Dr. David Ownby

The complainant, a Falun Gong practitioner, alleged that the respondents discriminated against her with respect to services because of her creed by making discriminatory comments and excluding her from membership in the Ottawa Chinese Senior Association.

The Tribunal found that Falun Gong is a 'creed' and that the Association provides a 'service' within the meaning of the Human Rights Code.

The Tribunal concluded that the respondents breached the Code by revoking the complainant's membership because of her creed and by making discriminatory comments.

The corporate respondent was ordered to pay $15,000 for injury to dignity, feelings, and self-respect, and to invite the complainant to rejoin the Association.

The complainant alleged that her membership in the respondent association was terminated because she practices Falun Gong.

The respondents did not participate in the written hearing.

The Tribunal found that Falun Gong constitutes a creed within the meaning of the Human Rights Code.

The Tribunal held that the respondents wilfully and intentionally discriminated against the complainant in the provision of services based on her creed.

The respondents were ordered jointly and severally to pay $10,000 in general damages and $8,000 for mental anguish, and to implement anti-discrimination policies.