Canada enacts the "Canadian Human Rights Act"

1977 The Canadian Human Rights Act was passed by the Parliament of Canada in 1977, and protects Canadians when they are employed by or receive services from the federal government, First Nations governments, or private companies that are regulated by the federal government (eg., banks, trucking companies, broadcasters, or telecommunication companies). The prohibited grounds of discrimination, according to the Act, are race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation (added in 1996), marital status, family status, disability, and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted. In 2001, the Act was amended to include a prohibition on the communication of hate messages via the Internet, where the prohibition had previously only applied to telephone communication. An further amendment in 2008, Bill C-21, meant that the Indian Act was subject to review under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

In addition to prohibiting discrimination, the Act also established the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal CHRT). When an individual (or group) feels as though they have been discriminated again they first submit a claim to the CHRC for review and investigation. The CHRC will attempt to mediate a solution between the two parties; if mediation fails, then the case is referred to the CHRT.

The Canadian Human Rights Act is distinct from the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees broad equality rights, and applies to governments, but not to organizations, businesses, or people. It also protects Canadians from infringements by laws, policies, or the actions of governments.

-Caroline Lyster

Canada enacts the "Canadian Human Rights Act"

1977 The Canadian Human Rights Act was passed by the Parliament of Canada in 1977, and protects Canadians when they are employed by or receive services from the federal government, First Nations governments, or private companies that are regulated by the federal government (eg., banks, trucking companies, broadcasters, or telecommunication companies). The prohibited grounds of discrimination, according to the Act, are race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation (added in 1996), marital status, family status, disability, and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted. In 2001, the Act was amended to include a prohibition on the communication of hate messages via the Internet, where the prohibition had previously only applied to telephone communication. An further amendment in 2008, Bill C-21, meant that the Indian Act was subject to review under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

In addition to prohibiting discrimination, the Act also established the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal CHRT). When an individual (or group) feels as though they have been discriminated again they first submit a claim to the CHRC for review and investigation. The CHRC will attempt to mediate a solution between the two parties; if mediation fails, then the case is referred to the CHRT.

The Canadian Human Rights Act is distinct from the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees broad equality rights, and applies to governments, but not to organizations, businesses, or people. It also protects Canadians from infringements by laws, policies, or the actions of governments.

-Caroline Lyster