There are a couple of organizations in Canadian that fight hard to preserve civil liberties.
One is the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (or CCLA), which is non-governmental organization in Canada that’s devoted to the defense of civil rights. Founded in 1964, this organization is based out of Toronto, Ontario, and its current president is Marsha Hanen. Hanen previously served as the University of Winnipeg’s former president. In the general counsel spot is Alan Borovoy, who’s been in that position since 1968.
One of the the CCLA’s most notable achievements is in their vigorous stance against the 1970 invocation of the War Measures Act by Pierre Trudeau, the then Prime Minister of Canada in direct response to the October Crisis in Quebec.
All of this organization’s records are preserved at Library and Archives Canada.
Another organization that exist to defend civil liberties is the Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust (or CCLET). This is a charitable organization that’s focused on promoting and disseminating knowledge to the general public of the duties, liberties and rights of all citizens.
The CCLET was formed in 1967 as the educational and research branch of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. Its headquarters are also in Toronto, Ontario.
One way that CCLET makes a real difference is in the free Civil Liberties in the Schools and Teaching Civil Liberties programs that it offers across Ontario. These programs are supports by a Law Foundation of Ontario grant, and offers up an engaging, interactive workshop in educational facilities throughout Ontario. Using the Socratic Paedogogical method of teaching – which is a form of debate and inquiry between individuals that hold opposing viewpoints. Based on asking and answering questions that ultimately stimulates rational thought, students are expected to engage in discussions about civil liberties, rights, the duties of citizens, and controversial issues found in democratic societies.