Canadian Human Rights Timeline

  • Women’s Voting Rights

    Women’s Voting Rights
    In 1918, Parliament passed a law giving Canadian women the right to vote. However, this did not mean that all women had the right to vote. Exclusions remained such as race. Women’s Voting Rights empowered women politically and set the stage for gender equality.
  • Persons Case

    Persons Case
    A constitutional ruling that established the right of women to be appointed to the Senate. In 1929, the case was initiated by the Famous Five, a group of prominent women activists. This case paved the way for Canadian women’s increased participation in public and political life. However, not all women were given the right to be appointed to Senate, specifically Indigenous women and women of Asian heritage.
  • Indian Act Revisions

    Indian Act Revisions
    The revised Indian Act removed some of the previous most offensive political, cultural and religious restrictions. For example, bans on ceremonies like the potlatch and sun dance were removed. This helped to get rid of restrictive policies and allowed Indigenous peoples more freedom to practice their traditions.
  • Indigenous Canadian’s Voting Rights

    Indigenous Canadian’s Voting Rights
    This granted Indigenous people the right to vote in federal elections without having to lose their status. This was a very important step towards inclusion of Indigenous people in the political world.
  • Canadian Bill of Rights

    Canadian Bill of Rights
    The Canadian Bill of Rights was Canada’s first federal law to protect human rights and the four fundamental freedoms, religion, speech, the press, and of assembly and association. The Canadian Bill of Rights protects rights to equality before the law and ensures protection of the law. This laid foundational protections for civil rights.
  • Ontario Human Rights Code

    Ontario Human Rights Code
    The Code prohibits actions that discriminate against people based on a protected ground in a protected social area such as age, ancestry, ethnic origin, and race.
  • Royal Commission on the Status of Women

    Royal Commission on the Status of Women
    Given the mandate to inquire into and report upon the status of women in Canada, and to recommend what steps might be taken by the federal government to ensure equal opportunities for women in all aspects of the Canadian society.
  • Immigration Act

    Immigration Act
    The Immigration Act of 1967 established new standards for assessing potential immigrants and determining admissibility. Independent immigrants were assigned points in specific categories relating to their ability to successfully settle in Canada.
  • Canadian Official Languages Act

    Canadian Official Languages Act
    This Act made French and English the official languages of Canada, which made sure federal services would be in both languages. This protected the rights of French-speaking Canadians and promoted bilingualism within Canada.
  • Canadian Human Rights Act

    Canadian Human Rights Act
    The Human rights act gives everyone equal opportunity and gives people a way to challenge discrimination on any of the 16 grounds. This promotes equality in Canada.
  • Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

    Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
    Part of the Constitution Act, the Charter protects individuals’ rights and freedoms. The Charter provides a basis for Canadians to challenge rights violations and enhances protection for specific groups.
  • Big M Drug Mart

    Big M Drug Mart
    The Supreme Court had ruled that the Lord’s Day Act was unconstitutional because it infringed on freedom of religion. This strengthened freedom of religion in Canada and helps set certain rights.
  • R. v. Oakes

    R. v. Oakes
    Established the “Oakes Test”, which is used to determine if limits on the Charter rights are justified. This case left legal framework to balance individual rights with societal needs under the Charter.
  • Canadian Employment Equity Act

    Canadian Employment Equity Act
    Was proclaimed to achieve workplace quality by ensuring that ability and qualifications are the only criteria for employment opportunities, benefits, and advancements. This helped to reduce employment discrimination and promoted diversity in the workplace.
  • Abortion Rights

    Abortion Rights
    The Supreme Court declared the entirety of the country’s abortion law to be unconstitutional. The Court decriminalized abortion, allowing women more autonomy over reproductive choices.
  • Delgamuukw. v. British Columbia

    Delgamuukw. v. British Columbia
    The Supreme Court of Canada held that Aboriginal title is an ancestral right protected by section 35 of the Constitution Act.
  • Vriend. v. Alberta

    Vriend. v. Alberta
    The Supreme Court ruled that excluding sexual orientation from Alberta’s human rights law was unconstitutional. This strengthened protections against discrimination for LGBTQ+ Canadians.
  • R. v. Marshall

    R. v. Marshall
    The case is about Donald Marshall Jr., a Mi’kmaq man from Membertou, Nova Scotia. In 1993, Donald Marshall Jr., caught and sold 210 kg of eel with an illegal net and without a licence during closed-season times. He was arrested after being charged under the federal Fisheries Act and the Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations. In his court case, he was found guilty on all three charges in provincial court and appeals court. In 199, Supreme Court of Canada reversed Marshall’s convictions.
  • Same Sex Marriage

    Same Sex Marriage
    On July 20, 2005, the Parliament of Canada enacted the Civil Marriage Act, 1 which legalizes same-sex marriage. Canada became the fourth country to legalize same sex marriage in the world.
  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission

    Truth and Reconciliation Commission
    Provided those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of the Indigenous Residential Schools system with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences.