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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.

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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

EQUALITYPolice Powers, Use of Force & Police Accountability
May 21, 2025

CCLA Sends Letter to Ontario Government: Do Not Pass Bill 6

On May 16th, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association sent a letter to the Ontario Premier and other members of government urging them not to pass Bill 6, the Safer Municipalities…
CCLA
Love0
CRIMINAL JUSTICEFair Trial, Due Process & Sentencing
May 21, 2025

CCLA Intervening Before Supreme Court to Ensure Legal Distinction Between Aiding Suicide and Murder Upheld

The CCLA has been granted leave to intervene before the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. B.F and will appear before the Court on May 22, 2025. This appeal…
Shakir Rahim
Love27
Arbitrary DetentionCRIMINAL JUSTICEPolice Powers, Use of Force & Police Accountability
May 21, 2025

CCLA before Supreme Court in Carignan to Ensure Unlawful Arrests Can be Challenged Under the Charter

The CCLA appeared before the Supreme Court today in R. v. Carignan. The CCLA submitted that under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, an accused person should be able to challenge the…
Shakir Rahim
Love11
Freedom of ExpressionFUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMSRight to Protest
May 20, 2025

CCLA on Toronto’s Proposed Bubble Zone Bylaw

TORONTO — On May 16, 2025, CCLA and the Centre for Free Expression sent a letter to Toronto City Councillors urging them to vote against a proposed bubble zone bylaw…
Anaïs Bussières McNicoll
Love27

Live Updates

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

VIEW ALL LATEST UPDATES

In The News

CRIMINAL JUSTICEIN THE NEWSRight to Reasonable Bail
January 30, 2024

CTV News: More than 80% of inmates in Ontario jails last year were legally innocent, awaiting trial: data

“We at CCLA, like others, we care about public safety,” Rahim said."We just want to think about what we can do within our bail system to have it run effectively.”…
CCLA
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Emergencies ActFreedom of AssociationFreedom of ExpressionIN THE NEWS
January 23, 2024

CBC News: Ottawa’s use of Emergencies Act against convoy protests was unreasonable, violated Charter, court rules

Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, executive director of the CCLA, said their win sets a clear and critical precedent for future governments. "Emergency is not in the eye of the beholder. Emergency…
CCLA
Love12
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
Love14
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
Love19

Other Ways To Help

Calling All Activists - Help Us Protect Your Rights.

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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

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