Recognized for her unwavering commitment to social justice, Professor Levesque will lead an ambitious research program to mark the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Human Rights Act in 2027. Her project proposes to rethink the Canada’s human rights system in light of the challenges of the 21st century, with the goal of restoring Canada’s leadership in the fight against discrimination, both nationally and internationally.
Her work plan includes the organization of a major national conference, followed by the publication of an open-access report with concrete recommendations for reform of the federal system. An innovative knowledge mobilization strategy will support this effort, making the findings accessible to stakeholders—especially members of equality seeking groups—and informing the thinking of policymakers.
Professor Levesque will anchor her work in current social realities: the impact of artificial intelligence on inequalities, the climate crisis, the imperatives of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, as well as issues relating to socio-economic rights. She will do so in a global context where fundamental rights are increasingly being challenged. Her approach aims to revitalize the rights protection system in Canada by developing innovative mechanisms to better promote substantive equality and foster genuine access to justice.
Anne Levesque is a dedicated lawyer who graduated from the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Law (French Common Law program), has been a member of the Ontario Bar since 2008, and holds a master's degree in international human rights from the University of Oxford. She has defended the rights of her clients before several Canadian courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and international treaty bodies. She distinguished herself as one of the lawyers in the landmark case affirming the right to equality of more than 165,000 First Nations children. An active member of her community, she contributes to the work of the Broadbent Institute and the Council of Canadians with Disabilities.
“I am deeply aware that, in many parts of the world, those who defend human rights do so at the risk of their safety and even their lives. I have therefore always felt immensely privileged to have a job that involves researching human rights – especially in my mother tongue, French, in a minority situation – within a faculty and university that values intellectual daring and the social impact of research. This appointment to the Gordon F. Henderson Chair reinforces this privilege by providing valuable support for the development of my research program. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, which I promise to use with humility and determination.” — Anne Levesque
Her appointment strengthens HRREC’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate and its ability to provide leadership in the field of human rights, as well as to support research rooted in social and legal realities and leading to concrete impacts on the ground. Her term will begin in July 2025, and we look forward to welcoming her to HRREC!