Canadian Civil Liberties Association

06/12/2026

A recent Ontario court decision recognizing homelessness as an analogous ground of discrimination under the Charter has sparked debate about the role of the courts in advancing equality rights. In this article, Harini Sivalingam argues that the ruling is not an example of judicial activism, but rather a reflection of the Charter‘s purpose: protecting those who face systemic disadvantage and exclusion. Recognizing the realities faced by unhoused people is an essential step toward ensuring that constitutional equality rights extend to those who need them most.

You can find a link to the article here.

Open-ended powers and social media ban for children under 16 in Bill C-34, the Social Media Safety Act, threaten civil liberties.

06/12/2026

On Wednesday, the federal government introduced Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, with the stated goal of making the online activities of Canadians safer. The bill raises significant civil liberties concerns, including through the limitless powers it grants the government and a new digital safety regulator.

Read more here.

Open-ended powers and social media ban for children under 16 in Bill C-34, the Social Media Safety Act, threaten civil liberties.

06/12/2026

CCLA has filed its intervention factum in Saskatchewan v. UR Pride Centre for Sexuality and Gender Diversity – the first Supreme Court of Canada case to directly address anti-trans legislation in Canada’s history.

Read more here.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) has filed its intervention factum in Saskatchewan v. UR Pride Centre for Sexuality and Gender Diversity – the first Supreme Court of Canada case to directly address anti-trans legislation in Canada's history.

06/09/2026

CCLA will be intervening in the case of Irvine et al v University of British Columbia to support that universities remain spaces where critical thinking, respect for diverse perspectives, and robust public debate can continue to flourish.

Read more here.

While federal political parties resist any form of privacy protection, a new poll finds Canadians do not trust them to protect their data.

06/04/2026

CCLA joins other members of the National Employment Equity Council in calling on the Government of Canada to strengthen the newly established Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion by ensuring meaningful Black representation and explicitly recognizing anti-Black racism within its mandate.

Read more here.
https://ccla.org/press-release/ccla-endorses-calls-for-black-representation-and-explicit-recognition-of-anti-black-racism-on-new-advisory-council

06/02/2026

June is the start of Pride season across Canada! The CCLA celebrates the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across Canada whose legacy of activism, courage, and resilience has shaped what equality looks like in this country. Progress is visible not only in our legal and cultural landscape, but in the lives of millions of Canadians who live more freely today than a generation ago. Despite this progress, there is still much work that lies ahead, and the CCLA remains steadfastly committed to that fight. Happy Pride Month to all!

05/25/2026

CCLA welcomes the Ontario Superior Court of Justice landmark decision affirming that unhoused people are entitled to full constitutional protection under the Charter and that governments must apply a human rights-based approach in responding to homeless encampments.

While federal political parties resist any form of privacy protection, a new poll finds Canadians do not trust them to protect their data.

05/25/2026

Each year, the Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust (CCLET) presents a nation-wide high school essay/video contest to commemorate the work of Bernard Chernos, a dedicated civil libertarian, lawyer and lover of lively debate. The Bernard Chernos Contest makes a great ready-made assignment for a wide range of social studies courses, and winners will receive cash prizes of up to $750!

A link to submit entries, and more information about the contest, can be found here: https://cclet.org/contests.

The deadline to enter is May 25nd, 2026 @ 11:59PM EST – we look forward to receiving your entries!

05/21/2026

Yesterday, Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, Director of our Fundamental Freedoms program, testified on Bill C-9 before the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights. The CCLA explained that some of the new criminal offenses introduced through Bill C-9 could criminalize peaceful protesters, stifle dissent, and disproportionately target the very communities the bill claims to protect.

05/20/2026

We hope you will join us for this panel featuring CCLA's Fundamental Freedoms Program Director, Anaïs Bussières McNicoll!