Museum to use latest data on Canadians’ human rights perceptions to develop storytelling

Canadians are more optimistic about the progress of human rights within Canada than they are about human rights on the international stage, according to newly released data.

The preliminary findings come from a Probe Research survey commissioned by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) earlier this year. Contributors shared their personal experiences, willingness to act when human rights violations occur, optimism or concern for the future of human rights in Canada and elsewhere in the world, and thoughts on institutional trust.

Two-thirds of respondents expressed optimism about human rights progress in Canada, particularly around Indigenous rights and gender equity.

However, only one-third of participants said they were optimistic about human rights outside of Canada, citing ongoing wars and international violence as pressing concerns.

Concerns were also raised about diminished human rights in Canada regarding accessing affordable housing and healthcare.

“Our museum’s mandate goes beyond awareness; it is about inspiring action and fostering a national conversation,” said CMHR CEO Isha Khan. 

“These findings offer timely insights into the issues people in Canada are facing, where they feel we’ve made progress, and where more attention is needed.”

The 2024 Foresights for Human Rights report also explored who Canadians trust for information on human rights. While trust in teachers, human rights advocacy groups, and museums remains high, trust in religious leaders, businesses, and social media has eroded over the last year.

Only 13 per cent of respondents said they trusted traditional media sources “a lot.” 

The federal government garnered slightly more trust, with 14 per cent of participants citing high confidence levels. 

The museum will now discuss the findings with its partners across Canada, using them to develop new exhibits and education programs.

Khan said the goal is to “reach Canadians where they are at and help inspire more people to become upstanders for human rights.”

Overall, the survey found that an increasing number of people are looking for ways to act on human rights: 46 per cent in 2024, compared to 43 per cent the previous year. 

Thirty-nine per cent of respondents also said they spoke up after witnessing racism or discrimination, with younger adults twice as likely to act as older adults.