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Women’s Voting Rights
Women in Canada gained the right to vote in provincial elections starting in 1916, with the federal right following in 1918. However, Indigenous women, along with other marginalized groups, faced restrictions until 1960. This marked a significant step toward gender equality in Canada. -
Persons Case
The Famous Five (Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Henrietta Muir Edwards, and Louise McKinney) fought for women to be legally recognized as "persons" under Canadian law. The Supreme Court of Canada initially ruled against them, but in 1929, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council reversed this decision, allowing women to hold public office. -
Indian Act Revisions of 1951
Revisions to the Indian Act in 1951 aimed to improve the rights of Indigenous peoples, removing some of the more oppressive provisions. However, many discriminatory aspects remained, leading to ongoing debates about Indigenous rights and sovereignty. -
Indigenous Canadians’ Voting Rights
In 1960, Indigenous peoples were granted the right to vote in federal elections without having to renounce their Indian status. This was a crucial step toward political inclusion and representation for Indigenous communities. -
Canadian Bill of Rights
Introduced by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, this was the first federal law in Canada to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. While it laid the groundwork for human rights protections, it was not constitutionally entrenched, which limited its effectiveness. -
Immigration Act of 1967
This act introduced a points system that assessed immigrants based on skills and education rather than race or nationality. It marked a significant shift towards more equitable immigration policies in Canada. -
Canadian Official Languages Act
This act recognized English and French as the official languages of Canada, ensuring that all Canadians had access to government services in both languages. It promoted bilingualism and helped protect linguistic rights. -
Royal Commission on the Status of Women
Established to investigate the status of women in Canada, the commission's report made over 160 recommendations to improve women's rights and gender equality, significantly influencing Canadian policies. -
Canadian Human Rights Act
This act provided a comprehensive framework for protecting human rights and prohibiting discrimination in various sectors, including employment and housing, promoting equality and justice. -
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
A pivotal document in Canadian law, the Charter guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms for all Canadians, including freedom of expression, equality rights, and legal rights, serving as a cornerstone for human rights protection. -
Big M Drug Mart Ltd. v. Canada
This landmark case declared the Lord’s Day Act unconstitutional as it violated the freedom of religion and conscience under the Charter. It reinforced the principle of religious freedom in Canada. -
R. v. Oakes
The Supreme Court case established the Oakes test, a legal framework for determining whether a law that limits Charter rights can be justified. It has been fundamental in shaping the interpretation of rights in Canada. -
Abortion Rights (R. v. Morgentaler)
This case led to the decriminalization of abortion in Canada, affirming women's reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. The Supreme Court ruled that the existing abortion law violated women's rights under the Charter.