Famous Canadian Human Rights Activists

Craig Kielburger is a Canadian human rights activist and social entrepreneur known for co-founding WE Charity with his brother Marc Kielburger. He is also associated with initiatives such as We Day and the independent social enterprise Me to We. Kielburger was named a member of the Order of Canada in 2008 for his contributions to society. Throughout his career, he has focused on advocating for human rights, empowering youth, and creating sustainable social impact through various charitable and entrepreneurial ventures.

Nellie McClung was a Canadian author, politician, and social activist, known as a prominent suffragist. She authored sixteen books, including two autobiographies, and played a key role in the women's suffrage movement in Canada. Elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, she served from 1921 to 1926. As part of the Famous Five, she fought for women's right to serve in the Senate. She was the first woman on the board of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and represented Canada at the League of Nations.

Irwin Cotler is a retired Canadian politician who represented the Mount Royal constituency from 1999 to 2015. He served as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada from 2003 to 2006 under the Liberal government of Paul Martin. He was first elected to the House of Commons in a by-election in November 1999 with a significant majority of votes. Throughout his career, Cotler was known for his dedication to justice, human rights, and advocacy for various causes both nationally and internationally.

Maziar Bahari is an Iranian-Canadian journalist, filmmaker, and human rights activist. He worked as a reporter for Newsweek from 1998 to 2011. Bahari was unjustly imprisoned by the Iranian government for several months in 2009. He authored a family memoir, "Then They Came for Me," which became a New York Times bestseller and inspired Jon Stewart's film "Rosewater." Bahari later founded IranWire, a citizen journalism news site, as well as campaigns promoting freedom of expression and education through organizations like Journalism Is Not A Crime and Paint the Change.

Megan Leslie is a Canadian politician and environmental advocate known for her role as the president and CEO of World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWFC). She served as the federal Member of Parliament for Halifax from 2008 to 2015, representing the New Democratic Party. Leslie was appointed as the party's critic for the environment and later became one of the deputy leaders of the Official Opposition, making her one of the youngest MPs to hold this position. She is also on the advisory board of the Leaders' Debates Commission.

Tara Teng is a Canadian former pageant winner, holding the titles of Miss Canada 2011 and Miss World Canada 2012. Throughout her reigns, she passionately advocated for human rights, particularly shedding light on the issue of human trafficking. Teng used her platform to raise awareness and educate others on this important issue. Her dedication to promoting social causes and championing the rights of others has left a lasting impact on those she has reached through her advocacy efforts.

Ketty Nivyabandi is a prominent Burundian poet and human rights activist currently residing in Canada. She has made significant contributions to the literary world with her French-language poetry featured in various publications and anthologies. Nivyabandi's activism began during Burundi's constitutional crisis in 2015, leading women-only protests and advocating for peace and security. She has testified before the Canadian government on human rights violations and continues to champion women's rights and the impact of conflict on women's lives. Nivyabandi has held roles at organizations such as the Nobel Women's Initiative and Amnesty International Canada.

Maggie McGuane, a talented writer, photographer, and model, has carved out a diverse professional career. She followed in her father's footsteps as a writer, showcasing her creative talents through various mediums. Additionally, she has demonstrated her versatility by working in photography and modeling. Beyond her artistic endeavors, McGuane is a dedicated activist, exemplified by her involvement in humanitarian efforts such as assisting victims of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina. Her multifaceted career reflects a commitment to both creativity and social impact.