Best Civil Rights Lawyers in Canada

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Crangle Law Firm
Toronto, Canada

Founded in 2019
English
Crangle Law Firm, located in downtown Toronto, specializes in civil litigation and employment law, offering comprehensive legal services to clients across Canada and internationally. The firm handles a wide range of cases, including business disputes, contract issues, debt collection, insurance...
Stabit Advocates
Vancouver, Canada

Founded in 2000
173 people in their team
French
English
Stabit Advocates LLP (https://www.stabitadvocates.com) is one of the top law firms in the world and stands as a beacon of legal excellence, recognized as one of the top law firms in East Africa, Africa and Globally with over 75 practice areas. Our firm is synonymous with top-tier legal expertise,...
Gerrand Rath Johnson LLP
Regina, Canada

Founded in 1997
English
Gerrand Rath Johnson LLP, with origins dating back over a century, has established itself as a cornerstone of the Saskatchewan legal community. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of legal services, encompassing corporate and commercial law, labour law, insurance, criminal defense, and family...
Bluewave Law
Calgary, Canada

Founded in 2021
5 people in their team
English
Bluewave Law is a Calgary based employment and immigration law firm led by founder Jen Kirk. Since its founding in 2021, the firm has pursued a transformative approach to legal services, delivering practical solutions in employment matters, business immigration and governance to help organizations...
Taylor McCaffrey LLP
Winnipeg, Canada

Founded in 1979
English
Taylor McCaffrey LLP, headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a full-service law firm renowned for its comprehensive legal expertise across over 80 practice areas and 18 industries. The firm's team of more than 55 lawyers offers specialized services in areas such as Advocacy, Litigation & Dispute...

English
George Kyriazakos, GK Law Firm Professional Corporation, is a full-service law firm with offices in Windsor, Ontario, and Lansing, Michigan. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including real estate law, criminal and traffic offenses, civil litigation, corporate law, wills and...
Prince Albert, Canada

Founded in 2015
English
Established in 2015, Lavoie Stonechild Law Office has been serving Prince Albert and the surrounding areas with a comprehensive range of legal services. The firm specializes in multiple disciplines, including civil litigation, business and corporate law, Aboriginal law, residential and commercial...
Whitby, Canada

English
Brown Law Office, based in Whitby, Ontario, specializes in personal injury law, offering comprehensive legal services to clients across Canada. The firm's areas of expertise include asbestos-related cases, motor vehicle accidents, slips and falls, disability claims, property losses, insurance...

Founded in 2018
English
Vig Law Professional Corporation, located in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, offers comprehensive legal services to individuals and corporations across Ontario. The firm specializes in real estate law, including property transactions, financing, construction, and commercial leasing, as well...

Founded in 1970
English
The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), established in 1970, is one of Canada's oldest advocates for environmental protection. As a non-profit legal aid clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario, CELA specializes in providing free legal services related to environmental justice in Ontario. The...
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About Civil Rights Law in Canada

In Canada, civil rights are protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, part of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Charter guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly, and association; equality rights; and legal rights. These laws are designed to protect individuals against discrimination and to ensure that everyone in Canada is treated with fairness and respect.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several situations where you might require the assistance of a lawyer specialized in civil rights. These include experiencing discrimination in the workplace, facing police misconduct, dealing with issues related to freedom of expression, or encountering violations of your privacy. A civil rights lawyer can provide legal advice, help file a claim or complaint, and represent you in court if necessary.

Local Laws Overview

Canadian civil rights law is guided primarily by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Key legal protections include:

  • Section 2: Fundamental Freedoms such as freedom of expression, religion, and peaceful assembly.
  • Section 7: Legal Rights ensuring life, liberty, and security of the person.
  • Section 15: Equality Rights, prohibiting discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability.

Beyond the Charter, provinces and territories have their own human rights laws that provide additional protections against discrimination, often in employment, housing, and public services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are civil rights?

Civil rights are the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and to be free from unfair treatment or discrimination, in a number of settings including employment, education, housing, and more.

How does the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protect me?

The Charter protects citizens from actions by the government that infringe on their freedoms and rights. It provides a legal framework to challenge such actions in court.

Can provinces have different civil rights laws?

Yes, each province and territory in Canada can have additional human rights legislation that offers protections at the local level, complementing the federal Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

What should I do if I experience discrimination?

Firstly, document the incidents and gather evidence. Then you can approach provincial human rights commissions to file a complaint, or seek legal counsel for further action.

Can I file a civil rights complaint myself?

Yes, you can file a complaint with human rights commissions, but it might be helpful to consult with a lawyer to understand the best approach for your situation.

What is the role of a civil rights lawyer?

A civil rights lawyer provides legal advice on rights violations, represents clients in court, and works to resolve disputes related to discrimination and other civil rights issues.

How long does a civil rights case take?

The duration of a civil rights case can vary widely, depending on its complexity, the willingness of parties to settle, and court schedules.

Are there any costs involved in filing a civil rights case?

Yes, there may be legal fees and other costs involved, but many lawyers offer initial consultations to discuss these aspects before proceeding.

Can non-citizens claim civil rights in Canada?

Yes, many rights under the Charter are available to everyone in Canada, not just citizens, although some rights are specific to citizens.

How is privacy considered under civil rights law?

Privacy is considered a fundamental right, and the law protects individuals' personal information from being misused by others, including state entities.

Additional Resources

There are various resources that can provide further assistance and information on civil rights in Canada:

  • Canadian Human Rights Commission
  • Provincial and Territorial Human Rights Commissions
  • Legal Aid services in your province or territory
  • Justice Canada - Department of Justice resources

Next Steps

If you believe your civil rights have been violated and need legal assistance, consider taking the following steps:

  • Document all relevant information and evidence related to your case.
  • Consult with a civil rights lawyer for an initial assessment. Many offer free initial consultations.
  • Contact your local human rights commission for advice and potential mediation services.
  • Consider joining a relevant advocacy group that can offer support and additional resources.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Canada through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Civil Rights, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.