The Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is a quasi-judicial human rights body in Alberta, Canada, created by the provincial government. The Commission was established under and tasked with administering the Alberta Human Rights Act (AHRA). Its mandate is to reduce discrimination in Alberta "through the resolution and settlement of complaints of discrimination, and through human rights tribunal and court hearings." In relation to complaint resolution and settlement, the primary purpose of the tribunals is adjudicative. It is headed by the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, who is tasked with informing Alberta's Minister of Justice and Solicitor General of human rights issues, as well as providing guidance to Commission members regarding such functions as their tribunal hearings, and to the Commission director regarding the overall objective of the Commission. Both the Chief and Commission members are appointed by Order in Council. The AHRC differs from the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC), which deals with complaints relating to treatment by the federal government or a federally-regulated business. Organization The functions of the Commission are laid out in the Alberta Human Rights Act. In particular, section 16(1) states that the function of the Commission is:(a) to forward the principle that all persons are equal in dignity, rights and responsibilities without regard to race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation, (b) to promote awareness and appreciation of and respect for the multicultural heritage of Alberta society, (c) to promote an environment in which all Albertans can participate in and contribute to the cultural, social, economic and political life of Alberta, (d) to encourage all sectors of Alberta society to provide equality of opportunity, (e) to research, develop and conduct educational programs designed to eliminate discriminatory practices related to race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation, (f) to promote an understanding of, acceptance of an compliance with this Act, (g) to encourage and coordinate both public and private human rights programs and activities, and (h) to advise the Minister on matters related to this Act. Members and leadership The Commission is headed by the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, who is tasked with informing Alberta's Minister of Justice and Solicitor General