Human Rights Commission crumbles under complaints

In 2018-2019, the organization that monitors compliance with the Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms received 2356 complaints concerning human rights and requests for intervention in youth protection.

A number described as "historic" by President Philippe-André Tessier, who held Wednesday a press conference – an exception to the rule – to challenge the government after the filing of its annual report.

It is certain and certain that it has an impact on the institution because it is essential to be able to respond in a timely manner. Currently, this pressure is being felt on our institution.

As for adding resources, Quebec Justice Minister Sonia LeBel is committed to "look at options seriously".

She said the commission has been working on "strengthening governance" in the past year, that is, following the controversial departure of former president Tamara Thermitus, and that redevelopment plans are on the table. .

More DPJ children in distress

The "constant" progression of requests for intervention in youth protection is of concern to the commission. They went from 126 to 395.

"213% for the last 10 years," said Vice President Suzanne Arpin. You heard right, it's 213%! "

If you ask if there is more distress in children, the answer is yes.

The situation, according to her, is even "extremely alarming" in Nord-du-Québec.

The main reasons for intervention are the lack of provision of social services and confidential communication. The annual report gives as an example a sibling family. The Youth Protection Branch told them that their paternal grandparents refused to communicate with them when it was false.

The Committee also observes "persistence" with regard to complaints on discriminatory grounds – disability, ethnic origin, religion, etc.

To this end, the report of independent researchers on the Police Service of the City of Montreal unveiled this week shows, according to President Philippe-André Tessier, that there is "discrimination in our society" and that the commission " must fight against this phenomenon.

Mathieu Dion is parliamentary correspondent in Quebec City