This position flows from a study, The Effectiveness of Profiling from a National Security Perspective, commissioned by the CHRC and CRRF and carried out by researchers from the Université de Moncton. The research concluded there is insufficient evidence to legitimize the practice of profiling and recommended more rigorous data collection to demonstrate whether or not profiling occurs.

"On the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we feel it is important to underscore the message that a democratic and pluralistic society like Canada can safeguard the security of its citizens while protecting human rights," said Ms. Jennifer Lynch, Q.C., Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. "Incorporating the protection of human rights into our security systems requires law enforcement and security agencies to employ accurate and reliable tools and implement proper accountability measures."

"The CRRF is pleased with its cooperation with the Canadian Human Rights Commission in sponsoring this important study on profiling," said Dr. Ayman Al Yassini, Executive Director of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. "As the fabric of Canadian society continues to evolve, there is a need to affirm the equality of all members of society regardless of their background. We believe that profiling is inconsistent with Canadian values and commitment to human rights, openness and transparency, and that collection of human rights-related data is the first step towards effective policing and better serving our communities."

Education and outreach activities are important in preventing discrimination and are in place in most agencies. A more proactive evidence-based approach can also help to prevent incidents of profiling. The CHRC and CRRF met with interested non-governmental organizations and federal agencies responsible for security and policing to share this research and discuss possible follow-up actions.

A copy of the research and the joint position can be found at www.chrc-ccdp.ca and www.crr.ca.

Backgrounder

For more information:
Canadian Human Rights Commission            Canadian Race Relations Foundation
613-943-9118                         416-952-4476