Compassionate Canadians: Civic Leaders Discuss Human Rights

Susan McKnight is an administrator of the Courts Technology Integrated Justice Project at the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.

Rhoda E. Howard-Hassmann is Canada Research Chair in Global Studies and
Political Science at Wilfrid Laurier University. Between 1996 and 1997,
she interviewed 78 civic leaders in Hamilton, Ontario, regarding their
views on human rights in Canada. She researched views on such issues as
freedom of speech, hate crimes, homosexuality, poverty and social
responsibility, employment equity, and Aboriginal rights. The
interviewees included ethnic minorities, Aboriginal groups, feminists,
and gays and lesbians. More than half of the participants were women and
more than half considered themselves immigrants. Howard-Hassmann chose
civic leaders because she felt they were in a better position to effect
change and would be more aware of current policy and legislation than
the average citizen.

Howard-Hassmann found that Canadians are a generally compassionate
people, but warns that economic instability could adversely affect
Canadian attitudes toward “outsiders.” Another interesting finding
is that the compassion and understanding of many Canadians is contingent
on the ability of others to adapt to accepted social norms. In addition
to an interview schedule in the appendix, the book includes detailed
footnotes and a full bibliography.