Estimates: 2008-2009 Report on Plans and Priorities of the Canadian Human Rights Commission

SECTION I – OVERVIEW

The Chief Commissioner’s MessageLast year marked a turning point for the Commission as we successfully completed the restructuring of our organization. We are now ready to reach further—to be an even more proactive and influential catalyst for moving forward on human rights issues, both nationally and internationally.To achieve this vision, outreach will be integrated into all aspects of our work. We will strengthen current relationships and forge new partnerships.

Influencing a positive shift in the culture of human rights in Canadian society is dependent upon the cooperation of a large network of organizations and people. Open dialogue, collaboration and shared responsibility among the Commission and our stakeholders are the foundation for sustained progress toward integrating human rights into daily practice. This increased cooperation will serve to further strengthen the interdependence that exists among our partner organizations throughout Canada and around the world.

In turn, our evolving relationships and the resulting increase in public awareness will contribute to the Commission’s ability to inform and influence public debate on key human rights issues of the day. Topical research and policies developed by the Commission will be shared with stakeholders and the public through a variety of communications media. Outreach efforts will also be targeted to support awareness and understanding of specific issues, such as human rights principles in a First Nations context—a timely subject as we anticipate the repeal of section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act by Parliament.

As Chair of the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, the Commission will continue to provide strong leadership by fulfilling its unprecedented role as a key actor at the Human Rights Council; supporting the creation and strengthening of national institutions worldwide; and leading a review of ICC functions, structure, procedures and governance.

We are a values-based organization. We value our people, whose dedication and leadership are paramount for our success. We value all those to whom we provide services. We set the highest standards of performance and accountability and strive daily to model them.

Thus we will continue to look inward, leading by example, and sustaining our organizational culture of respect, integrity, dignity and understanding that supports our role as a dynamic and progressive leader in human rights promotion and practice.

New indicators specified in the Commission’s performance measurement framework will be implemented and our Management Accountability Framework enhanced. Our citizen-focused services will be measured. Ongoing feedback mechanisms will be established. These inputs will be integrated into our continuous improvement planning for all of our business lines: discrimination prevention, knowledge development, dispute resolution; they will also inform our management practices.

I am proud to lead such a committed, high-performing organization as it reaches a new level of maturity. The Commission’s staff and Commissioners embody our values—and their professionalism, expertise and unwavering commitment are the essential qualities that will sustain our new momentum as an innovative leader in promoting the human rights agenda.

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Jennifer Lynch, Q.C.
Chief Commissioner

http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rpp/2008-2009/inst/hrc/hrc01-eng.asp

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