A common misconception is that contempt of a Human Rights Tribunal order will not result in a jail sentence. In fact, contempt of a non-monetary order of a Tribunal has the same effect as contempt of a non-monetary Superior court order. Jail sentences can be handed down in these situations.
I discussed this fact in my opinion on Bill C16, however, I understand that some have taken issue with that possibility.
I have compiled a brief with some examples of jail sentences being ordered where a person is found in contempt of a non-monetary orders of both Human Rights Tribunals and the courts. This list is not exhaustive and in the Superior Court there are hundreds of examples.
Click below for the brief:
Contempt of Non-monetary Orders – Human Rights Tribunals and Superior Court
With respect to the Human Rights Tribunal cases, it should be acknowledged that the individuals in question appear to have fairly reprehensible and offensive opinions, and were flagrantly contemptuous of the underlying orders.
That being said, contempt of a Tribunal order can, and has, resulted in jail sentences. This fact should not be controversial.
Case in Point 