Opening remarks to the CRPD committee on the occasion of Canada's combined 2nd and 3rd Periodic Reviews by Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, Interim Chief Commissioner Canadian Human Rights Commission
JOINT STATEMENT - To mark International Women's Day 2025, Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, Interim Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Lori Straznicky, Pay Equity Commissioner, Marie-Josée Houle, Federal Housing Advocate, and Dianna Scarth, Interim Accessibility Commissioner, issue the following joint statement
The Canadian Human Rights Commission is pleased to announce Dianna Scarth will serve as Interim Accessibility Commissioner for 90 days, effective February 24, 2025.
As jurisdictions across the country start to receive federal funding to address encampments, provincial and territorial governments have a critical role to play to ensure this money makes a lasting difference in the targeted communities. The Federal Housing Advocate wrote to the Premiers of Canada to urge them to commit to respecting and protecting the fundamental human rights of people experiencing homelessness and living in encampments
The Office of the Federal Housing Advocate welcomes the re-appointment of Marie-Josée Houle, by order in council, who will continue serving as the Federal Housing Advocate. Ms. Houle will serve for a three-year term, effective February 21, 2025.
February marks the beginning of Black History Month—a time to reflect on, celebrate, and honour the significant contributions of Black communities to the fabric of Canadian society.This year is particularly meaningful as it marks the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada. In 1995, the Honorable Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to Parliament, introduced the parliamentary motion that officially recognized February as Black History Month.
Today on the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia, the Canadian Human Rights Commission stands in solidarity with Muslim communities across Canada.
Today, on Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Canadian Human Rights Commission joins people around the world in remembering and honouring the millions of lives lost in the Holocaust. We honour the resilience and courage of the survivors and reaffirm our commitment to fight against all forms of hate, discrimination, and intolerance in Canada.
Today, we mark International Human Rights Day and the anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 1 of the Declaration proclaims that all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Yet for many, this promise remains unfulfilled. To truly live up to those words, Canada must do a better job of ensuring that everyone across the country can live with dignity.
New data shows that people with disabilities face financial hardship, unsafe housing, and a lack of supports and services at far higher rates than people without disabilities.