Canadian Human Rights Timeline

  • Women’s voting rights

    Women’s voting rights
    By 1918, all women of British background in Canada gained the right to vote in Canadian Federal Elections. This event was significant because it was a crucial step forward to achieving gender equality. This movement challenged social gender norms and paved the way for women in leadership positions. “Women Win the Vote.” [Women Win the Vote - Canada’s History](www.canadahistory.ca/explore/women-win-the-vote.) Accessed 3 Nov. 2024
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    Canadian Human Rights Timeline

  • Persons Case

    Persons Case
    The Persons Case was a constitutional ruling that established the right for women to be appointed to work for the House of Commons and the Senate. The Persons Case was initiated by the Famous Five, a group of women activists. The Person’s Case recognized women’s rights to participate in politics. Thus influencing future advocacy for women’s equality rights in Canada.
    Persons case. The Canadian Encyclopedia. (2006, February 7
  • Indian Act Revisions

    Indian Act Revisions
    The government of Canada consulted First Nations communities about changes to the Indian Act. Revised Indian Act was created resulting in removing offensive political, cultural and religious restrictions. Bans on ceremonies like potlatch and sun dance were removed. Women were now able to vote in band council elections. Revisions also resulted in the “Sixties Scoop”.
    Indian act. The Canadian Encyclopedia. (2006a, February 7
  • Canadian Bill of Rights

    Canadian Bill of Rights
    The Canadian Bill of Rights enacted by John Diefenbaker, was Canada’s first federal law to protect human rights and freedoms. The Canadian Bill of Rights helped shape the idea of human rights for all in Canada. It promoted the idea that all individuals are entitled to fundamental freedoms and protections under the law.
    Canadian bill of rights. The Canadian Encyclopedia. (2006a, February 7).
  • Indigenous Canadian's Voting Rights

    Indigenous Canadian's Voting Rights
    It took a lot of events and decades before Indigenous people could vote. Innuit people could vote in the 50's but not up until 1960 were First Nations people granted federal vote. It was significant for Indigenous people to have the right to vote, but it was demeaning for them with the thought they would lose their "Indian status".
    [Leslie, John F. “Indigenous Suffrage.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 7 Apr. 2016,](www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/indigenous-suffrage.)
  • Ontario Human Rights Code

    Ontario Human Rights Code
    The Ontario Human Rights Code is a provincial law that grants everyone equal rights and opportunities without discrimination. The Code was created to prevent discrimination due to race, sex, disability and age. The Code was significant in the advancement of human rights and equality for all.
    Guide to your rights and responsibilities under the Human Rights Code | Ontario Human Rights Commission. (n.d.).
  • Immigration Act

    Immigration Act
    The Immigration Act in 1967 established new standards for assessing potential immigrants and admissibility. Race, colour, or nationality were not factors in the new system; rather work skills, education and language ability. The legislation significantly improved Canada’s immigration system by promoted fairness, diversity and economic growth.
    Immigration policy in Canada. The Canadian Encyclopedia. (2006b, February 7).
  • Royal Commissions on the Status of Women

    Royal Commissions on the Status of Women
    The Royal Commission was given the mandate to ensure equal opportunities women in all aspects of Canadian society. The creation of the commission was from feminist activists who envisioned a more inclusive Canada. The commission shaped policies and attitudes actively promoting women’s rights.
    Gouvernement du Canada. (2021, April 14). Government of Canada. Canada.ca.
  • Official Languages Act

    Official Languages Act
    The Official Languages Act is the federal statute that made English and French the official languages of Canada, making Canada bilingual. Both French and English were required to be taught in schools across Canada. The purpose was to protect the rights of language minorities and to promote linguistic heritage and culture.
    [“Official Languages Act (1969).” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 7 Feb. 2006,](www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/official-languages-act-1969.)
  • Canadian Human Rights Act

    Canadian Human Rights Act
    The Canadian Human Rights Act was designed to ensure equality of opportunity. It prohibits discrimination towards race, age, sex, etc. Each province and territory in Canada has its own human rights legislation. The Act promotes equality, protection against discrimination, and the ability to seek legal recourse if they believe their rights are violated.
    [“Canadian Human Rights Act.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 3 May 2018](www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canadian-human-rights-act.)
  • The Charter of Rights and Freedoms

    The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
    The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a constitutional document enacted in 1982 and outlines the rights and freedoms that all Canadian citizens have. The Charter has created a social and legal revolution, and has expanded the rights of minorities and criminal defendants.
    [“Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”The Canadian Encyclopedia, 26 Feb. 2018,](www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canadian-charter-of-rights-and-freedoms.)
  • Big M Drug Mart Case

    The Big M Drug Mart was accused of selling merchandise on a Sunday, also known as The Lord's Day. The Court rules that the law against Sunday shopping violated freedom of religion under the Canadian Charter. Laws must respect individual rights and freedoms.
    [Beaudoin, Gerald A. “Big M Drug Mart Case.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 6 Feb. 2006,](www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/big-m-drug-mart-case.)
  • R. v. Oakes Case

    Oakes was accused of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking. Oakes states he should be innocent until proven guilty. The Supreme Court utilizes the "Oakes test" to show that if a law takes away rights, it must be justifiable and to check if rights are being protected. The Oakes test evaluated individual rights versus government actions.
    [Beaudoin, Gerald A. “Oakes Case (R V. Oakes).” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 7 Feb. 2006,](www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/oakes-case.)
  • Abortion Rights 1988

    Abortion Rights 1988
    Inducing an abortion was a crime in Canada until 1988. The Supreme Court struck down the law as being unconstitutional. Since then, abortion has been legal in Canada. This is very significant for women, since most women prefer to make their own decisions towards their own bodies, and not have that be decided by a government.
    [Long, Linda. “Abortion in Canada.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 6 Feb. 2006,](www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/abortion.)
  • Multiculturalism Act of 1988

    Multiculturalism Act of 1988
    The Act enshrined multicultural policy in law, declaring the government to recognize and promote that multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic in Canadian heritage and identity. The Act promoted communities of all origins. This event was significant because Canada had recognized the cultural diversity of its citizens.
    [Berry, David. “Canadian Multiculturalism Act.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 25 Mar. 2020,](thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canadian-multiculturalism-act.)
  • Canadian Employment Equity Act

    Canadian Employment Equity Act
    The Canadian Employment Equity Act of 1996 is to achieve equality in workplaces, so that no one be denied employment opportunity for all. The Act helps to promote a more equitable labor market. And also to foster cultural respect and representations in Canadian society.
    Government of Canada, Treasury Board of Canada. [“Overview of the Employment Equity Act (1996) from a Public Service Perspective.” 1 / 1, 1 Jan. 2003,](www.tbssct.canada.ca/pubs_pol/hrpubs/tb_852/over01-eng.asp.)
  • Delgamuukw v. B.C

    Delgamuukw v. B.C
    The Delgamuukw v. B.C case was a landmark case regarding Indigenous land. The Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en Nations claimed ownership over land, which the Supreme Court recognized as Aboriginal title. By recognizing Aboriginal title, the ruling affirms that Indigenous communities have the right to land and resources. Which is fundamental in their culture.
    [Beaudoin, Gerald A. “Delgamuukw Case.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 18 Aug. 2017,](www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/delgamuukw-case.)
  • Vriend v. Alberta Case

    Vriend v. Alberta Case
    Delwin Vriend was fired from his job as a teacher because he was a homosexual man. He argued that the Alberta Individual Rights Protection act did not protect him from discrimination. The Supreme Court ruled the exclusion of sexual orientation was unconstitutional. This Case played a vital role in advancing LGBTQ+ members rights and acceptance in Canadian society.
    [Beaudoin, Gerald A. “Vriend Case.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 7 Feb. 2006,](www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/vriend-case.)
  • R. v. Marshall

    R. v. Marshall
    A Mi'kmaq man known by Donald Marshall Jr. was charged with fishing out of season. Marshall argued that he had the right to fish based on a 1760 treaty, in which The Supreme Court ruled in favor. This case was significant because it proves the importance of treaty rights and the recognition of Indigenous people.
    [Conn, Heather. “Marshall Case.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 11 Apr. 2020,](thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/marshall-case.)
  • Same Sex Marriage

    Same Sex Marriage
    In 2005, the Civil Marriage Act was enacted. This made Canada the fourth country ever to legalize same sex marriage. The legalization was a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ rights in Canada. This change would help against discrimination for LGBTQ+ members, and make it feel more "normalized" in society.
    [“Timeline | Same-Sex Rights in Canada | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 25 May 2015,](www.cbc.ca/news/canada/timeline-same-sex-rights-in-canada-1.1147516.)
  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission

    Truth and Reconciliation Commission
    The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada was a part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. It was intended to teach people the difficult discovery of the facts behind residential schools. The TRC provided a platform for survivors to speak up about their stories.
    [Moran, Ry. “Truth and Reconciliation Commission.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 24 Sept. 2015,](www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/truth-and-reconciliation-commission.)