Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse
Encyclopedia
The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission, abbreviated to CDPDJ) is a government agency
created by the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
in 1975.
The current name and responsibilities of the Commission result from the merging in 1995 of the mandates of the Commission des droits de la personne and the Commission de protection des droits de la jeunesse.
In addition, it has the mandate to ensure the promotion and the protection of the rights of children recognized by the Youth Protection Act and the Youth Criminal Justice Act
.
Government agency
A government or state agency is a permanent or semi-permanent organization in the machinery of government that is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions, such as an intelligence agency. There is a notable variety of agency types...
created by the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
The Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms is a statutory bill of rights and human rights code passed by the National Assembly of Quebec on June 27, 1975...
in 1975.
The current name and responsibilities of the Commission result from the merging in 1995 of the mandates of the Commission des droits de la personne and the Commission de protection des droits de la jeunesse.
Mandate
The Commission is responsible for promoting and upholding the principles of the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms by any appropriate measures, including investigating into possible cases of discrimination and the introduction of litigation.In addition, it has the mandate to ensure the promotion and the protection of the rights of children recognized by the Youth Protection Act and the Youth Criminal Justice Act
Youth Criminal Justice Act
Canada's Youth Criminal Justice Act is a Canadian statute, which came into effect on April 1, 2003. It covers the prosecution of youths for criminal offences...
.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Commission include, without being limited to, the following:- make a non-adversary investigation, in accordance with the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, into any situation, which appears to the Commission to be either a case of discrimination, harassment or a violation of the right of aged or handicapped persons against exploitation;
- upon an application or of its own motion, pursuant to the Youth Protection Act shall investigate any situation where it has reason to believe that the rights of a child or of a group of children have been encroached upon by persons, establishments or bodies, unless the Court is already seized of it;
- to develop and conduct a program of public information and education relating to human rights and freedoms or to the protection of young persons' rights;
- to point out any provision in the laws of Québec that may be contrary to this Charter and make the appropriate recommendations to the Government;
- to direct and encourage research and publications relating to fundamental rights and freedoms or to the rights of children;
- to make recommendations, in particular to the Minister of Health and Social Services, the Minister of Education and the Minister of Justice concerning the rights of children;
- to receive and examine suggestions, recommendations and requests made to it concerning human rights and freedoms, possibly by inviting any interested person or body of persons to present his or its views before the Commission where it believes that the interest of the public or of a body of persons so requires, with a view to making the appropriate recommendations to the Government;
- to elaborate and implement affirmative actions programs;
- to cooperate with any organization, dedicated to the promotion of human rights and freedoms in or outside Québec.
See also
- Politics of QuebecPolitics of QuebecThe politics of Quebec are centred on a provincial government resembling that of the other Canadian provinces, namely a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. The capital of the province is Quebec City, where the Lieutenant Governor, Premier, the legislature, and cabinet reside.The...
- Human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
- Human rights commissionHuman rights commissionA Human Rights Commission is a body set up to investigate, promote or protect human rights.The term may refer to international, national or subnational bodies set up for this purpose, such as national human rights institutions or truth and reconciliation commissions.-International Human Rights...
- Youth rightsYouth rightsYouth rights refers to a set of philosophies intended to enhance civil rights for young people. They are a response to the oppression of young people, with advocates challenging ephebiphobia, adultism and ageism through youth participation, youth/adult partnerships, and promoting, ultimately,...