In the last few years, the Commission applied itself to improving all of its business lines and supporting management systems. Recently, it also established a prevention program, a proactive initiatives program and a learning and development program. It has now decided to implement an advanced and policy driven research program in human rights.

The human rights landscape is in constant evolution. The Commission needs to foresee and understand the trends and shifts that are taking place in Canadian society if it wants to remain a leader in disseminating human rights knowledge. Under paragraph 27(1)(b) of the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Commission has a responsibility to “undertake or sponsor research programs relating to its duties and functions under the Act”.

To guide its research efforts, the Commission monitors the human rights environment for emerging and systemic human rights issues. Some of the potential research topics identified so far include the human rights implications of proposals to abolish mandatory retirement and the impact of barriers to recognition of foreign credentials on the employment prospects of visible minorities. Conducting impact assessments of government initiatives from the perspective of the Canadian Human Rights Act represents another avenue available for research.

By reinforcing its research and policy-making capacity as well as its prevention activity, the Commission will be ensuring that it remains a leader in human rights for years to come.