Government of Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada
Canadian Human Rights Commission
spacer
Highlights
Human Rights Maturity Model
Forum 2010
2009 Annual Report
National Aboriginal Initiative
Special Report to Parliament
2010-2011 - Reports on Plans and Priorities
Research Program
Employer Advisory Council Members' Initiatives
Canada's Economic Action Plan

Overview

About Us

Canadian Human Rights Act

By world standards, Canada is a country that respects and protects its citizens' human rights. In 1977, Parliament passed the Canadian Human Rights Act. The Commission began its work one year later. The purpose of the Act is to ensure equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination in federal jurisdiction.

The idea behind the Act is that people should not be placed at a disadvantage simply because of their age, sex, race or any other ground covered by the Act. That is discrimination and is against the law.

Who is Protected by the Act? Who is Governed by It?