Looks like the Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is worried about keeping their jobs. Ezra Levant has the story about a brochure for immigrants produced by the AHRC which gives examples of “discrimination” which are really just hurt feelings. As Ezra points out, this is just propaganda using completely fabricated examples to drum up business.

When I moved to Canada, I received a booklet call “A Newcomer’s Introduction to Canada” which included information about what to expect in Canada. It includes this bit about discrimination:

Discrimination

There are laws to protect workers from discrimination. For example, an employer must hire employees on the basis of their qualifications. Employers cannot refuse to hire you because they don’t like your skin colour or your religion. This is discrimination. It is also discrimination if you are refused a job because of your age, sex, marital status, disability or sexual orientation.

See anything about hurt feelings? Nope. (Read more of the booklet. It’s quite funny in parts. Did you know Canadians might get mad if you budge in front of them in a line?)

Here’s another important part for immigrants:

Personal rights and freedoms

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms describes the basic principles and values by which Canadians live. The Charter is part of Canada’s Constitution. The Charter protects you from the moment you arrive on Canadian soil. It gives everyone in Canada the following fundamental rights and freedoms:

  • the right to life, liberty and personal security;
  • freedom of conscience and religion;
  • freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
  • freedom to hold peaceful meetings;
  • freedom to join groups;
  • the right to live and work anywhere in Canada;
  • protection from unreasonable search or seizure and arbitrary detainment and imprisonment;
  • the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty;
  • the right to have a lawyer;
  • the right to a fair trial, through due process of law; and
  • the right to equal protection and benefit under the law, without discrimination.

Emphasis is mine. Hmmm … apparently Canadian citizens and residents have the right to free expression. I don’t see anything about a right to not be offended. Or a right to not have your feelings hurt. I’ve been insulted by anti-American comments and fat jokes but I’m not suing anyone. I don’t have that right. Maybe the Human Rights Commissions across Canada should be given copies of the booklet so that they can refresh their memories about rights in a free society.