Promoting Equality: A New Vision

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Canadian Human Rights Act Review

The Minister of Justice established an independent panel on April 8, 1999, to conduct a review of the Canadian Human Rights Act. This was the first comprehensive review of the Act since its enactment in 1977. The members of the Panel were the Honourable Gérard La Forest (Chair), Professor William Black, Me. Renée Dupuis, and Professor Harish C. Jain.

The review was to include,but not be restricted to:

• an examination of the purpose and grounds, including social condition, to ensure that the Act accords with modern human rights and equality principles;
• a determination of the adequacy of the scope and jurisdiction of the Act, including an examination of its exemptions;
• a review of the complaints-based model and recommendations for enhancing or changing this model to improve protection from both individual and systemic discrimination, while ensuring that the process is efficient and effective; and
• an examination of the powers and procedures of the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.

The pay equity provisions of the Act (section 11) were not included in the review. A Pay Equity Task Force has been established to examine these issues. On the Web, go to http://www.justice.gc.ca/payequal.html

The final report was submitted to the Minister of Justice on June 21, 2000.