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Women gained the right to vote in Canada through a staggered process. Manitoba was the first province to grant women voting rights in January 1916, followed by Saskatchewan and Alberta. Federally, women were granted the right to vote on May 24, 1918, though many racialized and Indigenous women were excluded until later. Quebec was the last province to grant women voting rights in 1940 -
The Persons Case (Edwards v. Canada) was a landmark decision by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. It ruled that women were "persons" under the British North America Act and could be appointed to the Senate. The case was brought forward by the Famous Five, a group of Alberta women activists. It marked a major victory for women's rights in Canada -
The 1951 amendments to the Indian Act removed some of its most oppressive features. These changes allowed Indigenous people to practice cultural ceremonies like the potlatch and engage in political organizing. However, the Act still maintained federal control over many aspects of Indigenous life. It marked a shift toward modernization but not full autonomy -
Before 1960, Indigenous people could only vote federally if they renounced their Indian status. On March 31, 1960, the federal government granted status First Nations people the right to vote without losing their status. This was a major milestone in Indigenous civil rights. However, barriers to full participation persisted for years -
Introduced by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, the Canadian Bill of Rights was the first federal law to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. It applied only to federal laws and was limited in scope. While groundbreaking at the time, it lacked constitutional authority and was later overshadowed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It remains in effect today but is rarely used -
Ontario enacted the first human rights code in Canada, consolidating various anti-discrimination laws. It prohibited discrimination in employment, housing, and services based on race, religion, gender, and other grounds. The Code was a model for other provinces and helped establish the Ontario Human Rights Commission. It remains a cornerstone of provincial human rights law -
Established by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, the Commission investigated gender inequality in Canada. Chaired by Florence Bird, it held hearings across the country and received over 900 submissions. Its 1970 report made 167 recommendations, including equal pay and maternity leave. It was a catalyst for feminist policy reforms
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Canada introduced a points-based immigration system in 1967, eliminating racial and national biases. Applicants were assessed on education, skills, and language ability rather than country of origin. This reform opened the door to more diverse immigration. It laid the foundation for Canada's modern multicultural policy -
The Act prohibits discrimination in federally regulated sectors based on race, gender, disability, and other grounds. It established the Canadian Human Rights Commission to investigate complaints. The Act was a major step toward national equality standards. It complements provincial human rights codes and the Charter -
This Act made English and French the official languages of Canada. It required federal institutions to provide services in both languages and created the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages. The law was a response to growing demands for linguistic equality, especially from Quebec. It reinforced bilingualism as a national value -
Part of the Constitution Act, 1982, the Charter guarantees fundamental freedoms, legal rights, and equality. It applies to all levels of government and has reshaped Canadian law and society. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau championed its inclusion. It is considered one of Canada's most important legal documents -
This Supreme Court case struck down the Lord’s Day Act, which mandated Sunday closures, as unconstitutional. The Court ruled that the law violated freedom of religion under the Charter. It was the first major Charter case and set a precedent for interpreting rights. It emphasized the importance of legislative purpose in constitutional analysis -
This case established the "Oakes Test" for determining whether a law that limits Charter rights can be justified. The Supreme Court ruled that reverse-onus provisions in drug laws violated the presumption of innocence. The Oakes Test is now used in virtually all Charter challenges. It balances individual rights against societal interests -
In R. v. Morgentaler, the Supreme Court struck down Canada's abortion law as unconstitutional. The Court found it violated women's rights to security of the person under the Charter. Since then, abortion has been legal and regulated as a medical procedure. Canada has no criminal law restricting abortion, making it unique globally -
This Act requires federally regulated employers to promote workplace equity for women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities. It mandates proactive measures to eliminate barriers. Employers must develop equity plans and report progress. The law aims to create fairer employment opportunities -
This Supreme Court case clarified the nature of Aboriginal title in Canada. It ruled that Indigenous oral histories are valid evidence and that Aboriginal title includes the right to use land for various purposes. The decision strengthened Indigenous land claims. It remains a cornerstone of Aboriginal law -
Delwin Vriend was fired for being gay and denied protection under Alberta’s human rights law. The Supreme Court ruled that excluding sexual orientation violated the Charter’s equality rights. The Court "read in" sexual orientation as a protected ground. This case was pivotal for LGBTQ+ rights in Canada -
Donald Marshall Jr., a Mi'kmaq man, was charged with fishing and selling eels without a license, using illegal nets, and fishing during closed seasons. He argued his actions were protected by 18th century treaties between the British Crown and the Mi'kmaq, which guaranteed the right to hunt, fish, and trade for "necessaries". The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Marshall’s treaty rights allowed him to catch and sell fish without a license, for sustenance only, not large-scale commercial gain. -
Canada legalized same-sex marriage nationwide with the Civil Marriage Act. It was the fourth country in the world to do so. The law followed court rulings in several provinces declaring bans unconstitutional. It marked a major milestone in LGBTQ+ equality
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The TRC was established to document the history and legacy of residential schools. It collected testimony from thousands of survivors and issued 94 Calls to Action. Its final report emphasized the need for reconciliation and systemic change. The TRC’s work continues to shape Indigenous policy and education