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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 Urges Montreal to End Street Checks

CCLA wrote to the City of Montreal to urge them to end street checks in…
December 13, 2024

CCLA Submissions to Standing Committee on Status of Women’s study on Hate Motivated Violence Directed at 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association made the following submissions to Standing Committee on Status of…
December 13, 2024

CCLA Expresses Concerns Over Proposed Laws To Criminalize Unhoused People Living in Encampments

TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association…
December 12, 2024

CCLA Reacts to the Ontario Premier’s Letter Foreshadowing Future Use of the Notwithstanding Clause to Override Court Decisions

TORONTO —  CCLA is relieved that the Ontario government does not intend on using the…
December 5, 2024

CCLA Ready to Defend Landmark Racial Profiling Decision

MONTREAL — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association…
December 5, 2024

CCLA Condemns Passage of Anti-Trans Laws in Alberta

TORONTO —  Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA),…
December 4, 2024

CCLA Intervenes to Uphold Meaningful Access to Appeal Rights

Counsel for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association appear today at the Supreme Court of Canada…
December 4, 2024

CCLA Appearing Before Supreme Court to Ensure Fairness in Sentencing for Individuals with Mental Health Conditions or Cognitive Disabilities

Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) has sent a letter to Brampton’s Mayor and City Councillors…
December 3, 2024

CCLA Reacts to Ontario Government Bill Shutting Down Safe Injection Health Services

Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) has sent a letter to Brampton’s Mayor and City Councillors…
November 22, 2024

CCLA Intervening To Ensure Equitable Health Care Funding for Trans and Nonbinary People in Ontario

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

Long Overdue Review and Complaints Body for Canadian Border Services and Mounties Welcomed by Rights Advocates

OTTAWA – Civil society groups are welcoming the adoption of Bill C-20 and the long-overdue…
November 12, 2024

CCLA Welcomes Amendments to Regulations That Remove Legal Barriers to Abortion Care Access

Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made the…
November 7, 2024

Read Our Letter to the New Premier of New Brunswick

In our recent letter to the new Premier of New Brunswick, we address a crucial…
November 5, 2024

CCLA Strongly Condemns Alberta Legislation That Erodes Freedoms of Trans and Gender Diverse Youth and Their Families

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

CCLA Welcomes Commitment to Reverse Harmful Changes to Policy 713 in New Brunswick

TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made…
October 25, 2024

Unanimous Court of Appeal Judgment Upholds Landmark Racial Profiling Decision in Quebec

MONTREAL — Yesterday, the Court of Appeal of Quebec released a landmark judgment upholding a major civil…
October 24, 2024

CCLA Urges Big City Mayors To Vote Against Resolution That Overrides Rights Of Vulnerable People In Ontario

TORONTO — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is calling on Ontario’s Big City Mayors to…
October 15, 2024

CCLA to Appear Before Supreme Court Today in I.M. v. R on Youth Criminal Justice

The CCLA will appear before the Supreme Court of Canada today as an intervenor in I.M.…
October 15, 2024

CCLA Testifies On Bill C-20 Before Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Veterans Affairs

On October 7, 2024, Shakir Rahim, Director of the Criminal Justice Program, and Harini Sivalingam,…
October 10, 2024

CCLA on John Howard Society of Saskatchewan vs the Government of Saskatchewan

TORONTO —  Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made…
October 8, 2024

CCLA Reacts to City of Kingston Closure of Belle Park Encampment

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

CCLA Reacts to Premier of Ontario’s Comments on Unhoused People

TORONTO —  Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…
September 26, 2024

CCLA Argues That Notwithstanding Clause Should Not Limit Democratic Accountability and Protection of Marginalized Groups

TORONTO —  Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made…
September 23, 2024

CCLA Appears Before the Federal Court in Challenge to Refugee Cessation Provisions

TORONTO —Pro bono lawyers representing the Canadian Civil Liberties Association will appear this week before…
September 17, 2024

Constitutional Rights of Kingston Encampment Residents Must be Respected

TORONTO —  Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…
September 16, 2024

Yukon Court Strikes Down Parts of SCAN Act as Unconstitutional Infringement on Security of the Person

TORONTO —  Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…
September 5, 2024

CCLA Argues Notwithstanding Clause Should Not Limit Democratic Accountability and Protection of Marginalized Groups

TORONTO —  Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made…
August 26, 2024

CCLA Intervening Before Supreme Court to Ensure Fairness in Sentencing for Individuals with Mental Health Conditions or Cognitive Disabilities

The CCLA has been granted leave to intervene before the Supreme Court of Canada in…
August 20, 2024

CCLA Intervening in S.D. v District School Board of Niagara

TORONTO —  Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…
August 7, 2024

Canadian Civil Liberties Association Granted Leave to Intervene in Saskatchewan v UR Pride

TORONTO —  Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made…
July 29, 2024

CCLA granted leave to intervene at Supreme Court of Canada to Ensure Fairness and Impartiality at Inmates’ Disciplinary Hearings

TORONTO —  Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…
July 23, 2024

European Court of Human Rights Rules That Termination of Trans Parent’s Foster Care Agreement Violates Family Rights in Russian Case

TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of Equality at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made the following statement:…
July 15, 2024

CCLA Argues Before the Ontario Court of Appeal to Protect the Rights of Workers With Disabilities

TORONTO - Pro bono lawyers representing the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will be appearing…
June 17, 2024

CCLA Urges Senators to Support Passage of Bill S-235

CCLA strongly encourage the Honourable Senators to support the passage of Bill S-235 at third…
June 11, 2024

CCLA Intervening Before Supreme Court of Canada to Protect Rights of Youth in the Criminal Justice System

The CCLA has been granted leave to intervene before the Supreme Court of Canada in…
May 28, 2024

Update: New Brunswick Policy 713 Challenge Continues

TORONTO — Pro bono lawyers representing CCLA are in court today challenging the Government of New Brunswick’s…
May 14, 2024

CCLA Reacts to Quebec Education Ministers latest Directive on Gender Neutral Washrooms

Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made the…
May 7, 2024

Leave to Appeal Filed at the Supreme Court of Canada on Bill 21 Case

OTTAWA — The National Council for Canadian Muslims (NCCM), the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and…
April 30, 2024

CCLA Calls on the Ontario Speaker to Lift His Ban on Keffiyehs

TORONTO — Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association…
April 25, 2024

CCLA Deeply Concerned Over City of Kingston Encampment Evictions

TORONTO — CCLA is deeply concerned over the City of Kingston’s attempts to enforce a…
April 5, 2024

Ontario Court Finds Provisions of Safe Streets Act Unconstitutional

TORONTO — The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has found that the Safe Streets Act violates the Charter freedoms of unhoused people…
April 2, 2024

CCLA Granted Leave to Intervene at Supreme Court

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

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

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

CCLA Reacts to Bill 21

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

CCLA Intervenes in Jacob v Canada

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

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

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

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

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

CCLA Intervenes in Constitutional Challenge to Criminalization of Panhandling in Ontario

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

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

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

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

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

CCLA and QPLC Jointly Participating in Baker Inquest

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

CCLA Granted Public Interest Standing in Policy 713 Lawsuit

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

CCLA files arguments in Fair Change Community Legal Clinic v Ontario

TORONTO — The CCLA has filed its written arguments in court in Fair Change Community Legal Clinic v Ontario. This case…
December 7, 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…
November 11, 2023

CCLA intervenes in Wright v Yukon 

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

CCLA Intervenes in Kingston Encampment Evictions

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

CCLA Reaction to Bill 137

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

CCLA Intervenes in Mathur Case

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

CCLA Reacts in Saskatchewan

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

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

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

CCLA Reacts to New Brunswick Premier

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

CCLA Granted Intervenor Status in Saskatchewan

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

CCLA Files Suit Against New Brunswick Government on Policy 713

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

CCLA reacts to latest revisions to New Brunswick Policy 713

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

CCLA: SK Policy Violates Rights of Students

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

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

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

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

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

CCLA: New Brunswick Policy 713, Unlawful, Unconstitutional

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

CCLA Reacts to SCC Decision on Safe Third Country Agreement

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

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

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

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

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

NCCM and CCLA Litigating Prayer Ban

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SLAPPs, Speech, and Standing Up for Equality

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

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

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

CCLA Reacts to Quebec Directive on Prayer Spaces in Public Schools

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

CCLA Reacts to R v McColman Decision

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

Court agrees with CCLA that police background checks require oversight

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

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

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

Huge Victory Against Racial Profiling in Quebec Superior Court

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

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

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

Huge Victory Against Racial Profiling: Decision from Quebec Superior Court

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

CCLA at Supreme Court in Safe Third Countries Agreement Case

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

CCLA at Supreme Court over Safe Third Country Agreement

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

CCLA and LEAF Urge Repeal of Discriminatory Newmarket By-Law

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

Human Rights Tribunal Finds Police DNA Sweep was Discriminatory

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

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

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

CCLA Intervening in Challenge to Sex Work Laws

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

CCLA argues against expanded police detention powers at Supreme Court

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

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

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

CCLA Appoints New Director, Equality Program

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

CCLA Demands Immediate Repeal of Regulations Limiting Abortion Access in NB

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

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

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

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

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

Racial Profiling on Trial: an Update from the Frontlines

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

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

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

CCLA Welcomes Decision Promoting Access to Justice

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

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

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

Trial Begins in Major Constitutional Challenge Targeting Racial Profiling

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is a critical moment.
February 24, 2022

Quebec Organizations Join the Call for Federal Criminal Record Reform

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

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

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

Know Your Rights Guide: Racial Profiling and Police Stops

Learn more about your rights.
December 17, 2021

CCLA Launches Latest Tool to Combat Carding & Racial Profiling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offensive Comedy ≠ Discrimination

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

CCLA Intervenes in Court Challenge Against Racial Profiling

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

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

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

Massage Parlours in Newmarket

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

CCLA Wins First Round of Abortion Challenge In New Brunswick

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

City of Toronto Progress Reports on Homeless Shelters

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

CCLA’s Submissions on Bill 251

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

CCLA Files For Public Interest Standing In New Brunswick Abortion Lawsuit

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

CCLA Remarks on Bill 21 Judgment by the Quebec Superior Court

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

Statement on Anti-Asian Racism

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

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

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

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

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

CCLA and Partners Notch New Legal Win in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay’s Medical Officer of Health has rescinded her February 8th Class Order targeting individuals…
March 12, 2021
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

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

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

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

CCLA Partners on Report Urging Toronto to Detask Police

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

Whose Religious Symbols Can Shine???

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

CBSA Oversight and Ebrahim Toure

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

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

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

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

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

Métis Rights Matter

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

CCLA Memorandum to Ministers Responsible for Human Rights

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

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

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

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

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

CCLA on Mi’kmaq Fishers

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

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

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

CCLA Will Sue New Brunswick Over Abortion Restrictions

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

CCLA Wins Fight for Homeless Against City

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

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

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

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

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

City breached agreement to protect homeless

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

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

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

Ontario Government Revokes Emergency Order

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

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

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

Coalition Calls on Government to Release COVID Information on Ontario Jails

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

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

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

Contact Tracing App in Canada: To Download or Not

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

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

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

“Immunity Passports”: a New Journey to Inequality

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

CCLA and Coalition Partners Help Toronto’s Homeless Population

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

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

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

Children and Parents Belong Together, Especially During a Pandemic

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

CCLA Defends Toronto’s Homeless Population

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

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

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

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

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

CCLA to Attorney General: Concerns About Carding Under Emergency Order

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

Carding in a Pandemic

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

CCLA’s Urgent COVID Response for Toronto Homeless Population

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

2020 Quebec Superior Court

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

Seeking to Appeal Interim Decision on Bill 21

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

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

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

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

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

CCLA In Court: Freedom of Religion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Do Justin Trudeau and Stephen Harper Have in Common?

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

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

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

Letter to Prime Minister Regarding Refugee Measures in Budget Bill

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

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

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

End to Solitary Confinement as We Know It

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

Sex Ed Legal Challenge Continues

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

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

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

We Demand Equal Status for Women in The Indian Act

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

This Public Consultation on Sex Ed is Keeping a Lot Secret

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

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

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

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

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

CCLA Wins Important Battle Against Feds On Solitary Confinement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March For Our Education

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

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

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

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

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

Federal Court Overturns Abdoul Abdi Deportation

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

Smart Sex-Ed

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

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

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

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

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

LGBTQ+ and Gender Equality Triumph: TWU v LSUC

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

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

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

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

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

Keep Your Promise On Solitary Confinement, Groups Tell Ottawa

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

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

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

CCLA Writes An Open Letter To Minister Of Immigration…

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

CCLA Court Challenge To Solitary Confinement: The Next Step

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

Legal Fight Against Solitary Confinement Continues

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

State Responsible to Stop Deportation and Grant Citizenship Of Abdoul Abdi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CCLA in The Supreme Court: Freedom of Religion

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

Quebec Bill 62 Infringes on Freedom of Religion and Equality

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

UN Review Should Urge Canada to Reform Immigration Detention System

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

CCLA Announcement: Coalition Calls for Implementation of Loku Inquest Recommendations

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

CCLA Segregation Challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hamilton Approves Cutting-Edge Trans Rights Protocol

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

Statement on Release of New U.S. Travel Restrictions

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

Canada Has Its Own Legacy of Racist Policies to Confront

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

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

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

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

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

No More Delay: Time To Protect Trans Rights

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

Ontario Must Curtail Segregation In Provincial Jails

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

Loku Inquest Must Address Bias In Policing

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

2011 Saskatchewan Court Of Appeal Win

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