STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS

CCLA actively stands up to power by fighting against rights violations, abuse of police powers, inequality, and discrimination. We stand for freedom, equality, and a better future for all people in Canada.

Stay Informed

Join Our Mailing List

STAY INFORMED: Join Our Mailing List

SUBSCRIBE

Our Work

Our Work Centres Around Our Five Core Areas

We believe in
EQUALITY
Equality - which includes equity, diversity, and inclusion – recognizes that every person is equal in value and worth, and each is deserving of fairness, dignity and rights.
We believe in
FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS
Fundamental Freedoms allow individuals and groups to express themselves, to believe and practice what they choose, and to exercise their right to vote.
We believe in
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
We work to ensure that constitutional rights are respected at every step of the criminal justice system, and that the extraordinary powers conferred to police and criminal courts are used proportionately, fairly, humanely, and only when absolutely necessary.
We believe in
PRIVACY
We bring a principled and rights-focused approach to assessing the impact of new technologies and surveillance, in areas ranging from policing methods to people’s public and private lives.
We Believe In
EDUCATION
CCLA & CCLET provide free workshops, seminars, and in-class sessions in schools, educational institutions, and faculties of education, educating citizens about their rights and freedoms.

What's Happening Right Now

CRIMINAL JUSTICEFair Trial RightsFair Trial, Due Process & Sentencing
November 24, 2023

Protecting Your Rights in Court – CCLA granted leave to intervene in R. v. Archambault before Supreme Court of Canada

In September 2019, federal legislation (Bill C-75) came into force limiting the availability of preliminary inquiries for a person accused of committing a criminal offence. A preliminary inquiry is a…
Shakir Rahim
Love1
Democratic RightsEQUALITYFreedom of ExpressionFUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMSRace, Religion & EthnicityRight to Protest
November 11, 2023

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

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) recognizes that in times of crisis, it is all the more important to protect the network of rights and freedoms necessary to build a…
CCLA
Love1
EQUALITYPRESS RELEASESSocio-Economic Status
November 9, 2023

CCLA intervenes in Wright v Yukon 

CCLA has filed arguments in Wright v Yukon, a case that challenges the constitutionality of the power of the state to instigate evictions under the Yukon’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act (SCAN Act). Under section…
CCLA
Love0
Artificial IntelligenceBill C-27Face SurveillancePRESS RELEASESPRIVACYPrivacy Law ReformSurveillance & Technology
November 1, 2023

Government Legislation on FRT is ‘Dangerous’ Say Civil Society Groups and Scholars

Toronto, ON — The Right2YourFace Coalition, a group made up of prominent civil society groups and scholars dedicated to calling for legislation to regulate the use of facial recognition technology,…
CCLA
Love0

Live Updates

View all our latest updates, issues, briefs, and activities.

VIEW ALL LATEST UPDATES

In The News

EQUALITYIN THE NEWSLGBTQ2S+Youth
October 17, 2023

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

“The government of Saskatchewan is threatening to shred a piece of the charter this Tuesday, and in so doing violate the rights, the freedom, the privacy, the equality and the…
CCLA
Love0
CRIMINAL JUSTICEIN THE NEWSReasonable Expectations of PrivacySearch & Seizure
August 11, 2023

CBC: Arctic Bay residents raise concerns after RCMP search mail

Shakir Rahim, a lawyer and director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association's criminal justice program, said it raises "serious concerns." Section 8 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms states…
CCLA
Love0
CRIMINAL JUSTICEIN THE NEWSRight to Reasonable Bail
August 1, 2023

Newstalk 1010: Ontario police groups, legal advocates call for different approaches to proposed bail reform

Shakir Rahim, Criminal Justice Program Director, appeared on Newstalk 1010 to discuss proposed bail reform.
CCLA
Love0
CRIMINAL JUSTICEIN THE NEWSRight to Reasonable Bail
July 24, 2023

The Hill Times: National Police Federation, police chiefs association favour bail reform bill, but advocacy groups wary of bail denial as ‘red herring’

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the John Howard Society are wary of Bill C-48, and have expressed concerns over the potential effects of denying bail to individuals.
CCLA
Love0
View All Media Mentions

Other Ways To Help

Calling All Activists - Help Us Protect Your Rights.

Take Action

Take action to protect your democracy

Get Informed

Download our Guides and Toolkits to Know Your Rights

Volunteer

Pitch in and join the cause

Help CCLA Stand Up For Your Rights

Donate Today

CCLA does not receive government funding. We rely solely on the support of our donor community.

Together, we can uphold the rights and freedoms of all people living in Canada.

Thank You to Our Partners