What The Human Rights Commission Told Me
About The Voting System
I wrote the Canadian Human Rights Commission about How to End Classism.
Yesterday, they replied, and so did I:
“Canadian Human Rights Commission I2302675
COMPLAINT / PLAINTE (CHRC/CCDP) <complaint.plainte@chrc-ccdp.gc.ca>
16 May 2024, 15:07 (23 hours ago)
PROTECTED
Inquiry number: I2302675
Adam Golding,
This is further to your correspondence of September 9, 2023, to the Canadian Human Rights Commission (the Commission), about the voting system in Canada and “classism.” We apologize for the delay in responding - we are currently experiencing an increase in new inquiries and, as a result, are experiencing delays in processing.
The Canadian Human Rights Commission was established under the Canadian Human Rights Act (the Act) to address allegations of discrimination by federally regulated employers, unions and service providers. You can find an explanation of the Commission’s mandate on our website: https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/en.
In order for the Commission to accept a complaint, there must be a direct link between an alleged discriminatory act and one or more of the grounds of discrimination in the Act. The grounds of discrimination are as follows: race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic characteristics and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered. Please note that “class” is not a prohibited ground under our Act.
The Act is very specific and as such, does not extend to every situation where a person believes that he or she has been aggrieved. The Act stipulates that a complainant must show real and probable grounds for believing that a discriminatory act has taken place and in doing so, must also show grounds that a correlation exists between the discriminatory practice and a ground of discrimination. A person may receive unfair treatment, but if it is not related to a ground of discrimination, as listed under the Canadian Human Rights Act, it would not constitute discrimination.
We have carefully reviewed your correspondence, and it does not appear that the matters you raise fall within the mandate of the Commission. You may wish to contact your Member of Parliament, who may be in a better position to bring your concerns to Parliament about this issue. It must also be noted that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is not within the Canadian Human Rights Commission’s jurisdiction. Anyone who believes their rights or freedoms, as guaranteed by the Charter, have been violated or denied may apply to the court to have their case heard.
Should you have any questions on the information provided please reply to this email.
Sincerely,
Complaints Services
Canadian Human Rights Commission
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Adam Golding <adamgolding@gmail.com>
16 May 2024, 17:35 (21 hours ago)
to COMPLAINT
How is 'direct link' defined?”