Equality in its full and proper (and legal) meaning includes the concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and recognizes that not every person has the same needs or abilities, but that all people are equal in value and worth, and all are deserving of equal fairness, dignity and rights in a meaningful way.

CCLA is committed to this broad vision of equality, recognizing as it does that for human rights and fundamental freedoms to have meaning, they must be equally accessible to every person. After all, how can a society claim to be just if some people’s lives and freedoms are not equally valued? If certain groups do not have the same access to society’s resources and services? If some people are blocked when they try to protest or otherwise use their freedom of expression?

And yet, despite the Charter guarantee of the right to equality, it is often people who are marginalized because they are Indigenous or Black who face racial profiling and overly harsh treatment by police and the criminal system; women and LGBTQ2S+ individuals who have more difficulty accessing appropriate healthcare to meet their basic needs; youth and people without resources who have more difficulty getting their message heard and understood when they are trying to stand up for their own rights; and a disproportionate number of people facing intersecting forms of discrimination on the basis of race, disability and poverty who may experience homelessness.

CCLA’s Equality Program is dedicated to supporting, standing with, and fighting for the rights of individuals and groups who face discrimination, and in particular those who are most marginalized, many of whom experience intersecting forms of discrimination, whose right to full equality has not been realized.

Our Recent Cases and Reports

Learn more about our major ongoing litigation, research, and advocacy in the area of Equality.

COVID-19

Stay updated with all the latest news from CCLA, including our work monitoring the response to COVID-19 to ensure it’s based on science and is not unnecessarily intrusive to our liberties

VIEW LATEST COVID UPDATES

   

Bill 21

Bill 21 is a law which disproportionately impacts people who are already marginalized. New Quebec laws ban Canadians working as teachers, lawyers, police officers, and more from wearing religious symbols such as crosses, hijabs, turbans and yarmulkes. This not only affects people currently working in the public sector, but also the youth who aspire to those careers.
VIEW CASE

Racial Profiling

Canadian police detain thousands of racialized persons in suspicionless roadside stops each year. These police powers enable racial profiling and we believe they are unconstitutional.
VIEW CASE

Protecting Reproductive Rights 

A New Brunswick regulation restricts access to abortion unless done in approved hospitals, even though this restriction is not medically necessary or justified. The New Brunswick law has createD a serious issue for New Brunswick women, girls and trans people who need access to abortion, a basic form of health care.

VIEW CASE

 

 

 

COVID-19

Stay up to date with all the latest work that CCLA is doing to monitor the response to COVID-19, ensuring it’s based on science and is not unnecessarily intrusive to our liberties.

Bill 21

Bill 21 is a law which disproportionately impacts people who are already marginalized. New Quebec laws ban Canadians working as teachers, lawyers, police officers, and more from wearing religious symbols such as crosses, hijabs, turbans and yarmulkes. This not only affects people currently working in the public sector, but also the youth who aspire to those careers.

Racial Profiling

Waterfront Toronto contracted with Google’s sibling Sidewalk Labs to create a smart city project in downtown Toronto. This project would be a sensor-laden neighbourhood, collecting data on people who live, work, or visit the area. Losing the ability to be a face in the crowd, and so much of our privacy, is what’s at stake. So we launched a legal action to reset the project.

Reproductive Rights

Bill 21 is a law which disproportionately impacts people who are already marginalized. New Quebec laws ban Canadians working as teachers, lawyers, police officers, and more from wearing religious symbols such as crosses, hijabs, turbans and yarmulkes. This not only affects people currently working in the public sector, but also the youth who aspire to those careers.

Didn’t find the case you were looking for?
Browse all our recent Equality activity below, or
view all our cases and reports in our archive.

Equality Updates and Briefs

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CCLA Granted Leave to Intervene at Supreme Court

March 19, 2024
TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…

CCLA Argues Before the Quebec Court of Appeal in Landmark Racial Profiling Case

March 5, 2024
MONTREAL — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association will appear before the Court of Appeal of Quebec…

CCLA Reacts to Bill 21

February 29, 2024
MONTREAL — Today the Court of Appeal has issued a disappointing decision rejecting the constitutional challenge…

CCLA Intervenes in Jacob v Canada

February 23, 2024
TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Criminal Justice Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties…

CCLA intervening in major case on police background checks at Court of Appeal for Ontario

February 15, 2024
The Court of Appeal for Ontario has granted leave to intervene to the CCLA in…

Extending the use of Notwithstanding Clause in Bill 21 is a grave injustice

February 13, 2024
TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…

CCLA Intervenes in Constitutional Challenge to Criminalization of Panhandling in Ontario

February 6, 2024
TORONTO — Pro bono legal counsel representing the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will appear…

Inequitable Access to Abortion Services in New Brunswick Puts Lives at Risk

February 2, 2024
TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, reacted to…

CCLA Reacts to Proposed Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Policy in Alberta

February 1, 2024
TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…

CCLA and QPLC Jointly Participating in Baker Inquest

January 29, 2024
TORONTO — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Queen’s Prison Law Clinic are jointly participating…

CCLA Granted Public Interest Standing in Policy 713 Lawsuit

December 22, 2023
FREDERICTON — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…

CCLA files arguments in Fair Change Community Legal Clinic v Ontario

December 7, 2023
TORONTO — The CCLA has filed its written arguments in court in Fair Change Community Legal Clinic v Ontario. This case…

Freedom of Expression, the Right to Protest, and Academic Freedom in a Time of Crisis

November 11, 2023
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) recognizes that in times of crisis, it is all…

CCLA intervenes in Wright v Yukon 

November 9, 2023
CCLA has filed arguments in Wright v Yukon, a case that challenges the constitutionality of the…

CCLA Intervenes in Kingston Encampment Evictions

October 31, 2023
TORONTO — Pro bono counsel representing the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will appear today before…

CCLA Reaction to Bill 137

October 20, 2023
TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…

CCLA Intervenes in Mathur Case

October 17, 2023
CCLA has been granted leave to intervene in the Mathur v His Majesty the King…

The Guardian: Canada province uses constitutional override to advance pronoun legislation

October 17, 2023
“The government of Saskatchewan is threatening to shred a piece of the charter this Tuesday,…

CCLA Reacts in Saskatchewan

September 28, 2023
BOGOTA — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…

CCLA Opposes Forced Treatment for People with Substance Abuse Issues in New Brunswick

September 25, 2023
TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Lawyer and Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties…

CCLA Reacts to New Brunswick Premier

September 19, 2023
FREDERICTON — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…

CCLA Granted Intervenor Status in Saskatchewan

September 19, 2023
TORONTO — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has been granted leave to intervene in UR Pride…

CCLA Files Suit Against New Brunswick Government on Policy 713

September 11, 2023
FREDERICTON — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) has commenced a legal challenge to the Minister of…

CCLA reacts to latest revisions to New Brunswick Policy 713

August 24, 2023
TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Lawyer and Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties…

CCLA: SK Policy Violates Rights of Students

August 22, 2023
TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association…

Canadian Civil Liberties Association Launches Fund Honouring Clayton Ruby’s Storied Legacy of Social Justice Advocacy

July 27, 2023
TORONTO — In commemoration of the late Clayton Ruby's extraordinary impact on advancing social justice…

NCCM and CCLA Continue to Challenge Quebec’s School Prayer Ban

July 17, 2023
MONTREAL — The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA)…

CCLA: New Brunswick Policy 713, Unlawful, Unconstitutional

June 29, 2023
FREDERICTION — Harini Sivalingam, Lawyer and Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil…

CCLA Reacts to SCC Decision on Safe Third Country Agreement

June 16, 2023
TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Lawyer and Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties…

NCCM and CCLA Statement on Quebec Superior Court Decision on Prayer Ban

June 14, 2023
MONTREAL — This morning, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and the Canadian Civil Liberties…

CCLA and civil society concerned about flawed RCMP and CBSA oversight legislation

June 13, 2023
While Bill C-20 is a crucial measure to ensure greater accountability of the Canada Border…

NCCM and CCLA Litigating Prayer Ban

June 13, 2023
MONTREAL — The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), and…

CCLA Reacts to New Brunswick Policy 713 on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

June 9, 2023
TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Lawyer and Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties…

CBC: Civil liberties group concerned about ‘domino effect’ of LGBTQ-protection policy review

June 8, 2023
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association says it's concerned about the fallout of New Brunswick's review…

NCCM AND CCLA LAUNCH JOINT CHALLENGE TO QUEBEC GOVERNMENT’S BAN ON PRAYERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

May 26, 2023
(Montreal, Quebec)—The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), and…

SLAPPs, Speech, and Standing Up for Equality

May 23, 2023
CCLA appears before the Supreme Court of Canada in key defamation case of Hansman v…

CCLA Submission on Anti-Black Racism at the Canadian Human Rights Commission

May 15, 2023
Harini Sivalingam (Director of Equality Program) delivered the following statement to the Senate Human Rights…

CCLA Reacts to Quebec Directive on Prayer Spaces in Public Schools

April 24, 2023
TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Lawyer and Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil…

CCLA Reacts to R v McColman Decision

March 27, 2023
OTTAWA — Shakir Rahim, Director of Criminal Justice for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA),…

Court agrees with CCLA that police background checks require oversight

March 9, 2023
On February 27, 2023, the Divisional Court in Ontario released its decision in Khorsand v.…

The Guardian: Canada court rules random traffic stops are racist and unconstitutional

October 26, 2022
A Canadian court has ruled that random traffic stops violate the country’s charter, striking down…

Huge Victory Against Racial Profiling in Quebec Superior Court

October 26, 2022
MONTREAL — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (“CCLA”), as a party intervening in the case…

Landmark Racial Profiling Decision – Unofficial English Translation – Quebec Superior Court (select passages)

October 25, 2022
UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION of Joseph-Christopher Luamba (Plaintiff) v Attorney General of Québec and Attorney General of…

Huge Victory Against Racial Profiling: Decision from Quebec Superior Court

October 25, 2022
Huge victory against racial profiling in Quebec! We were very happy to work in support…

CCLA at Supreme Court in Safe Third Countries Agreement Case

October 6, 2022
OTTAWA – The Supreme Court of Canada is hearing arguments today on the constitutionality of…

CCLA at Supreme Court over Safe Third Country Agreement

October 6, 2022
Today, the CCLA is intervening in a case before the Supreme Court of Canada concerning…

CCLA and LEAF Urge Repeal of Discriminatory Newmarket By-Law

September 1, 2022
CCLA and the Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund (LEAF) sent a letter to Newmarket’s…

Human Rights Tribunal Finds Police DNA Sweep was Discriminatory

August 23, 2022
Earlier this week the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal ruled that the Ontario Provincial Police (“OPP”)…

CCLA Pleased with Win for Access to Justice in Toussaint v Canada

August 18, 2022
CCLA has been granted leave to intervene before the Supreme Court of Canada in a…

CCLA Intervening in Challenge to Sex Work Laws

August 16, 2022
The CCLA recently filed its written argument in Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform…

CCLA argues against expanded police detention powers at Supreme Court

August 10, 2022
CCLA is intervening in a case before the Supreme Court to argue that the police…

CCLA REACTS TO ACS-LÉGER STUDY ON EFFECTS OF BILL 21

August 10, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 10, 2022 CCLA REACTS TO ACS-LÉGER STUDY ON EFFECTS OF BILL…

CCLA Appoints New Director, Equality Program

August 8, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  CCLA APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR, EQUALITY PROGRAM August 8, 2022 TORONTO — The Canadian…

CCLA Demands Immediate Repeal of Regulations Limiting Abortion Access in NB

July 28, 2022
In the wake of the US Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, the CCLA…

CCLA Statement at New Brunswick Rally on Abortion, Reproductive Justice, and 2SGLBTQI+ Rights

July 9, 2022
Today's ruling from the Supreme Court of the United States is an appalling step back…

La lutte contre le profilage racial se poursuit devant les tribunaux et dans les communautés

July 7, 2022
POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE LA LUTTE CONTRE LE PROFILAGE RACIAL SE POURSUIT DEVANT LES TRIBUNAUX ET…

Racial Profiling on Trial: an Update from the Frontlines

June 28, 2022
Last year the CCLA became involved in a constitutional challenge to the laws that grant…

CCLA Reacts to Decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization

June 24, 2022
Today's ruling from the Supreme Court of the United States is an appalling step back…

CCLA Welcomes Decision Promoting Access to Justice

June 23, 2022
CCLA is pleased that the Supreme Court of Canada has affirmed the test for public…

Remarques à l’occasion de l’anniversaire d’une hypocrisie – la loi 21

June 16, 2022
CIVIL LIBERTIES GROUPS SEEK LEAVE TO APPEAL BILL 21 DECISION NCCM & CCLA file an…

Trial Begins in Major Constitutional Challenge Targeting Racial Profiling

May 30, 2022
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is joining with a diverse group of civil society…

CCLA to Appear Before Supreme Court in Safe Third Country Agreement Case

May 12, 2022
CCLA has been granted leave to intervene before the Supreme Court of Canada in a…

CCLA Argues Against Discriminatory, Overly Punitive Criminal Code Provisions at the Supreme Court

March 29, 2022
Many parts of our criminal law sweep too many people into punitive regimes, creating adverse…

Join Us As We Stand Against Bill 21 and for Human Rights

February 24, 2022
This is a critical moment.

Quebec Organizations Join the Call for Federal Criminal Record Reform

February 22, 2022
The Fresh Start Coalition, which includes the CCLA, announced today that several leading Quebec organisations…

By Terminating the Basic Income Project Early, the Ontario Government Hurt Vulnerable People

February 1, 2022
On February 2nd, CCLA will be appearing as an intervenor before the Ontario Court of…

Know Your Rights Guide: Racial Profiling and Police Stops

December 17, 2021
Learn more about your rights.

CCLA Launches Latest Tool to Combat Carding & Racial Profiling

December 13, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) today released their next salvo in the fight against…

CCLA & NCCM file factum against Bill 21 in Quebec Court of Appeal

December 9, 2021
CCLA filed legal submissions against Bill 21 in the Quebec Court of Appeal. In this…

CCLA opposes Quebec’s Anti-Trans and Anti-Choice Bill 2 on Family Law

December 3, 2021
CCLA filed its submissions opposing Quebec Bill 2, on the grounds that the Bill outs…

CCLA to Minister: Choosing not to be vaccinated should not disentitle you from employment insurance

November 2, 2021
CCLA has written to Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, urging…

Offensive Comedy ≠ Discrimination

October 29, 2021
The Supreme Court of Canada has released its decision in Ward v. Commission des droits…

CCLA Intervenes in Court Challenge Against Racial Profiling

July 20, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is intervening in a constitutional challenge before the Superior Court…

Domestic violence for 27 years AND an 18 year jail term for Helen Naslund

June 21, 2021
Helen Naslund, a 56 year old grandmother, was sentenced to 18 years in jail for…

Massage Parlours in Newmarket

June 21, 2021
CCLA wrote a letter to the Town of Newmarket expressing our concerns with proposed amendments…

CCLA Wins First Round of Abortion Challenge In New Brunswick

June 1, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has begun the process of taking New Brunswick to court…

City of Toronto Progress Reports on Homeless Shelters

May 31, 2021
Weekly Progress Reports, published by the City of Toronto, detailing the capacity, occupancy, and other…

CCLA’s Submissions on Bill 251

May 20, 2021
On May 13, 2021, the CCLA provided written submissions on Ontario’s Bill 251, the Combating…

CCLA Files For Public Interest Standing In New Brunswick Abortion Lawsuit

May 17, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has begun the process of taking New Brunswick to court…

CCLA Remarks on Bill 21 Judgment by the Quebec Superior Court

April 20, 2021
Today is judgment day on Bill 21. A complex decision was handed down by the…

Statement on Anti-Asian Racism

April 6, 2021
Misplaced fear and ignorance feeds racism, today and yesterday. Growing up in British Columbia, the…

Canadian Rights During COVID-19: Interim Report on COVID’s Second Wave

March 30, 2021
Who cares about laws and rights during a pandemic? We do at CCLA because the…

Manitoba Law Society “Good Character” Process Undermines Truth and Reconciliation, Diversity and Equality

March 17, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association sent a brief to the Manitoba Law Society asking it…

CCLA and Partners Notch New Legal Win in Thunder Bay

March 12, 2021
Thunder Bay’s Medical Officer of Health has rescinded her February 8th Class Order targeting individuals…
Commuter reading the paper while waiting for a train

Race and Criminal Injustice Report: Q and A by CCLA Special Advisor, Anti-Black Racism, Professor Akwasi Owusu-Bempah

March 10, 2021
CCLA Special Advisor on Anti-Black Racism, Professor Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, recently sat down for a Q+A…

CCLA Calls Out Thunder Bay’s Unconstitutional COVID-19 Order

March 8, 2021
On February 8, 2021, Thunder Bay’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. DeMille, issued a Class…

CCLA Partners on Report Urging Toronto to Detask Police

January 4, 2021
A new report released this morning is urging the City of Toronto to shift resources…

Whose Religious Symbols Can Shine???

December 21, 2020
In this season of darkness, the festivals of light bringing warmth and cheer may be…

CBSA Oversight and Ebrahim Toure

November 26, 2020
We renew our calls for the establishment of an independent, civilian-led oversight commission with a…

A Victory for Justice and Equality: SCC Finds Ontario Law Discriminates Based on Mental Disability

November 20, 2020
In a strong decision released today, the Supreme Court of Canada has decided that Ontario’s…

COVID Shines a Light on Need for Reform of Ontario’s Child Protection System

November 19, 2020
The pandemic has amplified many of the problems with our child protection system. There have…

Métis Rights Matter

November 15, 2020
We are independent Métis historians, authors, public speakers, and advocates for justice and equal rights…

CCLA Memorandum to Ministers Responsible for Human Rights

November 10, 2020
This memorandum sets forth the Canadian Civil Liberties Association’s (CCLA) submissions for FPT Ministers responsible…

Justice Vs. Exclusion: Fighting for LGBTQ2S+ Representation and Inclusivity

November 6, 2020
In this episode of Justice Vs., we speak to Dr. Brenda McPhail, CCLA’s Privacy, Surveillance…

The Open Court Principle and the Importance of Public Access to IRB Hearings

October 27, 2020
We write on behalf of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) to express concern regarding…

CCLA on Mi’kmaq Fishers

October 21, 2020
In brief, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association asserts that the Crown has breached its fiduciary…

Superior Court Rules that the City of Toronto failed to protect the homeless.

October 15, 2020
The Ontario Superior Court ruled that the City of Toronto failed to comply with a…

CCLA Will Sue New Brunswick Over Abortion Restrictions

October 15, 2020
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has begun the process of taking New Brunswick to court…

CCLA Wins Fight for Homeless Against City

October 15, 2020
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and coalition partners have won a lawsuit agains the City…

The City of Toronto Breached the Agreement to Protect Those Experiencing Homelessness

September 30, 2020
The City of Toronto breached the agreement to protect those experiencing homelessness, and we are…

Inaccurate, Unreliable, Dysfunctional: A Glimpse Into Ontario’s Now-Defunct COVID Database for Police

September 30, 2020
In the spring the Ontario government launched a database of COVID test results, with the…

City breached agreement to protect homeless

September 29, 2020
The City of Toronto is putting the lives of those experiencing homelessness as well as…

CCLA Statement of Support for Abortion Rights & LGBTQ+ Healthcare Now Protest

August 27, 2020
The role of the government is to protect the health of its citizens. It is…

Ontario Government Revokes Emergency Order

August 17, 2020
The Ontario government has ended police access to a COVID-19 database after CCLA and partners…

CCLA & Partners Launch Action to Stop Ontario Government’s Disclosure of COVID Status to Police

July 16, 2020
The CCLA has joined with Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS), the Black Legal Action Centre, and…

Coalition Calls on Government to Release COVID Information on Ontario Jails

July 7, 2020
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Homelessness Advocates Take City Back to Court over COVID-19 Shelter Crisis

July 6, 2020
Homelessness advocates are taking the City of Toronto back to court, to enforce the City’s…

Contact Tracing App in Canada: To Download or Not

July 3, 2020
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Stay Off the Grass: COVID-19 and Law Enforcement in Canada

June 23, 2020
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

“Immunity Passports”: a New Journey to Inequality

May 26, 2020
As we flounder about looking for ways out of the COVID-19 climate of fear, and…

CCLA and Coalition Partners Help Toronto’s Homeless Population

May 19, 2020
The City of Toronto has finally committed to enforceable physical distancing standards across its shelter…

CCLA and the 519 Write to PM: Alarming Increase of LGBTQ2S Abuse

May 7, 2020
CCLA and the 519 Write to PM: Alarming Increase of LGBTQ2S Abuse.

Children and Parents Belong Together, Especially During a Pandemic

April 24, 2020
It has come to our attention that many Children’s Aid Societies have effectively cancelled all…

CCLA Defends Toronto’s Homeless Population

April 24, 2020
Toronto has failed to protect homeless people in its over-crowded shelter and respite system –…

CCLA and Partners Question Government on Decision to Share COVID-19 Test Results with Police

April 23, 2020
Last week police services across Ontario quietly got access to a new database – a…

CCLA with Coalition Warns Legal Action Against City of Toronto for Failure to Support Homeless People

April 21, 2020
Toronto has failed to protect homeless people in its over-crowded shelter and respite system –…

CCLA to Attorney General: Concerns About Carding Under Emergency Order

April 3, 2020
As you know concerns about carding, racial and social profiling led to a serious crisis…

Carding in a Pandemic

April 2, 2020
While we certainly understand the enormity of the pandemic, and of the province’s task in…

CCLA’s Urgent COVID Response for Toronto Homeless Population

March 29, 2020
We are writing you about actions and omissions by the City of Toronto with respect…

2020 Quebec Superior Court

December 20, 2019
Suspending Bill 21 is an urgent matter. We were before the Quebec Court of Appeal…

Seeking to Appeal Interim Decision on Bill 21

July 23, 2019
CIVIL LIBERTIES GROUPS SEEK LEAVE TO APPEAL BILL 21 DECISION NCCM & CCLA file an…

Attorney General of Canada V. Corporation of The Canadian Civil Liberties Association Factum

June 28, 2019
Attorney General Of Canada V. Corporation of The Canadian Civil Liberties Association Factum

Fighting Quebec’s Religious Symbol’s Ban – As it Unfolds

June 19, 2019
CCLA is currently challenging the discriminatory religious symbols ban, Bill 21 in Quebec alongside the…

CCLA In Court: Freedom of Religion

June 17, 2019
Bill 21 Constitutional Challenge and Application for Suspension of The Law

CCLA and NCCM’s Application Regarding Quebec’s Religious Symbols Ban

June 17, 2019
Bill 21, An Act Respecting the Laicity of the State, passed in the Quebec National…

Victory at The Supreme Court: A Fight for Everyone’s Right to Privacy and Equality (R v. Le)

May 31, 2019
Victory! Today, the Supreme Court rendered a monumental decision recognizing that police carding in a…

CCLA at the Supreme Court: The Worst Carding Case in Canadian History?

May 30, 2019
On Friday May 31st, the Supreme Court of Canada is going to release its decision…

An Even Bigger Victory for Equality, Abortion, and the Rights of Vulnerable Patients

May 15, 2019
The Court of Appeal for Ontario has ruled in favour of vulnerable patients and their…

Access to Abortion, Dying with Dignity, and More Upheld by Ontario Court of Appeal

May 15, 2019
Doctors in Ontario will not be required to personally perform abortions, medical assistance in dying,…

CCLA at the Supreme Court: When the Immigration Act Meets Habeas Corpus

May 10, 2019
The right to habeas corpus is a centuries-old remedy intended to protect individuals from “wrongful…

Solitary confinement is no joking matter – and the courts are not amused – AGAIN!

April 29, 2019
The Ontario Court of Appeal has once more handed down a scathing decision to the…

What Do Justin Trudeau and Stephen Harper Have in Common?

April 26, 2019
The federal government is trying to roll back significant protections for refugees in an underhanded…

Ontario Court of Appeals on Federal Governments Second Request for an Extension on Solitary Confinement

April 26, 2019
Ontario Court of Appeals on Federal Governments Second Request for an Extension on Solitary Confinement

Letter to Prime Minister Regarding Refugee Measures in Budget Bill

April 11, 2019
We are human rights and refugee-serving organizations and we strongly object to the inclusion of…

Sex Offender Registries That Discriminate Against Those With Mental Illness Offend Charter Equality Guarantee

April 4, 2019
Ontario’s highest court handed advocates a significant victory today, finding that the sex offender registration…

End to Solitary Confinement as We Know It

March 28, 2019
In an extraordinary decision, the Ontario Court of Appeal has ordered an end to prolonged…

Sex Ed Legal Challenge Continues

March 18, 2019
Today, CCLA formally filed its appeal of the recent Divisional Court decision that upheld the…

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of the Sex Ed Saga

February 28, 2019
It was a bad day for equality but a good day for teachers, when Ontario’s…

We Demand Equal Status for Women in The Indian Act

February 27, 2019
We need to get rid of sex discrimination in the Indian Act now! join us…

This Public Consultation on Sex Ed is Keeping a Lot Secret

February 14, 2019
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Being in a wheelchair is no reason for being held in solitary

February 7, 2019
Gregory Allen was placed in solitary confinement because he is in a wheelchair. He was held in…

Battles begin over the repeal of Ontario’s 2015 sex-ed curriculum

January 23, 2019
In July of 2018, Education Minister Lisa Thompson announced that schools would revert to teaching the 1998…

CCLA Wins Important Battle Against Feds On Solitary Confinement

December 17, 2018
The feds were scolded today by the Chief Justice of Ontario and its highest court,…

WHAMMY! Supreme Court of Canada Strikes Down Canada’s Ugliest Populist Criminal Law

December 14, 2018
It’s not everyday that civil libertarians hit a home run in the Supreme Court of…

Rights groups challenging solitary confinement in court release joint statement on Bill C-83

October 16, 2018
Today the three organizations fighting the federal government in BC and Ontario courts on solitary…

UPDATE: CCLA and ETFO Sex-Ed Legal Challenges to be Heard Together

September 24, 2018
The Divisional Court determined the other week that the applications of the Canadian Civil Liberties…

CCLA Takes Legal Action to Fight the Rollback of a Modern, Inclusive 2015 Sex-Education Curriculum

August 23, 2018
Today, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and a courageous family have started the legal fight…

Taking the Fight for Inclusive Sex-Education in Ontario to the Steps of Queen’s Park

August 14, 2018
n Tuesday, Aug. 14, thousands of Ontario teachers and activists gathered at Queen’s Park in Toronto…

Update – Changes To Ontario’s Sex-Ed Curriculum: CCLA Taking It To The Next Level

August 3, 2018
CCLA believes that the 2015 Ontario Sex Education curriculum should NOT be replaced with the…

March For Our Education

July 23, 2018
On Saturday July 21st, hundreds of people gathered at the March For Our Education event at Queen’s…

We Need Better De-Escalation and Non-Escalation Responses to People in Crisis

July 19, 2018
On Wednesday, July 18, 2018, officers from the Dryden Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) tasered a…

CCLA Joins Coalition Calling For Ontario Government To Reinstate 2015 Sex-Ed Curriculum

July 17, 2018
March for Our Education, Leadnow and the undersigned are unswayed by the Minister of Education’s…

Federal Court Overturns Abdoul Abdi Deportation

July 16, 2018
CCLA’s voice was heard and recognized in the Federal Court decision released in the case…

Smart Sex-Ed

July 12, 2018
We believe that the 2015-18 Sex Education curriculum should NOT be replaced by the 1998…

CCLA & NCCM Successfully Obtain Renewed Stay Against Quebec’s Bill 62

June 29, 2018
The CCLA and the NCCM, two prominent civil liberties & advocacy organizations, have successfully obtained…

Free Abdoul Abdi!!! CCLA Fighting For Equality Rights In Halifax Today

June 19, 2018
Free Abdoul Abdi!! The CCLA is in court today fighting the deportation of child refugee…

LGBTQ+ and Gender Equality Triumph: TWU v LSUC

June 15, 2018
LGBTQ+ and gender equality prevailed today, consistent with CCLA’s position, before the Supreme Court of Canada.

Ella Webber Talks Trans-Non-Binary Rights With The CCLA

June 13, 2018
This series of 12 video clips documents a conversation between CCLA volunteer Amara McLaughlin-Harris and Ella…

Join CCLA at the Trans Pride Rally and March Friday June 22nd, 2018

June 6, 2018
You are invited to join CCLA at Toronto’s Trans Pride March. This is both a…

Keep Your Promise On Solitary Confinement, Groups Tell Ottawa

May 14, 2018
Rights groups in legal challenges unite to urge government to comply with court orders.

Bill 62 (Niqab Ban) Guidelines Cannot Save An Unconstitutional…

May 11, 2018
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

CCLA Writes An Open Letter To Minister Of Immigration…

April 6, 2018
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

CCLA Court Challenge To Solitary Confinement: The Next Step

April 6, 2018
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Legal Fight Against Solitary Confinement Continues

January 17, 2018
On December 18, 2017, Associate Chief Justice Frank Marrocco of the Ontario Superior Court released…

State Responsible to Stop Deportation and Grant Citizenship Of Abdoul Abdi

January 11, 2018
We are writing on behalf of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association with respect to Mr.…

Court Strikes Down Solitary Confinement Regime in Response to CCLA’s Challenge

December 18, 2017
TORONTO, Ont. – In a victory for civil liberties, Associate Chief Justice Frank Marrocco of…

CCLA at Supreme Court in Trinity Western Case – Hearing This Week

November 29, 2017
TORONTO, Ont. – This week- on November 30th and December 1st – the Canadian Civil…

CCLA and NCCM Launch Legal Challenge Against Quebec’s Bill 62

November 7, 2017
(Montreal – November 7, 2017) – The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and the National…

CCLA in The Supreme Court: Freedom of Religion

November 3, 2017
Bill 62 Application for Judicial Review (Declaration of Invalidity) and Application for an Interim Stay

Quebec Bill 62 Infringes on Freedom of Religion and Equality

October 17, 2017
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

UN Review Should Urge Canada to Reform Immigration Detention System

October 5, 2017
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is among national and international human rights groups, led by…

CCLA Announcement: Coalition Calls for Implementation of Loku Inquest Recommendations

October 3, 2017
The tragic shooting death of Andrew Loku should never have occurred. It took place within…

CCLA Segregation Challenge

September 13, 2017
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

CCLA Calls on Court to End Solitary Confinement – Hearing Starts September 11th

September 8, 2017
TORONTO, Ont. – On September 11th, 13th, 14th and 15th, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association…

How Religious Teachings in Public Schools Violates Human Rights: Joint Presentation Before Argentina’s Supreme Court

August 30, 2017
On Wednesday, August 30, the Argentine Supreme Court held a public hearing on the constitutionality…

International Women’s Day: Highlighting Issues of Indigenous Women in Prison System

March 8, 2017
On this International Women’s Day, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association recognizes the many women in…

Hamilton Approves Cutting-Edge Trans Rights Protocol

March 7, 2017
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Statement on Release of New U.S. Travel Restrictions

March 6, 2017
The CCLA is still seriously concerned by the potential impact on refugees and asylum seekers…

Canada Has Its Own Legacy of Racist Policies to Confront

February 21, 2017
Canadians are shocked and grieving after Sunday’s shooting at a Quebec City mosque that killed…

Contact Your MP: Ask Canada to Act on US Travel Ban

February 4, 2017
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

CCLA calls for concrete action from Canadian government on U.S. travel ban

January 29, 2017
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

No More Delay: Time To Protect Trans Rights

May 18, 2016
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Ontario Must Curtail Segregation In Provincial Jails

May 12, 2016
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…
Know your rights

Loku Inquest Must Address Bias In Policing

May 9, 2016
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

2011 Saskatchewan Court Of Appeal Win

May 6, 2011
CCLA works directly with the LGBTQ2S+ community advocating for their rights and freedoms.