English 10 'Human Rights in Canada' Project Resources

One of the largest and most influential non-governmental organizations in the world. The information available here is immense: videos, news reports, blogs, public events, campaigns, etc.

The United Nations Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the UN system made up of 47 States responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.

Freedom to read can never be taken for granted. Even in Canada, a free country by world standards, books and magazines are banned at the border. Books are removed from the shelves in Canadian libraries, schools and bookstores every day. Free speech on the Internet is under attack. Few of these stories make headlines, but they affect the right of Canadians to decide for themselves what they choose to read.

The 2006 Census offers a wide range of analysis and data according to topics that paint a portrait of Canada. This includes income, education, health care, and employment--basic human needs and rights for every Canadian. Click on one of the links to find specific statistics you could use in your research.

Human Rights Watch is another influential non-governmental organization (NGO) that has a pulse on the crusade against human rights violations around the world. Here is the 'Americas' page--lots of information on the anti-Olympics movement, as well as issues stirring in Canada and the US.

A place where British Columbians can file complaints, look for answers to issues on human rights, and even directions on how to get appropriate assistance and representation with legal issues. With numerous links to other groups and organizations representing visible minorities (i.e. Aboriginal, disabled, etc.) this is a good 'local' source.

The human rights 'watchdog' of Canada's most populated province. Many of the issues are relevant to BC and this is another excellent secondary source.

The links on this page explain how those with disabilities may be affected at various places like work, school, health, and family. The disabled are a group that quite often face issues relating to basic human rights and responsibilities.

In Canada, seniors - individuals 65 years or older - make up 12 percent of the total population. "Ageism" describes negative attitudes and stereotypes towards older people. It also refers to the tendency of constructing a society based on the assumption that everyone is young, thus failing to accommodate the needs of seniors. Seniors often face social and systemic barriers that prevent their full enjoyment of human rights, in particular economic and social rights related to health, employment and housing. A great resource with many useful links.

Our political representative in Victoria, MLA Michelle Mungall, has a terrific website with tons of human rights-related resources for BC residents. This may be the best place to start your research. Remember to keep track of all of the primary resources as you are researching.

This organization works with residents of BC who feel that they have been treated unfairly by the government or another public agency. They offers advice and information o the rights of the individual. There are answers to questions about human rights, issues around violating them, and how they can be resolved.

This source also supports seniors--a group of Canadians frequently marginalized in our society--by offering them advice, resources, and options.

The Canadian Standards for Human Rights in the country.