Board to Consider Discrimination Complaint by Condo Owner

A Halifax man who alleges the board of his condominium discriminated against him on the basis of his religion and ethnic/national origin will have his human rights complaint considered by an independent board of inquiry.

Ahmed Assal says the refusal by Halifax Condominium Corporation No. 4 to permit him to install a satellite dish to receive Muslim and Arabic language programming discriminates against him on the basis of his religion and ethnic or national origin. Mr. Assal alleges that other residents were permitted to substantially modify their properties in violation of the rules established by the condominium board.

The board of inquiry is being chaired by Royden Trainor and will begin hearing evidence on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 303 of the Dalhousie University Student Union Building, 6136 University Ave., in Halifax. The board is scheduled to continue on Wednesday, Aug. 2 and Thursday, Aug. 3.

A complaint is referred to an independent board of inquiry when the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission believes a prima facie case of discrimination is made after an investigation by a human rights officer. The chief judge of the provincial court selects a board chair from a roster and the commissioners ratify the nomination. The decision on the complaint is then in the hands of the independent board.

Evidence collected during investigation of a complaint is presented at the hearing by the commission's legal counsel. The complainant and respondent can make submissions and question witnesses. The board chair then decides whether discrimination has occurred.

All parties have a right to appeal decisions of boards of inquiry to the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.