Medical Assistance in Dying is intended to allow people the ability to die with dignity when science and medicine can offer no better alternative to alleviate unbearable suffering. Leaving people to make this choice because the state is failing to fulfill their fundamental human rights is unacceptable.

Today, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) announce that they have reached an agreement to settle a complaint before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal about the accommodation of persons with disabilities. The settlement reflects the parties' mutual interest in ensuring that there are robust measures in place for accommodation of ESDC employees.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission is deeply concerned by numerous reports of sexual coercion and violence in federal prisons. People continue to be victims of sexual assault while under the care and custody of the state, and the Correctional Service of Canada and correctional staff are not doing enough to address the issue.

Throughout 2021, the pandemic continued to influence almost every aspect of our daily lives. This health crisis, economic crisis and human rights crisis has touched everyone — it is affecting all of us in some way.

Speaking Notes for Marie-Claude Landry, Ad. E., Chief Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission

The Canadian Human Rights Commission congratulates Mr. Matson on this important decision. We applaud his perseverance in combatting discrimination for over a decade as his case wound its way through national and international human rights justice systems.

Today, as we mark the start of Black History Month, we honour Black Canadians who have helped build the Canada we know today.