has been designed with understanding that information received is managed through the Commissioner’s Office of Human Rights Equity & Accessibility (COHREA). The information you provide regarding your issue/concern will not be shared with any other area within the Board without first getting your written consent.

Q: What about people who might make a frivolous, false or malicious complaint?

A: Report IT! is for members of the KPR community bringing attention to an issue/concern. An issue/concern cannot be identified or defined as a “complaint” until it is assessed. Anyone using Report IT! to make a frivolous, malicious complaint could be faced with consequences under various Board policies for having engaged in harassment.

Q: How do I know that someone will attend to my concern?

A: It will then be reviewed by the Report It! Intake Officer who will follow up within two (2) business days to inform on next steps for addressing the issue/concern.

Q: I am a union member. Shouldn’t I be contacting my union if I want to report a concern?

A: As a union member, it is always a good idea (and best practice) to connect your union, especially if the issue/concern specifically pertains to some aspect of the collective agreement. However, you are not barred from bringing a concern forward through Report It! first. Following the Intake and Assessment process, if the issue/concern is assessed as falling outside human rights and you are a unionize employee, during the handover process, the matter would be forwarded to human resources and they would engage with the union in addressing the issue/concern.

Q: What happens after I complete and submit the confidential online reporting form?

A: Once you have completed and submitted the confidential online reporting form, you will receive an automated email informing receipt and the following will happen after:

It is reviewed to determine the nature of the issue/concern and what is being sought
The party who submitted the confidential online reporting form is informed by the Report It! Intake Officer on next steps. Upon the party providing written consent, a handover in done so that issue/concern is forwarded to the appropriate area for review. Where the party is a member of a bargaining unit, they are informed to reach out to union and provide written confirmation to the Report It! Intake Officer that is has been done.
The file is sent to the appropriate area for conducting an investigation OR
If the matter is determined to be requiring review under the Human Rights Code, fact-finding is done upon receiving written consent from the party
Upon completion of the review, a preliminary assessment is completed
The finding of the preliminary assessment will determine if an official referral is required or the COHREA will have jurisdiction

The COHREA will review all matters that are submitted via the Report It! feedback form. For general accessibility concerns, please email cohrea@kprdsb.ca

I need assistance in completing the confidential online reporting form. How do I get someone to assist?

You can send an email to reportit@kprdsb.ca or call Report IT! intake via telephone at: 705-742-9773 or 1-877-741-4577 Ext. 2023.

I have other question(s) not addressed here in the FAQ’s. What do I do?

You can send an email to reportit@kprdsb.ca or call Report IT! intake via telephone at: 705-742-9773 or 1-877-741-4577 Ext. 2023.