Introduction 1. The Government of Canada values the important work that the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on minority issues has carried out in the undertaking of her mandate. The Government of Canada acknowledges that her report to the Human Rights Council relating to minority issues contains helpful elements to consider regarding the situation of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities in Canada. 2. As a multicultural society, Canada views diversity as a strength and a source of national identity and pride. Canada recognizes that there is more work to be done to foster social inclusion for all members of Canadian society. Although minorities continue to face barriers to equality, Canada has a strong legal and policy framework to combat discrimination. This framework includes prohibitions on discrimination in the Canadian Constitution, federal, provincial and territorial human rights statutes, and other legislation, as well as policies, programs and services at the federal, provincial and territorial levels. 3. Canada is pleased to submit its response to the Special Rapporteur outlining key initiatives undertaken to improve the situation of minorities in Canada. The response focuses on selected issues where there have been significant new developments and where information has not already been provided in reports under the human rights treaties to which Canada is a party. Reference will be made where detailed information is available in other reports. Implementation 4. Canada takes a cooperative approach to implementing its international human rights obligations. These obligations are shared across federal, provincial and territorial governments in Canada, which have established permanent mechanisms for ongoing consultation and cooperation. 5. Canada’s international human rights obligations are implemented through a large body of laws, regulations, policies and programs at the federal, provincial and territorial levels of government. Governments take into account the particular conditions of their regions when determining appropriate modes of implementation. 6. The Continuing Committee of Officials on Human Rights (CCOHR) is a key consultation mechanism on Canada’s international human rights obligations. Comprised of representatives from the federal, provincial and territorial governments, the CCOHR regularly discusses recommendations from UN treaty bodies. 7. Other federal, provincial and territorial committees deal with a variety of issues related to human rights, including justice, corrections, health, and status of women. Within governments, interdepartmental committees and working groups have been created to focus on specific UN human rights treaties and issues. 1