Who handles human rights?
Human Rights
Human rights are protected at all levels. Federal has the Canadian Human Rights Act, every province and territory has its own human rights code or act, and municipalities implement local equity policies.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Key Facts
- ● The Canadian Human Rights Commission receives approximately 1,000 complaints annually.
- ● The Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Section 15) guarantees equal treatment under the law for all Canadians.
Key Facts
- ● The Canadian Human Rights Act protects individuals from discrimination in areas under federal jurisdiction, covering 13 grounds including race, religion, and disability.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Canadian Human Rights Act
- ● Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- ● Canadian Human Rights Commission
💡 Example: File a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial human rights codes/acts (every province has one: Ontario Human Rights Code, BC Human Rights Code, Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, Alberta Human Rights Act, etc.)
- ● Provincial anti-discrimination protections
💡 Example: File a complaint with your provincial human rights tribunal or commission.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Municipal human rights policies and committees
- ● Municipal equity and inclusion initiatives
💡 Example: Contact your councillor about municipal equity initiatives.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved
You can make your voice heard on this issue by contacting your elected representatives at all levels of government.
- ● Contact your MP about federal policies and programs
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local initiatives
- ● File a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission if you experience discrimination in federally regulated areas.
- ● Contact your MP about proposed amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act.
- ● Support local human rights organizations and participate in community dialogue initiatives.
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Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees fundamental freedoms (expression, religion, assembly, association), democratic rights, mobility rights, legal rights, equality rights, and official language rights.
File with your provincial or federal human rights commission. Federal complaints go to the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Provincial complaints go to the relevant provincial tribunal. There are time limits for filing.
The Charter applies to government actions. Human rights codes apply to both government and private sector discrimination in areas like employment, housing, and services. They work together to protect Canadians.
Yes, under Section 1 of the Charter, rights can be limited by 'reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.' Courts determine if limits are justified.
Document the incident, seek legal advice, and file a complaint with the appropriate body (human rights commission, police, or court). Many communities have free legal clinics that can help.