Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse – Montreal, QC

Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ)

Organization Overview

The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission) is an independent body established in 1976 under the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. It serves as a crucial pillar of the justice system in Quebec, ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights and the rights of children. The Commission’s mandate was significantly expanded in 1995 when it merged with the Commission de protection des droits de la jeunesse, unifying the oversight of human rights and youth protection under one entity. It operates independently of the government to serve the public interest, handling thousands of inquiries and complaints annually regarding discrimination, harassment, and exploitation.

Core Services and Mandates

• Human Rights Complaints & Investigations: The Commission receives and investigates complaints from individuals who believe they have been victims of discrimination or harassment based on grounds prohibited by the Charter (such as race, gender, disability, religion, or age). This includes investigations into the exploitation of elderly or disabled persons.
• Youth Protection: Under the Youth Protection Act and the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the Commission ensures that the rights of children and youth are respected. It investigates situations where a child’s rights may have been infringed upon by youth centers, social services, or other bodies.
• Legal Representation & Mediation: If an investigation confirms a violation and a settlement cannot be reached, the Commission may represent the victim before the Human Rights Tribunal (Tribunal des droits de la personne) at no cost to the complainant. It also offers mediation services to resolve disputes amicably without litigation.
• Employment Equity: The Commission oversees the application of the Act respecting equal access to employment in public bodies, working with organizations to eliminate systemic barriers faced by women, Indigenous peoples, and visible minorities.

Procedure and Accessibility

Accessing the Commission’s services is free of charge. The complaint process begins with an intake and evaluation phase to determine admissibility. If accepted, the file moves to investigation or mediation. The Commission operates with strict confidentiality and impartiality. While walk-ins are possible for general information, appointments are strongly recommended for filing formal complaints to ensure the availability of an intake officer. The Montreal head office provides services in both French and English and is fully accessible to persons with reduced mobility.