Our Vision
An inclusive society where everyone is valued and respected.
Our Mission
To promote an inclusive Canada where every person is free to claim their human rights and create the life that they wish for themselves.
Who we are and what we do
The Canadian Human Rights Commission promotes and protects human rights and freedoms in Canada. Operating at arm's length from the federal government, we work towards a Canada where everyone can be included, and live a life of dignity, justice and respect — free from discrimination.
Advocating for human rights in Canada
We are Canada’s national human rights institution. We speak out, raise awareness, and advocate for human rights in Canada by:
- advising Parliament on new laws and emerging human rights issues
- supporting and conducting human rights research
- engaging with international bodies to raise concerns when Canada is not meeting its human rights obligations
- monitoring Canada’s implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- publicizing key human rights settlements that have the potential to effect broader change across Canada
- working with the Federal Housing Advocate to drive meaningful action and human-rights based solutions to housing need and homelessness in Canada
Preventing discrimination
Through mediation and litigation, we resolve discrimination disputes, often reaching remedies that prompt changes to policies and programs that impact the lives of many people in Canada.
Informed by research, stakeholders and those with lived experience, we inform policy changes across Canadian institutions that will help prevent discrimination.
And we make sure that federally regulated employers:
- work towards a barrier-free Canada by removing barriers for people with disabilities through the Accessible Canada Act (Office of the Accessibility Commissioner)
- work towards a Canada where the right to equal pay for work of equal value is a reality for all through the Pay Equity Act (Office of the Pay Equity Commissioner)
- take steps to increase representation across Canada’s workplaces for women, Indigenous peoples, racialized people and people with disabilities through the Employment Equity Act
Resolving human rights complaints
In accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act, we receive and screen complaints from people who believe they have experienced discrimination or harassment.
- We help people resolve disputes through mediation.
- We refer complaints to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal when the issues are systemic in nature.
- We represent the public interest in certain cases that go before the Tribunal and the courts.
In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act and the Pay Equity Act, we support the Accessibility Commissioner and the Pay Equity Commissioner in resolving disputes that come before them.