Situations That Require Formal Board Notification
Condominium managers must escalate human rights concerns when they directly impact residents, employees, or the condominium corporation's legal obligations. Situations requiring immediate board notification include:
Discrimination Claims – A resident, tenant, or employee alleges discrimination based on protected grounds, such as race, disability, or family status.
Harassment or Retaliation – Reports of harassment, intimidation, or unfair treatment by board members, management, or other residents.
Accessibility Denial – Requests for reasonable accommodations, such as ramps, service animals, or designated parking, that are improperly denied.
Failure to Address Safety Concerns – Ignoring safety-related human rights complaints, such as a lack of accessible emergency exits or maintenance failures that impact vulnerable residents.
Legal Reference: The Alberta Human Rights Act protects individuals from discrimination in residential accommodations and ensures reasonable accommodations are provided unless they impose an undue hardship on the corporation.
Best Practices for Documenting and Reporting Violations
A condominium manager must ensure that all human rights concerns are properly documented before escalating them to the board. Key documentation practices include:
Collecting Statements – Obtain written accounts from affected parties, including details on what happened, when, and who was involved.
Gathering Evidence – If applicable, collect emails, video footage, or other supporting materials that document the incident.
Following a Consistent Format – Use a standardized reporting template to ensure all complaints are properly recorded and escalated.
What Should a Formal Report Include?
Summary of the Issue: Describe the specific human rights concern and the parties involved.
Supporting Evidence: Include witness statements, photographs, emails, or relevant documentation.
Legal or Policy References: Identify how the issue violates human rights legislation, condominium bylaws, or policies.
Recommended Actions: Provide proposed next steps for the board to address the issue.
Ensuring the Board Takes Appropriate Corrective Action
Once a human rights concern is reported, the board has a legal and ethical duty to respond appropriately. A condominium manager can help guide the board’s response by:
Providing Legal Context – Ensuring the board understands its responsibilities under the Alberta Human Rights Act and other applicable regulations.
Recommending Timely Action – Encouraging prompt responses to avoid legal liability or reputational damage.
Following Up on Outcomes – Tracking whether corrective actions are implemented and documenting resolutions for compliance purposes.
Failure to address a legitimate human rights concern could expose the condominium corporation to legal action, tribunal complaints, and financial penalties.
Board Notification Simulation
Scenario:
A condominium resident with a visual impairment has requested a more accessible front entrance door, but the board refuses to act, citing budget constraints. The resident files a formal complaint with the condominium manager.
Your Task:
Draft a formal report for the board that includes:
A summary of the issue
Evidence supporting the resident’s claim
Relevant legal obligations
Recommended next steps for compliance
📌 Discussion Questions:
Should the board be required to accommodate the request?
What potential risks does the corporation face if the complaint is ignored?
How can a condominium manager ensure this issue is handled professionally and legally?
