Looking back, I believe 2017 will be remembered as a pivotal year for the advancement of equality in Canada – a tipping point. It was a year when the invisible became visible. When the tolerable became intolerable. People across Canada joined the chorus of voices around the world speaking out against discrimination and harassment in ways we have not seen in decades.
Ten years ago today, the United Nations adopted a declaration that affirmed to the entire world, the rights of Indigenous peoples as equal members of the human family. For Canada, it meant that the rights of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples were now given due recognition by international human rights law.
At a ceremony in Montreal today, the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the National Association of Friendship Centres signed a partnership agreement to help Indigenous peoples in urban centres across Canada find the information and services they need to fight back against discrimination
These changes come in the wake of Parliament’s recent change to the Canadian Human Rights Act, which added “gender identity or expression” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.
“The Canadian Human Rights Commission welcomes the federal government’s introduction of federal housing legislation, in particular the appointment of a Federal Housing Advocate.
“Late in December, the Quebec Court of Appeal gave its opinion that the criminal sanctions in the federal law prohibiting genetic discrimination, which was passed in 2017, are unconstitutional and beyond the power of the federal government.
Canada must do more to address hate, Marie-Claude Landry, Ad. E., Chief Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a response to unspeakable atrocities born from hatred. It united the world in a common cause: to promote the principles of equality, dignity and respect for all.
Ms. Leck brings a new energy and extensive legal experience at all levels of court in Ontario, her home province. Her specific areas of expertise include employment law, human rights law, and insurance law.
The Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) is pleased to announce the appointment, by Order in Council, of a new part-time commissioner, Ms. Dianna Scarth, effective immediately.