Just on the issue of having a minister, I think you said it precisely: you may need a minister, but the person has to be effective. I would also add that there have to be mechanisms. A ministry itself is not a mechanism. If someone wants to claim their rights, they must have a place to go to, and it's not going to be to a ministry.
Things have to be happening simultaneously. I think that having a minister would be a huge step, because it is important to be able to say that at least I know this person is responsible. I also think it's a little symbolic, too, as it would say something about Canada if we had a minister responsible for human rights in the country and overseeing those rights.
I would definitely emphasize, however, that there must be a whole bunch of strategies happening at the same time.