| CANADA Canada Canada Joined United Nations: 9 November 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 04/26/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Ottawa
33,487,208 (July 2009 est.)
Elizabeth II of United Kingdom
Queen since 6 February 1952
Queen since 6 February 1952
The monarch is hereditary and holds that position for life or until
abdication. The Governor General is selected by the Queen on
the recommendation of the Prime Minister for a five-year term
Next scheduled election: None
abdication. The Governor General is selected by the Queen on
the recommendation of the Prime Minister for a five-year term
Next scheduled election: None
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Stephen Joseph Harper
Prime Minister since 6 February 2006
Prime Minister since 6 February 2006
Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
the leader of the majority coalition in the House of Commons is
automatically designated prime minister by the governor general;
last election held 23 January 2006
Next scheduled election: 2011
the leader of the majority coalition in the House of Commons is
automatically designated prime minister by the governor general;
last election held 23 January 2006
Next scheduled election: 2011
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European 15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab
6%, mixed background 26%
6%, mixed background 26%
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 42.6%, Protestant 23.3% (including United Church 9.5%, Anglican 6.8%, Baptist 2.4%, Lutheran 2%),
other Christian 4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8%, none 16% (2001 census)
other Christian 4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8%, none 16% (2001 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Constitutional monarchy that is also a parliamentary democracy and a federation with 10 provinces and 3 territories. Legal
system is based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system based on French law prevails; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive: Monarch represented by Governor General; Prime Minister selected by Governor General as leader of
majority part or coalition
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat (members appointed by the governor
general with the advice of the prime minister and serve until reaching 75 years of age; its normal limit is 105 senators) and
the House of Commons or Chambre des Communes (308 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve for up
to five-year terms)
elections: Senate - House of Commons - last held 23 January 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Court of Canada (judges are appointed by the prime minister through the governor general); Federal
Court of Canada; Federal Court of Appeal; Provincial Courts (these are named variously Court of Appeal, Court of
Queens Bench, Superior Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Justice)
system is based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system based on French law prevails; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive: Monarch represented by Governor General; Prime Minister selected by Governor General as leader of
majority part or coalition
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat (members appointed by the governor
general with the advice of the prime minister and serve until reaching 75 years of age; its normal limit is 105 senators) and
the House of Commons or Chambre des Communes (308 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve for up
to five-year terms)
elections: Senate - House of Commons - last held 23 January 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Court of Canada (judges are appointed by the prime minister through the governor general); Federal
Court of Canada; Federal Court of Appeal; Provincial Courts (these are named variously Court of Appeal, Court of
Queens Bench, Superior Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Justice)
| LANGUAGES |
English (official) 58.8%, French (official) 21.6%, other 19.6% (2006 Census)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Many indigenous peoples (both First Nations and Inuit) have inhabited the region that is now Canada for thousands of
years and have their own diverse histories. Anthropologists continue to argue over various possible models of migration to
modern day Canada. Indigenous peoples contributed significantly to the culture and economy of the early European
colonies and as such have played an important role in fostering a unique Canadian cultural identity. There are a number of
reports of contact made before Columbus between the first peoples and those from other continents. The case of Viking
contact is supported by the remains of a viking settlement in L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland. This may well have
been the place Icelandic Norseman Leifur Eiríksson, referred to as Vinland around the year 1000. The presence of
Basque cod fishermen and whalers, just a few years after Columbus, has also been cited, with at least nine fishing
outposts having been established on Labrador and Newfoundland. Basque whalers may have begun fishing the Grand
Banks as early as the 15th century. The next European explorer acknowledged as landing in what is now Canada was
John Cabot, who landed somewhere on the coast of North America (probably Newfoundland or Cape Breton Island) in
1497 and claimed it for King Henry VII of England. Portuguese and Spanish explorers also visited Canada, but it was the
French who first began to explore further inland and set up colonies, beginning with Jacques Cartier in 1534. Under
Samuel de Champlain, the first French settlement was made in 1608, which would later grow to be Quebec City. The
French claimed Canada as their own and 6,000 settlers arrived, settling along the St. Lawrence and in the Maritimes.
Britain also had a presence in Newfoundland and with the advent of settlements, claimed the south of Nova Scotia as well
as the areas around the Hudson Bay. The first agricultural settlements in what was to become Canada were located
around the French settlement of Port Royale in what is now Nova Scotia. The population of Acadians, as this group
became known, reached 5,000 by 1713. After Champlain's founding of Quebec City in 1608 it became the capital of
New France. While the French were well established in Canada, Britain had control over the Thirteen Colonies to the
south as well as control over Hudson Bay. The English, however, with greater financial power and a larger navy, were
consistently in a better position to defend and expand their colonies than the French and the British claimed the Maritime
colonies. With the end of the Seven Years' War and the signing of the Treaty of Paris on February 10, 1763, France
ceded almost all of its territory in North America. On July 1, 1867, with the passing of the British North America Act by
the British Parliament, the Province of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia became a federation, regarded as a
kingdom in her own right. Canada's participation in the First World War helped create a sense of independence from
Britain. Canada's involvement in the Second World War began when Canada declared war on Germany on September
10, 1939, one week after Britain. Canada's economy grew in the aftermath of the Second World War, and its policies
increasingly turned to social welfare, including hospital insurance, old-age pensions, and veterans' pensions.In the 1960s, a
Quiet Revolution took place in Quebec, increasing the tensions between Québécois nationalists and English Canada, until
violence erupted during the 1970 October Crisis.As the highlight of his 1980s years as prime minister, Trudeau brought
about the Patriation of the Canadian Constitution in 1982, which gave Canada a Charter of Rights and final independence
from Britain. While long standing issues like immigration would continue to demand attention, new debates over same-sex
marriage and international peacekeeping would increasingly take the forefront.
Sources Wikipedia: History of Canada
years and have their own diverse histories. Anthropologists continue to argue over various possible models of migration to
modern day Canada. Indigenous peoples contributed significantly to the culture and economy of the early European
colonies and as such have played an important role in fostering a unique Canadian cultural identity. There are a number of
reports of contact made before Columbus between the first peoples and those from other continents. The case of Viking
contact is supported by the remains of a viking settlement in L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland. This may well have
been the place Icelandic Norseman Leifur Eiríksson, referred to as Vinland around the year 1000. The presence of
Basque cod fishermen and whalers, just a few years after Columbus, has also been cited, with at least nine fishing
outposts having been established on Labrador and Newfoundland. Basque whalers may have begun fishing the Grand
Banks as early as the 15th century. The next European explorer acknowledged as landing in what is now Canada was
John Cabot, who landed somewhere on the coast of North America (probably Newfoundland or Cape Breton Island) in
1497 and claimed it for King Henry VII of England. Portuguese and Spanish explorers also visited Canada, but it was the
French who first began to explore further inland and set up colonies, beginning with Jacques Cartier in 1534. Under
Samuel de Champlain, the first French settlement was made in 1608, which would later grow to be Quebec City. The
French claimed Canada as their own and 6,000 settlers arrived, settling along the St. Lawrence and in the Maritimes.
Britain also had a presence in Newfoundland and with the advent of settlements, claimed the south of Nova Scotia as well
as the areas around the Hudson Bay. The first agricultural settlements in what was to become Canada were located
around the French settlement of Port Royale in what is now Nova Scotia. The population of Acadians, as this group
became known, reached 5,000 by 1713. After Champlain's founding of Quebec City in 1608 it became the capital of
New France. While the French were well established in Canada, Britain had control over the Thirteen Colonies to the
south as well as control over Hudson Bay. The English, however, with greater financial power and a larger navy, were
consistently in a better position to defend and expand their colonies than the French and the British claimed the Maritime
colonies. With the end of the Seven Years' War and the signing of the Treaty of Paris on February 10, 1763, France
ceded almost all of its territory in North America. On July 1, 1867, with the passing of the British North America Act by
the British Parliament, the Province of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia became a federation, regarded as a
kingdom in her own right. Canada's participation in the First World War helped create a sense of independence from
Britain. Canada's involvement in the Second World War began when Canada declared war on Germany on September
10, 1939, one week after Britain. Canada's economy grew in the aftermath of the Second World War, and its policies
increasingly turned to social welfare, including hospital insurance, old-age pensions, and veterans' pensions.In the 1960s, a
Quiet Revolution took place in Quebec, increasing the tensions between Québécois nationalists and English Canada, until
violence erupted during the 1970 October Crisis.As the highlight of his 1980s years as prime minister, Trudeau brought
about the Patriation of the Canadian Constitution in 1982, which gave Canada a Charter of Rights and final independence
from Britain. While long standing issues like immigration would continue to demand attention, new debates over same-sex
marriage and international peacekeeping would increasingly take the forefront.
Sources Wikipedia: History of Canada
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
As an affluent, high-tech industrial society in the trillion-dollar class, Canada resembles the US in its market-oriented
economic system, pattern of production, and affluent living standards. Since World War II, the impressive growth of
the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one
primarily industrial and urban. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the 1994 North American
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (which includes Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in trade and economic
integration with the US, its principal trading partner. Canada enjoys a substantial trade surplus with the US, which
absorbs nearly 80% of Canadian exports each year. Canada is the US's largest foreign supplier of energy, including oil,
gas, uranium, and electric power. Given its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and modern capital plant,
Canada enjoyed solid economic growth from 1993 through 2007. Buffeted by the global economic crisis, the economy
dropped into a sharp recession in the final months of 2008, and Ottawa posted its first fiscal deficit in 2009 after 12
years of surplus. Canada's major banks, however, emerged from the financial crisis of 2008-09 among the strongest in
the world, owing to the country's tradition of conservative lending practices and strong capitalization.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Canada)
economic system, pattern of production, and affluent living standards. Since World War II, the impressive growth of
the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one
primarily industrial and urban. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the 1994 North American
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (which includes Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in trade and economic
integration with the US, its principal trading partner. Canada enjoys a substantial trade surplus with the US, which
absorbs nearly 80% of Canadian exports each year. Canada is the US's largest foreign supplier of energy, including oil,
gas, uranium, and electric power. Given its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and modern capital plant,
Canada enjoyed solid economic growth from 1993 through 2007. Buffeted by the global economic crisis, the economy
dropped into a sharp recession in the final months of 2008, and Ottawa posted its first fiscal deficit in 2009 after 12
years of surplus. Canada's major banks, however, emerged from the financial crisis of 2008-09 among the strongest in
the world, owing to the country's tradition of conservative lending practices and strong capitalization.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Canada)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Canada is considered by most sources to be a very stable democracy. In 2006 The Economist ranked Canada the
third most democratic nation in its Democracy Index, ahead of all other nations in the Americas and ahead of every
nation more populous than itself.
The Liberal Party of Canada, under the leadership of Paul Martin, won a minority victory in the June 2004 general
elections. In December 2003, Martin had succeeded fellow Liberal Jean Chrétien, who had, in 2000, become the first
Prime Minister to lead three consecutive majority governments since 1945. However, in 2004 the Liberals lost seats in
Parliament, going from 172 of 301 Parliamentary seats to 135 of 308, and from 40.9% to 36.7% in the popular vote.
The Canadian Alliance, which did well in western Canada in the 2000 election, but was unable to make significant
inroads in the East, merged with the Progressive Conservative Party to form the Conservative Party of Canada in late
2003. They proved to be moderately successful in the 2004 campaign, gaining seats from a combined Alliance-PC
total of 78 in 2000 to 99 in 2004. However, the new Conservatives lost in popular vote, going from 37.7% in 2000
down to 29.6%. In 2006 the Conservatives, led by Stephen Harper, won a minority government with 124 seats. They
improved their percentage from 2004, garnering 36.3% of the vote. During this election, the Conservatives also made
major breakthroughs in Quebec. They gained 10 seats here, whereas in 2004 they had no seats.
Minority governments are not always short-lived. While they have not generally lasted four years, there have been
minority governments in the time before 1979 that were fairly stable and able to pass legislation. Minority government
situations in Canada may become somewhat difficult to manage though, as in the past there were only three parties that
had a significant number of seats in parliament (fourth parties were at times represented in small numbers), although the
third party has changed over time. This meant an alliance between the governing and third parties would have a solid
majority. Since the 1930s, the third party was usually the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation or later the New
Democratic Party, which was created when an alliance was formed between labour unions and the Co-operative
Commonwealth Federation. The Social Credit Party of Canada was the third party at times. Before this, there were
other parties that had significant influence; such as the Progressive Party in the 1920s.
No such governing coalition was able to form in the 38th Parliament.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Canada
third most democratic nation in its Democracy Index, ahead of all other nations in the Americas and ahead of every
nation more populous than itself.
The Liberal Party of Canada, under the leadership of Paul Martin, won a minority victory in the June 2004 general
elections. In December 2003, Martin had succeeded fellow Liberal Jean Chrétien, who had, in 2000, become the first
Prime Minister to lead three consecutive majority governments since 1945. However, in 2004 the Liberals lost seats in
Parliament, going from 172 of 301 Parliamentary seats to 135 of 308, and from 40.9% to 36.7% in the popular vote.
The Canadian Alliance, which did well in western Canada in the 2000 election, but was unable to make significant
inroads in the East, merged with the Progressive Conservative Party to form the Conservative Party of Canada in late
2003. They proved to be moderately successful in the 2004 campaign, gaining seats from a combined Alliance-PC
total of 78 in 2000 to 99 in 2004. However, the new Conservatives lost in popular vote, going from 37.7% in 2000
down to 29.6%. In 2006 the Conservatives, led by Stephen Harper, won a minority government with 124 seats. They
improved their percentage from 2004, garnering 36.3% of the vote. During this election, the Conservatives also made
major breakthroughs in Quebec. They gained 10 seats here, whereas in 2004 they had no seats.
Minority governments are not always short-lived. While they have not generally lasted four years, there have been
minority governments in the time before 1979 that were fairly stable and able to pass legislation. Minority government
situations in Canada may become somewhat difficult to manage though, as in the past there were only three parties that
had a significant number of seats in parliament (fourth parties were at times represented in small numbers), although the
third party has changed over time. This meant an alliance between the governing and third parties would have a solid
majority. Since the 1930s, the third party was usually the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation or later the New
Democratic Party, which was created when an alliance was formed between labour unions and the Co-operative
Commonwealth Federation. The Social Credit Party of Canada was the third party at times. Before this, there were
other parties that had significant influence; such as the Progressive Party in the 1920s.
No such governing coalition was able to form in the 38th Parliament.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Canada
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Managed maritime boundary disputes with the US at Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the
Gulf of Maine including the disputed Machias Seal Island and North Rock; Canada, the US, and other countries
dispute the status of the Northwest Passage; US works closely with Canada to intensify security measures for
monitoring and controlling legal and illegal movement of people, transport, and commodities across the international
border; sovereignty dispute with Denmark over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and
Greenland; commencing the collection of technical evidence for submission to the Commission on the Limits of the
Continental Shelf in support of claims for continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from its declared baselines in the
Arctic, as stipulated in Article 76, paragraph 8, of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
Gulf of Maine including the disputed Machias Seal Island and North Rock; Canada, the US, and other countries
dispute the status of the Northwest Passage; US works closely with Canada to intensify security measures for
monitoring and controlling legal and illegal movement of people, transport, and commodities across the international
border; sovereignty dispute with Denmark over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and
Greenland; commencing the collection of technical evidence for submission to the Commission on the Limits of the
Continental Shelf in support of claims for continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from its declared baselines in the
Arctic, as stipulated in Article 76, paragraph 8, of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market and export to US; use of hydroponics technology permits
growers to plant large quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors; increasing ecstasy production, some of which is
destined for the US; vulnerable to narcotics money laundering because of its mature financial services sector
growers to plant large quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors; increasing ecstasy production, some of which is
destined for the US; vulnerable to narcotics money laundering because of its mature financial services sector
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Reports: Canada
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Canada, with a population of 33.8 million, is a constitutional monarchy with a federal parliamentary form of government. In a free
and fair multiparty federal election held in October 2008, the Conservative Party, led by Stephen Harper, won a plurality of seats
and formed a second successive minority government. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security
forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, and the law and judiciary provided effective means of
addressing individual instances of abuse. Human rights problems included:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Canada, with a population of 33.8 million, is a constitutional monarchy with a federal parliamentary form of government. In a free
and fair multiparty federal election held in October 2008, the Conservative Party, led by Stephen Harper, won a plurality of seats
and formed a second successive minority government. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security
forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, and the law and judiciary provided effective means of
addressing individual instances of abuse. Human rights problems included:
- harassment of religious minorities,
- violence against women,
- trafficking in persons.
8 March 2010
Human Rights Council
Thirteenth session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and Protection of all Human Rights, Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, including the Right
to Development
Report of the independent expert on minority issues*
Mission to Canada**
(13 to 23 October 2009)
Summary
Canada is a society open to and accepting of cultural, religious and linguistic differences, where minorities can express their
identities, speak their languages and practise their faiths freely. Canada has an impressive constitutional and legislative framework in
the area of equality and non-discrimination at the federal and provincial and territorial levels and numerous policy initiatives to
promote multiculturalism.
However, significant and persistent problems affect persons belonging to ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, who are people
of colour or of particular religious beliefs. Many feel that the Government has failed to respond adequately to their problems
or to devise meaningful and enforceable solutions.
Rapid demographic changes have created new demands for deeper levels of disaggregation of data to keep pace with shifts in the
economic and social status of specific minority communities. Certain minority communities, such as black Canadians, feel strongly
that the catch-all terminology of “visible minorities” under which their data is captured leads inevitably to the neglect of their
specific identities and situations and has served to obscure and dilute the differences and distinct experiences of respective minority
groups. Unpacking the visible minority data is a first essential step towards the recognition of diverse experiences and challenges
and enabling more targeted policy responses.
African-descendant Canadians and some Asian Canadian communities are concerned that their children are having negative
experiences in public schools. Dropout rates are particularly high among boys from these communities. Parents and community
leaders described approaches to education that do not take into account different cultures of learning, as well as curriculums and
textbooks that ignore their histories and contributions to Canadian society. There is a gross underrepresentation of minorities in the
teaching and school administrative staff.
Click here to read more »
Human Rights Council
Thirteenth session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and Protection of all Human Rights, Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, including the Right
to Development
Report of the independent expert on minority issues*
Mission to Canada**
(13 to 23 October 2009)
Summary
Canada is a society open to and accepting of cultural, religious and linguistic differences, where minorities can express their
identities, speak their languages and practise their faiths freely. Canada has an impressive constitutional and legislative framework in
the area of equality and non-discrimination at the federal and provincial and territorial levels and numerous policy initiatives to
promote multiculturalism.
However, significant and persistent problems affect persons belonging to ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, who are people
of colour or of particular religious beliefs. Many feel that the Government has failed to respond adequately to their problems
or to devise meaningful and enforceable solutions.
Rapid demographic changes have created new demands for deeper levels of disaggregation of data to keep pace with shifts in the
economic and social status of specific minority communities. Certain minority communities, such as black Canadians, feel strongly
that the catch-all terminology of “visible minorities” under which their data is captured leads inevitably to the neglect of their
specific identities and situations and has served to obscure and dilute the differences and distinct experiences of respective minority
groups. Unpacking the visible minority data is a first essential step towards the recognition of diverse experiences and challenges
and enabling more targeted policy responses.
African-descendant Canadians and some Asian Canadian communities are concerned that their children are having negative
experiences in public schools. Dropout rates are particularly high among boys from these communities. Parents and community
leaders described approaches to education that do not take into account different cultures of learning, as well as curriculums and
textbooks that ignore their histories and contributions to Canadian society. There is a gross underrepresentation of minorities in the
teaching and school administrative staff.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World Report- 2009
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
The Conservatives scored gains in Canada’s national elections in October 2008, though the margin of victory fell short of a
majority. Prime Minister Stephen Harper suspended Parliament in December, thereby postponing a vote of confidence that his
Conservative government was likely to lose. The country also continued to face controversies over freedom of expression during
the year with the investigation of journalists who had written commentaries critical of Muslims and minority groups.
The Conservative Party rebounded in October 2008 national elections, gaining 19 seats in Parliament for a total of 143, although the
margin of victory still fell short of a majority. The Liberal Party, the principal opposition party, lost 26 seats for a total of 77.The
Liberals subsequently formed an alliance with the social democratic New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Quebec-based Bloc
Quebecois, in an attempt to displace the Conservatives with a coalition government. Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the leader of
the Conservative Party, suspended Parliament in December to prevent a confidence vote, which his government was likely to lose.
Meanwhile, advocates of press freedom and freedom of expression have grown increasingly concerned over legal cases filed
against journalists who wrote critically about Muslims and Islam, as well as other minority groups.In one case, four Muslim law
students filed a grievance in 2006 against Mark Steyn, a columnist, and Maclean’s, a prominent magazine, in response to a 2006
article featuring the argument that Muslims would eventually dominate the world due to current demographic trends. In another
case, charges were brought by a Muslim leader in February 2006 against the publisher of the Western Standard after the newspaper
republished controversial Danish cartoons that had lampooned the prophet Muhammad. The federal human rights commission also
began proceedings in October 2008against Jim Pankiw, a former member of parliament from Saskatchewan, for material he had
included in mailings to constituents that was allegedly offensive to indigenous Canadians. Journalists’ associations and press
freedom organizations have argued that the willingness of government entities to give such complaints a hearing could send
disturbing signals about the freedom to publish articles on certain contentious subjects.
Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Canada has struggled to find a balance between ensuring the country’s
security and safeguarding civil liberties. A number of laws adopted soon after the 2001 attacks have been modified or struck down
by the courts. While Canada itself has not been the victim of a terrorist attack in recent years, Canadian citizens have been arrested
in the United States and elsewhere on charges of conspiring to commit such attacks. In May 2008the Supreme Court determined
that the United States violated the rights of Omar Khadr, a Canadian who had been held at the Guantanamo Bay prison facility since
the age of 15. The court rebuked the Canadian government for having allowed its intelligence agents to interview Khadr and share
information with U.S. officials. In October 2008 an inquiry led by a former Supreme Court justice found that Canadian officials had
acted improperly by providing inflammatory information to the United States about three Canadian citizens. The three, all Muslims,
were detained and tortured during visits to Syria.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
The Conservatives scored gains in Canada’s national elections in October 2008, though the margin of victory fell short of a
majority. Prime Minister Stephen Harper suspended Parliament in December, thereby postponing a vote of confidence that his
Conservative government was likely to lose. The country also continued to face controversies over freedom of expression during
the year with the investigation of journalists who had written commentaries critical of Muslims and minority groups.
The Conservative Party rebounded in October 2008 national elections, gaining 19 seats in Parliament for a total of 143, although the
margin of victory still fell short of a majority. The Liberal Party, the principal opposition party, lost 26 seats for a total of 77.The
Liberals subsequently formed an alliance with the social democratic New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Quebec-based Bloc
Quebecois, in an attempt to displace the Conservatives with a coalition government. Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the leader of
the Conservative Party, suspended Parliament in December to prevent a confidence vote, which his government was likely to lose.
Meanwhile, advocates of press freedom and freedom of expression have grown increasingly concerned over legal cases filed
against journalists who wrote critically about Muslims and Islam, as well as other minority groups.In one case, four Muslim law
students filed a grievance in 2006 against Mark Steyn, a columnist, and Maclean’s, a prominent magazine, in response to a 2006
article featuring the argument that Muslims would eventually dominate the world due to current demographic trends. In another
case, charges were brought by a Muslim leader in February 2006 against the publisher of the Western Standard after the newspaper
republished controversial Danish cartoons that had lampooned the prophet Muhammad. The federal human rights commission also
began proceedings in October 2008against Jim Pankiw, a former member of parliament from Saskatchewan, for material he had
included in mailings to constituents that was allegedly offensive to indigenous Canadians. Journalists’ associations and press
freedom organizations have argued that the willingness of government entities to give such complaints a hearing could send
disturbing signals about the freedom to publish articles on certain contentious subjects.
Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Canada has struggled to find a balance between ensuring the country’s
security and safeguarding civil liberties. A number of laws adopted soon after the 2001 attacks have been modified or struck down
by the courts. While Canada itself has not been the victim of a terrorist attack in recent years, Canadian citizens have been arrested
in the United States and elsewhere on charges of conspiring to commit such attacks. In May 2008the Supreme Court determined
that the United States violated the rights of Omar Khadr, a Canadian who had been held at the Guantanamo Bay prison facility since
the age of 15. The court rebuked the Canadian government for having allowed its intelligence agents to interview Khadr and share
information with U.S. officials. In October 2008 an inquiry led by a former Supreme Court justice found that Canadian officials had
acted improperly by providing inflammatory information to the United States about three Canadian citizens. The three, all Muslims,
were detained and tortured during visits to Syria.
Click here to read more »
Document - The rights of the Lubicon Cree must be protected: Joint statement
24 March 2010
“My grandmother and mother have a trap line of their own on which they go hunting and snaring but it is rare that they will bring
any rabbits, moose, deer, prairie chickens, or even bears back home…With all these roads, semis, loud machinery, and cutting
down of the forests, wildlife has been scared. This has affected our way of life, the Aboriginal Peoples of Lubicon Lake Nation.
Simply because our tradition is to hunt and bring home moose meat, chicken, and rabbit for the family to feast on and to make
moose and squirrel hide to sell and get money in exchange. But by not having the right to change this intrusion, it is rare that this
will happen and our tradition will eventually fade away.” Dawn Seeseequon, age 17, Lubicon Cree
Twenty years ago, on 26 March 1990, the United Nations Human Rights Committee (the Committee) ruled that Canada had violated
the human rights of the Lubicon Cree, an Indigenous people who have lived for centuries in what is now the province of Alberta.
The ruling was based on evidence that Canada had failed to recognize and protect Lubicon rights to their lands and that intensive oil
and gas development had devastated the Lubicon economy and way of life.
The Committee ruled that “historical inequities… and certain more recent developments… threaten the way of life and culture of
the Lubicon Lake Band and… so long as they continue” constitute a violation of the right to culture as protected by the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights [CCPR/C/38/D/167/1984]
The Committee’s decision was a landmark step in recognizing the vital importance of lands and territories to Indigenous Peoples’
enjoyment of their collective and individual human rights. The decision contributed to the evolution of international human rights
norms and standards which led to the adoption UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in September 2007.
Twenty years later the Lubicon people continue to suffer from the same human rights violations that were condemned by the
Committee in 1990.
24 March 2010
“My grandmother and mother have a trap line of their own on which they go hunting and snaring but it is rare that they will bring
any rabbits, moose, deer, prairie chickens, or even bears back home…With all these roads, semis, loud machinery, and cutting
down of the forests, wildlife has been scared. This has affected our way of life, the Aboriginal Peoples of Lubicon Lake Nation.
Simply because our tradition is to hunt and bring home moose meat, chicken, and rabbit for the family to feast on and to make
moose and squirrel hide to sell and get money in exchange. But by not having the right to change this intrusion, it is rare that this
will happen and our tradition will eventually fade away.” Dawn Seeseequon, age 17, Lubicon Cree
Twenty years ago, on 26 March 1990, the United Nations Human Rights Committee (the Committee) ruled that Canada had violated
the human rights of the Lubicon Cree, an Indigenous people who have lived for centuries in what is now the province of Alberta.
The ruling was based on evidence that Canada had failed to recognize and protect Lubicon rights to their lands and that intensive oil
and gas development had devastated the Lubicon economy and way of life.
The Committee ruled that “historical inequities… and certain more recent developments… threaten the way of life and culture of
the Lubicon Lake Band and… so long as they continue” constitute a violation of the right to culture as protected by the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights [CCPR/C/38/D/167/1984]
The Committee’s decision was a landmark step in recognizing the vital importance of lands and territories to Indigenous Peoples’
enjoyment of their collective and individual human rights. The decision contributed to the evolution of international human rights
norms and standards which led to the adoption UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in September 2007.
Twenty years later the Lubicon people continue to suffer from the same human rights violations that were condemned by the
Committee in 1990.
- Despite assurances given to the Committee in 1990, Canada has yet to conclude a negotiated settlement with the Lubicon
Cree. The last talks broke down in 2003 because of the arbitrary limitations the government imposed on both the
compensation it would provide and the rights it was prepared to recognize. - Intensive oil and gas development on Lubicon land has steadily accelerated. More than 2,600 oil and gas wells – or more
than five for every Lubicon person - have already been drilled. Almost 70 percent of Lubicon territory has been leased for
non-renewable resource extraction. This includes approximately 1,395 km2 of tar sands development.
G8: Act to Improve Maternal and Child Health
Ministers Should Put Health System Accountability at Top of Agenda
April 26, 2010
G8 development ministers should take a strong stand on fulfilling the global promise to reduce maternal and child mortality and
eliminate health disparities among nations and communities, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to the Canadian government. The
development ministers are meeting in Halifax this week to lay the foundation for the June 2010 G8 meeting.
Human Rights Watch said that the Canadian government's pledge to make maternal and child health a G8 priority is a positive sign.
Canada and all G8 countries should work to reduce disparities in access to sexual and reproductive health care and to promote
health system accountability, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care, and increased health system financing.
"The G8 governments should make this year's summit a turning point on global maternal and child health," said Liesl Gerntholtz,
women's rights director at Human Rights Watch. "For far too long, governments have neglected basic health system reforms, with
devastating results for countless families."
A study recently published in the medical journal The Lancet found that almost 343,000 women and girls around the world are
estimated to have died in 2008 from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes, the majority of which are preventable. Other
estimates are even higher. Ten years ago, most of the world's governments made a commitment to reduce their maternal and child
mortality rates dramatically by 2015 as part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Of all the MDGs, though, the least
progress has been made in reducing maternal mortality. HIV/AIDS has slowed progress in reducing maternal deaths in
sub-Saharan Africa.
Many countries do not have functioning accountability systems for health care, Human Rights Watch said. Accountability
mechanisms enable patients and families to lodge complaints when they are mistreated in health care settings, and can enable health
officials to identify and fix system-wide failings. Accountability also includes monitoring and gathering health data, such as by
recording births and deaths and investigating maternal deaths.
"Governments seem to throw up their hands about maternal deaths, as if there is nothing they can do," Gerntholtz said. "But some
simple things, starting with tracking deaths and figuring out what caused them, would go a long way toward fixing fatal health
system problems."
Click here to read more »
Ministers Should Put Health System Accountability at Top of Agenda
April 26, 2010
G8 development ministers should take a strong stand on fulfilling the global promise to reduce maternal and child mortality and
eliminate health disparities among nations and communities, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to the Canadian government. The
development ministers are meeting in Halifax this week to lay the foundation for the June 2010 G8 meeting.
Human Rights Watch said that the Canadian government's pledge to make maternal and child health a G8 priority is a positive sign.
Canada and all G8 countries should work to reduce disparities in access to sexual and reproductive health care and to promote
health system accountability, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care, and increased health system financing.
"The G8 governments should make this year's summit a turning point on global maternal and child health," said Liesl Gerntholtz,
women's rights director at Human Rights Watch. "For far too long, governments have neglected basic health system reforms, with
devastating results for countless families."
A study recently published in the medical journal The Lancet found that almost 343,000 women and girls around the world are
estimated to have died in 2008 from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes, the majority of which are preventable. Other
estimates are even higher. Ten years ago, most of the world's governments made a commitment to reduce their maternal and child
mortality rates dramatically by 2015 as part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Of all the MDGs, though, the least
progress has been made in reducing maternal mortality. HIV/AIDS has slowed progress in reducing maternal deaths in
sub-Saharan Africa.
Many countries do not have functioning accountability systems for health care, Human Rights Watch said. Accountability
mechanisms enable patients and families to lodge complaints when they are mistreated in health care settings, and can enable health
officials to identify and fix system-wide failings. Accountability also includes monitoring and gathering health data, such as by
recording births and deaths and investigating maternal deaths.
"Governments seem to throw up their hands about maternal deaths, as if there is nothing they can do," Gerntholtz said. "But some
simple things, starting with tracking deaths and figuring out what caused them, would go a long way toward fixing fatal health
system problems."
Click here to read more »
Statement by Mr. Fred Caron
Assistant Deputy Minister for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Ninth Session
New York, 20 April 2010
Mr. Chairperson,
The Government of Canada is pleased to continue our long and consistent practice of participation, contribution and support to the
work of the Permanent Forum.
Canada is supportive of all of the mechanisms of the United Nations engaged on Indigenous issues. It has been our practice to
provide extensive information to the Permanent Forum, Special Procedures, including the Special Rapporteur on human rights and
fundamental freedoms of Indigenous peoples, treaty-monitoring bodies and other institutions on Canada’s approaches, successes
and challenges on Indigenous issues. Canada will continue to do so.
Canada has taken and will continue to take effective action, at home and abroad, to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous
peoples.
In this vein, on March 3, 2010, the Government of Canada announced that it will take steps to endorse the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in a manner fully consistent with Canada’s Constitution and laws. Canada will take
steps towards endorsing this aspirational document in a timely manner.
This year’s theme of the Permanent Forum, (Indigenous peoples: development with culture and identity: Articles 3 and 32 of the
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) is expansive, encompassing every aspect of development and all perspectives.
The theme provides room for exploration and expression of a diversity of views on development which, in the case of Canada,
allows for appropriate reflection of the diverse cultures, circumstances, needs, experiences and aspirations of all First Nations, Inuit
and Métis peoples, as well as the objectives of governments and the views of all Canadians.
The Government of Canada acknowledges the efforts of the Permanent Forum to explore and deepen understanding of the concept
of development with culture and identity, including through research and the organization of an Expert Group Meeting on the
subject in January of this year. Representatives of Canada attended that meeting. It is hoped that dialogue at this session of the
Forum will carry forward that process of exploration and understanding in useful, balanced and constructive ways that will lead to
practical application in the real world.
Click here to read more »
Assistant Deputy Minister for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Ninth Session
New York, 20 April 2010
Mr. Chairperson,
The Government of Canada is pleased to continue our long and consistent practice of participation, contribution and support to the
work of the Permanent Forum.
Canada is supportive of all of the mechanisms of the United Nations engaged on Indigenous issues. It has been our practice to
provide extensive information to the Permanent Forum, Special Procedures, including the Special Rapporteur on human rights and
fundamental freedoms of Indigenous peoples, treaty-monitoring bodies and other institutions on Canada’s approaches, successes
and challenges on Indigenous issues. Canada will continue to do so.
Canada has taken and will continue to take effective action, at home and abroad, to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous
peoples.
In this vein, on March 3, 2010, the Government of Canada announced that it will take steps to endorse the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in a manner fully consistent with Canada’s Constitution and laws. Canada will take
steps towards endorsing this aspirational document in a timely manner.
This year’s theme of the Permanent Forum, (Indigenous peoples: development with culture and identity: Articles 3 and 32 of the
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) is expansive, encompassing every aspect of development and all perspectives.
The theme provides room for exploration and expression of a diversity of views on development which, in the case of Canada,
allows for appropriate reflection of the diverse cultures, circumstances, needs, experiences and aspirations of all First Nations, Inuit
and Métis peoples, as well as the objectives of governments and the views of all Canadians.
The Government of Canada acknowledges the efforts of the Permanent Forum to explore and deepen understanding of the concept
of development with culture and identity, including through research and the organization of an Expert Group Meeting on the
subject in January of this year. Representatives of Canada attended that meeting. It is hoped that dialogue at this session of the
Forum will carry forward that process of exploration and understanding in useful, balanced and constructive ways that will lead to
practical application in the real world.
Click here to read more »
CANADIAN HUMAN RIGHTS T R I B U N A L ANNUAL REPORT 2009
The Year in Review
Message From The Chairperson
Canadians are proud of their progress toward building a diverse society, where the ideals of equality and inclusion have become
increasingly respected. However, achieving true equality remains an ongoing challenge. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal is an
integral part of the infrastructure created by the federal government to reach that goal.
The Tribunal is the administrative body that hears complaints of discrimination that arise in areas under the legislative authority of
the Government of Canada. These include federal government departments and agencies and Crown corporations, as well as banks,
airlines and other federally regulated employers and providers of goods, services, facilities and accommodation.
The Tribunal hears from complainants and respondents alike, as well as from interested third parties, including the Canadian Human
Rights Commission. Through open, fair and transparent hearings, the Tribunal assesses evidence and rules on complaints of
discrimination. The Tribunal’s decisions inform the parties — and Canadians —about the law as it applies to specific facts that
arise in complaints. By guaranteeing open, fair and transparent hearings, and by providing just and well-reasoned rulings on
individual complaints of discrimination, the Tribunal helps to entrench equality into the daily lives of Canadians. Through practical
and legally binding decisions, the Tribunal gives effect to the lofty ideals of equality and fairness.
This annual report chronicles the Tribunal’s activities in 2009, mostly during the tenure of former Chairperson J. Grant Sinclair. As
the newly appointed Chairperson, effective November 2, 2009, I have taken up the search for new and innovative ways to enhance
the effectiveness and efficiency of the Tribunal’s inquiry process. For example, a number of cases have already benefited from a
more interventionist approach to case management, resulting in shorter hearings. This approach is allowing the parties to access
justice in a more timely and cost effective fashion.
Click here to read more »
The Year in Review
Message From The Chairperson
Canadians are proud of their progress toward building a diverse society, where the ideals of equality and inclusion have become
increasingly respected. However, achieving true equality remains an ongoing challenge. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal is an
integral part of the infrastructure created by the federal government to reach that goal.
The Tribunal is the administrative body that hears complaints of discrimination that arise in areas under the legislative authority of
the Government of Canada. These include federal government departments and agencies and Crown corporations, as well as banks,
airlines and other federally regulated employers and providers of goods, services, facilities and accommodation.
The Tribunal hears from complainants and respondents alike, as well as from interested third parties, including the Canadian Human
Rights Commission. Through open, fair and transparent hearings, the Tribunal assesses evidence and rules on complaints of
discrimination. The Tribunal’s decisions inform the parties — and Canadians —about the law as it applies to specific facts that
arise in complaints. By guaranteeing open, fair and transparent hearings, and by providing just and well-reasoned rulings on
individual complaints of discrimination, the Tribunal helps to entrench equality into the daily lives of Canadians. Through practical
and legally binding decisions, the Tribunal gives effect to the lofty ideals of equality and fairness.
This annual report chronicles the Tribunal’s activities in 2009, mostly during the tenure of former Chairperson J. Grant Sinclair. As
the newly appointed Chairperson, effective November 2, 2009, I have taken up the search for new and innovative ways to enhance
the effectiveness and efficiency of the Tribunal’s inquiry process. For example, a number of cases have already benefited from a
more interventionist approach to case management, resulting in shorter hearings. This approach is allowing the parties to access
justice in a more timely and cost effective fashion.
Click here to read more »
International Women's Day 2010: Indigenous women of the Americas face double discrimination
MONTREAL- March 8, 2010
International Women's Day is an important opportunity to remember the double discrimination faced by Indigenous women
throughout the Americas, says Rights & Democracy. If being born a woman is a disadvantage, it is doubly so in the case of
Indigenous women of the Americas.
In Canada, nearly 40 per cent of Indigenous women live in poverty – more than twice the number of non-native women and many
more than the number of native men living in similar circumstances. This situation only gets worse in other regions of the
Americas, where Indigenous communities live in extreme poverty. Mortality rates for infant girls and illiteracy among Indigenous
women are substantially higher in these communities, and their precarious living conditions put them at greater risk of human rights
violations.
The chronic poverty that stalks Indigenous women of the Americas is in part explained by discriminatory workplace policies that
favour men and social exclusion enforced by political and economic institutions throughout the region. However, discrimination
against Indigenous women is not just practiced by the majority in the countries where they live, but is a reality enforced within their
own societies.
Indigenous women across the Americas are not taking this reality sitting down. Across the region, they are raising their voices in
protest against these conditions. International Women's Day is an important opportunity to salute the courage of women like Aida
Quilcue, an Indigenous leader from Colombia's Cauca region. The murder of her husband in 2008 has not deterred her from
presenting her candidacy in Colombia's legislative elections scheduled for March 14. Leader of the Indigenous Peoples' Council of
Cauca for numerous years, Aida appeared before the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2008 to provide testimony on human
rights violations against Colombia's 102 Indigenous peoples – violations that in many cases are placing the very survival of these
communities in peril. If elected, Aida Quilcue will occupy one of two senate seats reserved for Indigenous representatives under
Colombia's 1991 Constitution.
Click here to read more »
MONTREAL- March 8, 2010
International Women's Day is an important opportunity to remember the double discrimination faced by Indigenous women
throughout the Americas, says Rights & Democracy. If being born a woman is a disadvantage, it is doubly so in the case of
Indigenous women of the Americas.
In Canada, nearly 40 per cent of Indigenous women live in poverty – more than twice the number of non-native women and many
more than the number of native men living in similar circumstances. This situation only gets worse in other regions of the
Americas, where Indigenous communities live in extreme poverty. Mortality rates for infant girls and illiteracy among Indigenous
women are substantially higher in these communities, and their precarious living conditions put them at greater risk of human rights
violations.
The chronic poverty that stalks Indigenous women of the Americas is in part explained by discriminatory workplace policies that
favour men and social exclusion enforced by political and economic institutions throughout the region. However, discrimination
against Indigenous women is not just practiced by the majority in the countries where they live, but is a reality enforced within their
own societies.
Indigenous women across the Americas are not taking this reality sitting down. Across the region, they are raising their voices in
protest against these conditions. International Women's Day is an important opportunity to salute the courage of women like Aida
Quilcue, an Indigenous leader from Colombia's Cauca region. The murder of her husband in 2008 has not deterred her from
presenting her candidacy in Colombia's legislative elections scheduled for March 14. Leader of the Indigenous Peoples' Council of
Cauca for numerous years, Aida appeared before the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2008 to provide testimony on human
rights violations against Colombia's 102 Indigenous peoples – violations that in many cases are placing the very survival of these
communities in peril. If elected, Aida Quilcue will occupy one of two senate seats reserved for Indigenous representatives under
Colombia's 1991 Constitution.
Click here to read more »
Represented by
Michaelle Jean
Governor General since 27 September 2005
Michaelle Jean
Governor General since 27 September 2005
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.