In 2007, the Canadian Human Rights Commission proudly celebrated the 30th anniversary of its founding legislation. The Canadian Human Rights Act inspires a vision for Canada where "all individuals should have an opportunity equal with other individuals to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have", free from discrimination.

The Commission works with employers, service providers, individuals, unions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, provincial and territorial human rights bodies — to foster understanding and commitment for achieving a society where human rights are respected in everyday practices.

The Commission is working within a new service delivery model that provides discrimination prevention initiatives, modern dispute resolution approaches for addressing inquiries and complaints, as well as regulatory, policy and knowledge development. Enhancing employment equity in federally regulated employment sectors for women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities is also a key function. Internationally, the Commission’s strong leadership role includes chairing the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, within the United Nations.

A Matter of Rights

A Matter of Rights, the Commission’s first report recommending repeal and measures that are viewed as reasonable and necessary to support smooth implementation of repeal, was issued in October 2005.

In December 2006, the government introduced Bill C-44, proposing to repeal section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. The special report A Matter of Rights was consistently referred to by numerous witnesses before the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, before the Bill died on the order paper in September 2007.

In November 2007, Bill C-21 re-introduced the proposal to repeal section 67, and was referred immediately to the Standing Committee for consideration. The Bill remains before the Standing Committee at this time. The Parliamentary Session reconvenes on January 28, 2008.