All human beings are free and equal in dignity and rights.

The Dignity Forum was founded out of deep concern for the increase in discrimination and prejudice faced by racialized groups in Alberta and out of frustration over the lack of commitment by our provincial government.

During the past 25 years, the Government of Alberta has failed to promote a well-funded and aggressive human rights agenda in Alberta. The inability of the Alberta Human Rights Commission to fulfill the objectives and vision outlined in the Alberta Human Rights Act is the core reason that the Dignity Forum was created.

We are concerned that there has been, and continues to be, an alarming growth in the incidence of overt intolerance, harassment and discrimination, of Alberta’s racialized communities. The Dignity Forum was created to combat these systemic issues through advocacy and education.

The Dignity Forum is a federally incorporated registered charitable organization. Our work started by conducting an environmental scan of influential groups, both grassroots and registered non-profits, working in the sector of Human Rights.  We also retained the services of Policy Wise to take an in-depth look at the history of Alberta’s Human Rights Commission and what opportunities exist to ensure better inclusivity for all Albertans. This report can be found on the website here. The findings in the report support the basis of our concerns over the state of human rights in Alberta and the gaps in the operation of the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

We intend to expand our board with concerned Albertans and undertake our commitment to better the lives of our under-represented citizens, who on a daily basis, face the degradation of bigotry, discrimination and prejudice. By working with other committed groups and individuals, we will make a difference.

It is a lofty ambition!  We are committed and optimistic!

Ron Ghitter, C.M.
Chairman
Dignity Forum