Department of Justice

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CANADA LAUNCHES
TIME PORTALS WEB SITE ON HUMAN RIGHTS
AT SALON PEPSI JEUNESSE IN MONTREAL

MONTREAL, April 17, 2000 - Justice 2000: Evolution of Human Rights in Canada, a new interactive web site aimed at teaching young people about Canada's human rights history, made its debut at the Salon Pepsi Jeunesse, a popular annual youth forum in Montreal. The site was officially launched on April 14 by Raymond Lavigne, M.P. for Verdun-St-Henri, on behalf of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Anne McLellan. Developed by the Department of Justice, the web site is part of the Government of Canada's millennium initiative.

This new web site gives young people a broad overview of the evolution of human rights in Canada since the 1900s as well as the Department of Justice's role in the development of human rights laws. The launch coincides with Law Day, an event celebrated each year on the anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

"Canada is a world leader in the protection of human rights," said Minister McLellan.

"It is important for Canadians to learn how our human rights laws evolved as both a reflection of and a catalyst for our changing society. The site teaches us about the struggles of real people who fought for justice and democracy in Canada."

"We are pleased to have this opportunity to give young people another avenue to get involved in Canadian justice issues," said Mr. Lavigne. "The many historical cases featured on the site will impress on both young and old alike that we must never take human rights issues for granted."

The site features four 25-year time "portals", with quiz games to challenge the visitor's knowledge of human rights and the sociological context in which they developed. A guide for teachers, librarians and other educators is available on the site as well.

The time portals can be accessed through the Evolution of Human Rights in Canada icon at www.canada.justice.gc.ca.

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Ref.: Department of Justice Canada

Minister's Office
Stephen Bindman
(613) 992-4621

Pierre-Gilles Bélanger
Project Manager
(613) 952-0381