Human Rights and Social Justice

At CIJA, we believe in the foundational democratic freedoms and values of Canadian society.
We are committed to working with government and all like-minded groups to ensure that Canada remains a country where all citizens – irrespective of gender, race or creed – enjoy equal protections
and opportunities.
Throughout its history, Canada’s Jewish community has been a proud advocate for social justice and human rights, rooted in Jewish tradition, ethics, and values.
The role of Jewish Canadians in the birth of Canada’s labour movement and the community’s ongoing efforts to advance social progress embody a commitment to real and positive change.
Together, we can improve the lives of all who call Canada home.
Anti-Discrimination
Support Black Communities
Listening is important, but it must be paired with action.
CIJA welcomes Supreme Court of Canada ruling to uphold the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act
CIJA) welcomes the ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada to uphold the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act. This is a victory for all Canadians, ensuring greater protection of their genetic information.

Conversation with the Federation of Black Canadians
Help Prevent Genetic Discrimination in Ontario
As a community, we have worked hard to guarantee that genetic testing will not lead to denial of insurance or employment. In 2017, we successfully urged the federal government to adopt legislation that protects Canadians against genetic discrimination.
We are listening. We are hearing. We are learning.
Antisemitism
Enough is Enough
Now is the time to act!
Policy Brief: The IHRA Definition
Letter to the AG of Sask regarding wile antisemitism
Combating Online Hate

Addressing Rising Antisemitism Online

Let’s make 2021 the year we eliminate online hate in Canada
2020 was challenging. In addition to the horror of disease, the pandemic brought other troubling developments, including a sharp rise in hatred disseminated online. Canadians are clearly immune neither to the pandemic nor to the growing hate it appears to be exacerbating.

Not On My Feed

Canadian Coalition to End Online Hate
Disabilities & inclusion
Letter to House of Commons Standing Committee
Indigenous

Testimony on C-91 to the House of Commons Heritage Committee
CIJA supports Bill C-15
CIJA wrote a letter to Minister Lametti, in support of Bill C-15, an Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that was tabled today in the House of Commons.
CIJA Backs Push to Revitalize Indigenous Languages
A Canadian Jewish advocacy group is pushing the federal government to do more to revitalize dying Indigenous languages, drawing a comparison between the plight of those languages and the revival of Hebrew.
LGBTQ2+
Pride 2020 Reimagined
Although this year might be different, our unwavering commitment remains the same. We are showing up to amplify and celebrate queer and trans Jewish voices, experiences, and identities.
All Blood is Equal
An open-letter to federal decision makers on Canada’s discriminatory blood donation ban.
CIJA’s Letter to Prime Minister Trudeau on Blood Ban Policy
Social Policy
Strengthening Palliative Care in Canada
Everyone deserves compassion and comfort as they approach end-of-life. Sadly, roughly three in four Canadians in this vulnerable stage of life have no access to palliative care. This has the potential to impact every family in Canada.
Make the Canada Caregiver Credit a refundable tax credit
The Canadian Caregiver Credit (CCC) is a non-refundable tax credit available to those caring for a dependent family member with a physical or mental impairment.
Support for Refugees
Support refugees fleeing persecution and genocide
As a community with a history of fleeing persecution, Jewish Canadians have played a significant role in supporting refugees. Through synagogues and agencies such as JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services) Toronto, Jewish Canadians have sponsored many Yazidi, Syrian and other regional refugees through private sponsorships.
A letter to The Minister of Foreign Affairs
We are writing to express our grave concern regarding the systematic persecution of LGBTQ+ people in Tanzania, which is a significant recipient of Canadian aid. We encourage the Government of Canada to continue applying – and increasing – diplomatic pressure against the Government of Tanzania to end this heinous campaign.
Genocide Awareness & Prevention
We will not remain silent in the face of the continuing genocide of the Uyghur people
A classified Chinese government document suggests that there may be up to 1,400 extrajudicial internment facilities in total, excluding prisons, with capacities ranging up to more than 30,000 detainees.
It Starts With Words
Genocide is not simply a topic of the past. There are countless people around the world today who are persecuted and murdered because of who they are: Yezidis in Iraq, LGBTQ2+ people in Chechnya and Iran, and Rohingya in Myanmar. We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that Canada’s refugee system is flexible, responsive, and effective in delivering emergency assistance to such groups.
This is a matter of life and death.