The report detailed efforts to promote reconciliation, anti-racism, and accessibility
The Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) has published its 2023 Annual Report, which was presented to parliament by interim chief commissioner Charlotte-Anne Malischewski.
The report highlighted various pressing human rights issues that have impacted Canadians throughout the year, such as the safety of two-spirit, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse youth and the increase in antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism-fueled hate. The report also addressed the need for greater attention to the barriers faced by people with disabilities and the impacts of environmental racism on Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities.
Malischewski outlined the CHRC’s multifaceted role in addressing these complex issues. The Commission acts as an advocate, a complaints screening body, and an auditor, and it encompasses regulatory and advocacy functions in areas like accessibility, pay equity, and housing. The Commission is preparing to take on new responsibilities pending the potential approval of the Online Harms Act (Bill C-63). This would empower the CHRC to receive discrimination complaints about online hate speech.
The report also detailed the Commission’s efforts in promoting reconciliation, anti-racism, and accessibility, reflecting its commitment to addressing the consequences of historical injustices and current inequalities. This year, the CHRC appointed a director of inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and anti-racism to oversee the implementation of the Commission’s anti-racism action plan and accessibility plan.
Significant advancements in the CHRC’s complaints process include the adoption of a trauma-informed approach and the implementation of Justice Louise Arbour’s recommendations for handling complaints of sexual harassment or discrimination within the Canadian Armed Forces. These changes aim to provide timely, effective, and equitable access to justice for all Canadians.
“Whether in receiving and assessing complaints under the Canadian Human Rights Act or in advocating on a range of human rights issues that have disproportionate effects on Indigenous, Black and other racialized individuals, people with disabilities, and people identifying as 2SLGBTQQIA+, driving change — from the inside out — has been at the heart of our work. It will continue to be,” said Malischewski.
The 2023 Annual Report is available for download at the CHRC’s website.
