The Prince Edward Island Human Rights Commission administers and enforces the Prince Edward Island Human Rights Act. The Act establishes a complaint process under which the Commission has the authority to receive, investigate, attempt to settle and make rulings on complaints. The Commission also develops programs of public information and education about human rights through seminars, publications, responses to general inquiries and a resource centre. The Commission also advises the government on human rights issues.
The Prince Edward Island Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in certain situations on the basis of certain personal characteristics or "grounds". Discrimination is the unequal, stereotypical and prejudicial treatment of persons.
Discrimination is prohibited in these situations: all aspects of employment; leasing, purchasing or selling property; offering accommodations, services or facilities to the public; membership in professional, business or trade associations, employer or employee organizations; volunteering; publishing, broadcasting and advertising. Discrimination on the basis of any of the following grounds is prohibited: age, association, colour or race, creed or religion, ethnic or national origin, criminal conviction, family status, marital status, physical and mental disability, political belief, sexual orientation, source of income, and sex (including pregnancy and sexual harassment). – Government of Prince Edward Island