International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development : The International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (hereafter "Rights & Democracy" or "the Centre") was a non-partisan, independent organization, which was established by Parliament in 1988 through the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development Act (35-36-37 Elizabeth II, Chapter 64), and began operations in 1990. Pursuant to the Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act of 2012, Rights & Democracy's enabling legislation was repealed, and instructions were provided for the closing out of the Centre's affairs. The official closure of the organization was completed in the summer of 2012.
In the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development Act, the objectives of the Centre were to "initiate, encourage and support cooperation between Canada and other countries in the promotion, development and strengthening of democratic and human rights institutions and programs that give effect to the rights and freedoms enshrined in the [United Nations'] International Bill of Human Rights." In carrying out its objectives, Rights and Democracy's mandate was to support developmental programs and activities for the benefit of developing countries; support programs and activities for the benefit of countries other than developing countries; and, foster and support research and education, discourse, the exchange of information and collaboration among people and institutions in Canada and other countries. By holding this unique international mandate, the Centre held consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, observer status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, and was on the International Labour Organization's Special List of non-governmental organizations.
Rights & Democracy's mandate was reflected in their programming, and it allowed them to often operate in between civil society and government. Geographically, the Centre worked in North and South America, Africa, East and Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Their projects focused on civil liberties, issues related to indigenous rights and the rights of women, as well as the consequences of globalization.
Rights & Democracy reported to Parliament through the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Each year, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors would submit a report on Rights & Democracy's activities to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who would then table it in Parliament. The vast majority of the Centre's funding came from the Government of Canada through the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). As a consequence, the financial accounts and transactions were examined annually by the Auditor General of Canada.
Rights & Democracy was governed by a Board of Directors consisting of a Chairman of the Board, a President of the Centre, and eleven other directors. According to its enabling legislation, members of the Board were required to have knowledge of Canadian foreign policy and experience in international development; the development of democratic institutions; the promotion of human rights internationally, and international law relating to individual and collective rights. The President of the Centre acted as its Chief Executive Officer and was responsible for supervising and directing the work of the Centre in accordance with the policies established by the Board of Directors. The president was appointed by the Governor in Council to hold office for a term not exceeding five years, following consultation with the Board. Since the beginning of operations in 1990, Rights & Democracy has had seven Presidents: The Honourable Ed Broadbent, 1990-1996; The Honourable Warren Allmand, 1997-2002; Jean-Louis Roy, 2002-2007; Jean-Paul Hubert (interim), November 2007 - July 2008; Rémy Beauregard, July 2008 - January 2010; Jacques Gauthier (interim) January - March 2010; and, Gérard Latulippe, March 2010 - July 2012.
