Recognized for her unwavering commitment to social justice, Professor Anne 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.