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In 1984 Dr. Dan Hill, Ombudsman of Ontario said:
"Those who have settled in Ontario comprise every nationality, race, creed and colour, drawn by the promise of a fuller and freer life. Some have escaped religious persecution, some racial discrimination and others poverty – but all have cherished the dream of a land where equality and opportunity are prized.
Yet, human rights issues from the past are still with us – native rights, women's rights, the treatment of visible minorities, francophone rights and the rights of the handicapped - to mention just a few, a very few.
That we have not reached the promised land of the just society is known to every person who has toiled for security and social justice. But that is no reason to abate our efforts. There is simply too much at stake. From the hindsight of history, one lesson is very clear – so long as the rights of even one are abused, abridged or abrogated – then the freedom of all is in peril."
Remarks by Dr. Daniel G. Hill
Ombudsman of Ontario
August 14, 1984.
Dr. Daniel G. Hill papers
Archives of Ontario - F2130-4-3-17
On December 10th, 1948 the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
which recognizes, "the inherent dignity and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world".
A full four years prior to the adoption of the United Nations Declaration, Ontario passed the Racial Discrimination Act based on the principle that every person is free and equal in dignity and rights regardless of race, creed, colour, nationality, ancestry or place of origin.
This virtual exhibit features a sample of historical documents and photographs from the collections of the Archives of Ontario which highlight the evolving recognition of human rights throughout the history of the province prior to the establishment of the Ontario Human Rights Commission in 1961.
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Personal information
provided to the Archives through this request will be used
only to respond to requests. This information is collected
under the authority of the Archives and Recordkeeping Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, chapter 34, Schedule A.
Questions about the collection of this information should
be directed to: Team Leader, Strategic Business Solutions,
Archives of Ontario, 77 Grenville St. Toronto, ON, M5S 1B3,
416-327-1527. |
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