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GUIDE TO THE CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

WHERE TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS

If you would like more information about your rights, you may first contact your federal Member of Parliament, your Member of the provincial Legislative Assembly or any of the following federal agencies for guidance. Please note that national office addresses are given. Check your local telephone book under the Government blue pages for the regional office nearest you.

Department of Canadian Heritage

The Department of Canadian Heritage promotes the rights, responsibilities and privileges of Canadian citizenship and is responsible for the federal government's domestic interest in human rights. The Department also prepares Canada's reports to the United Nations and is represented on Canada's delegations to various international bodies.

For information on human rights activities of the Department, including support to community initiatives in the area of human rights, contact:

Court Challenges Program of Canada

The Court Challenges Program of Canada provides financial assistance for test cases of national significance to individuals and groups seeking to establish and advance equality rights provisions under sections 15 and 28 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and sections 2 (fundamental freedoms) and 27 (multiculturalism) where an equality rights dimension is argued. The Court Challenges Program also provides support for test cases involving language rights protected by the Constitution Act, 1867 (sections 93 and 133), the Manitoba Act, 1870 (section 23), the Constitution Act, 1982 (sections 16 to 23 inclusive), or parallel constitutional provisions, or the linguistic aspect of freedom of expression in section 2 of the Charter when it is argued in an official language minority case. The address is:

For information concerning the elimination of discriminatory attitudes and practices:

Canadian Human Rights Commission

The Canadian Human Rights Commission administers the Canadian Human Rights Act which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex or sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability or pardoned conviction. The Act promotes fair treatment in employment and in the supply of goods and services by public and private sector organizations under federal jurisdiction. The Canadian Human Rights Commission resolves complaints of discrimination and consults with employers, unions and advocacy groups etc., to establish policy decisions and guidelines. The address is:

Department of Justice Canada

The Department of Justice assumes leadership in the planning, developing and implementation of government policies in areas related to the administration of justice. The Department also provides a full range of legal services to the Government of Canada and ensures that the administration of public affairs is carried out in accordance with the law. In addition, the Department is mandated to ensure that all government bills and regulations are consistent with the Canadian Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Department is also responsible for the development of human rights policy, including the Canadian Human Rights Act. At the international level, the Department of Justice advises the

Status of Women Canada

For information on the rights of women, contact Status of Women Canada.

Commissioner of Official Languages

For information on official language rights:

For information concerning official languages in the federal public service, including language of work and service to the public:

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