Who handles lgbtq+ rights?
LGBTQ+ Rights
LGBTQ+ rights are protected at all levels. The Charter guarantees equality federally, provinces have human rights codes, and municipalities support local inclusion through policies and events.
⚠️ 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
- ● Canada legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in 2005, becoming the fifth country in the world to do so.
- ● The Canadian Human Rights Act includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected grounds against discrimination.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Section 15 equality)
- ● Same-sex marriage (Civil Marriage Act)
- ● Hate crime protections (Criminal Code)
- ● 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan
💡 Example: Contact your MP about federal equality legislation, or file a human rights complaint.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial human rights codes (protect gender identity and expression)
- ● Healthcare coverage for gender-affirming care
- ● Provincial anti-discrimination protections
- ● Name and gender marker change processes
💡 Example: Contact your provincial human rights commission about discrimination.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Municipal inclusivity policies
- ● Pride events and celebrations
- ● Local LGBTQ+ community services
- ● Municipal anti-discrimination by-laws
💡 Example: Contact your councillor about local LGBTQ+ support services and events.
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
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about provincial programs and regulations
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local initiatives
- ● Join advocacy organizations focused on this issue
- ● Contact your MP about LGBTQ+ rights legislation and anti-discrimination protections.
- ● Support local LGBTQ+ community organizations and participate in pride events and advocacy campaigns.
Ready to Take Action?
Use MyCivicVoice to find your representatives and draft a letter about the issues that matter to you.
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.