02
Affirming our independence
What we heard
The Commission must be truly independent from government, and more importantly, must be perceived as such.
What it means
The Commission must make it clear to the Canadian public that it operates at arm’s length from the government. This involves speaking boldly on behalf of those who are not being heard, holding governments to account on their promises and obligations, speaking out on new bills and new laws, and acting in the public interest.
“When it comes to Canada’s human rights institution, independence is not only a strength, it is a must. It is our hope that the Commission will champion human rights for all Canadians in an inclusive and non-partisan manner.”
Shahina Siddiqui, President
Islamic Social Services Association
“The average Canadian person is not clear about the relationship between the Commission and the federal government. They tend to think the Commission is a department of government and they need to know that it is not. The Canadian Human Rights Commission is an independent entity outside of government.”
Ruth Massie, Grand Chief
Council of Yukon First Nations
“Canada’s human rights institutions matter. They are the public voice for human rights. When they are ‘risk-adverse’ and soft-spoken, there is a public silence about some of the toughest human rights problems... We need [the Commission] to be public, courageous, and outspoken advocates….”
Shelagh Day, President
Canadian Human Rights Reporter