Thank you, Mr. Chair.
To continue:
Second, every Canadian has access to the Human Rights Commission (toll free 1-800-999-6899). The Commission has wide powers to investigate complaints and to direct that corrective action be taken when it finds that there has been discrimination by any federal institution on grounds of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or disability. Third, anyone who believes that his or her official language rights are being violated by any federal institution may contact the Official Languages Commission.
Again, there's an 800 number, which he provides.
If the individual wants to lodge a formal complaint, there is a procedure in place at no financial cost to the complainant. The Commissioner may then launch a formal investigation, again without cost to the complainant. If the Commissioner finds in favour of the complainant, the offending institution is expected to take prompt corrective action. On those rare occasions when the offending institution declines to take action, the Commissioner has the power, under Section 78 of the Official Languages Act, to “apply to the Court for a remedy”. Once again, the costs of that Court action are borne by the Commissioner, not the complainant. In addition, there are at least two other Acts of Parliament designated to protect the rights of individuals. They are: The Privacy Act—which provides citizens with the right to access personal information about themselves held by the government, as well as to the protection of that information against unauthorized use and disclosure; and, The Access to Information Act, which gives Canadian citizens the right to obtain information about government programs and decisions. Finally, as an added source of expertise it might be worthwhile for law faculties in our country's universities to consider offering pro-bono advice to deserving citizens searching for justice. In addition to performing a valuable public service, faculty and senior students would undoubtedly benefit from the experience. It is understandable that some members of the legal profession are reluctant to see the end of the Court Challenges Program, which has undoubtedly been a lucrative source of income, but the taxpayers of Canada are just as understandably a little tired of paying for the unneeded and redundant services whatever their source.
Mr. Quigley reported to me as recently as this morning that in response to this letter he has received nothing but positive comment. He has yet to receive a negative comment by telephone.
I thought this exchange, having occurred at the very beginning of these hearings, would be of value.
We have Mr. Bélanger's perspective, which is absolutely respected. Interestingly, Mr. Quigley, with whom Mr. Bélanger worked, and Mr. Bélanger both put their own personal financial resources on the line, and he came to a significantly different conclusion than Mr. Bélanger did.
I appreciate having the opportunity to put Mr. Quigley's thoughts on the record.