Chief Commissioner’s Message
 | Canada has experienced profound transformation since the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act were adopted to recognize the equal status of every individual in Canada. Today, our approach to promoting and protecting human rights is a model for the world. Our open, inclusive and culturally diverse society is the foundation of our social, cultural and economic prosperity. Our unwavering commitment to equality, dignity and respect is part of our national identity and a source of pride for all Canadians. These fundamental values are now so firmly rooted in our society that it |
would be easy to assume that everyone in this country lives a life free from discrimination. In truth, people continue to face discrimination. Many Aboriginal people in Canada do not have access to basic necessities. Many persons with disabilities face barriers and are un-der-employed. Thousands of university-educated immigrants work in jobs that typically require high school or less.
These and many other challenges were highlighted as the United Nations Human Rights Council reviewed Canada’s human rights record. This important exercise was an opportunity to raise awareness and outline our human rights challenges.
Inspired to reach further, members of the human rights system—non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups, parliamentarians, unions, employers, legal bodies, academics, members of the media, and human rights commissions—expressed a renewed commitment to working together to identify emerging issues and influence positive changes in our society.
The Commission continued to fulfill its role as a dynamic, modern leader and partner in advancing the human rights system.
Working with Aboriginal organizations across the country, the Commission took proactive first steps towards fulfilling our responsibility to ensure that the more than 700,000 Aboriginal persons impacted by the Indian Act are more aware of the protections available under the Canadian Human Rights Act, and better able to access the Commission’s services. Dialogue has also begun on how to best resolve disputes within the communities themselves.
Collaborating with Canada’s workplaces, the Commission continued to develop the Human Rights Maturity Model. This roadmap and performance measurement framework can be used by organizations to foster and sustain a human rights culture. This commitment to equality and respect influences daily practices and decision-making. Our employment equity audit program assisted employers in implementing workforce practices that eliminate barriers to employment and continuously improve employment equity.
The Commission continued to provide remedies for issues of discrimination. The majority of issues were resolved before they became official complaints—reducing emotional distress, strengthening morale, increasing productivity and saving time and money.
Canadians continued to be engaged in a passionate debate over Canada’s approach to balancing the right to freedom of expression and the right to equality and dignity. Our Special Report to Parliament, Freedom of Expression and Freedom from Hate in the Internet Age, provided parliamentarians and Canadians with a comprehensive and balanced analysis of issues.
At the international level, the Commission led the International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions (ICC) as it focused on priorities such as business and human rights, the right to education, the rights of persons with disabilities, the rights of indigenous people and many others. The success we have experienced as Chair of the ICC will inform our future actions as we assume the role of Chair of the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions.
From individual Canadians, to our country’s largest employers, human rights are a responsibility that belongs to everyone. Canada is a model of human rights promotion and practice for the world because our collective accomplishments and persistent challenges inspire us to refine and advance the systems put in place to promote and protect human rights.
The Commission also leads by example and sustains a professional environment built on respect, dignity and understanding. Our employees acknowledged our efforts in this regard in their responses to the recent Public Service Employee Survey which ranked the Commission as the third best place to work in the federal public service.
It is a privilege to lead a group of people dedicated to equality, respect and justice. We believe in the work that we do, and we are proud to be part of an organization committed to improving life for people in Canada.
Jennifer Lynch, Q.C.
Chief Commissioner
Canadian Human Rights Commission