International Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

Seventeenth and Eighteenth Reports of Canada

Covering the period
June 2001 – May 2005

FOREWORD

The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 21, 1965. Canada ratified the Convention on October 14, 1970.

State Parties are required to report to the United Nations on measures they have taken to give effect to the Convention. The combined Seventeenth and Eighteenth Report was submitted to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on February 3, 2006, and covers the period of June 2001 to May 2005. It was prepared in close collaboration by the federal, provincial and territorial governments and describes measures and initiatives taken by these governments with respect to the Convention.

Through publication of this report, it is hoped that Canadians will be encouraged to become familiar with the measures adopted in Canada to ensure the implementation of the Convention and to broaden their understanding of the obligations contracted by Canada through ratification of this important international treaty.

Copies of the report are available in both official languages and may be obtained free of charge from the Human Rights Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This report is also available on the Human Rights Program Web site at: http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/pdp-hrp/.