Ottawa - May 23, 2001 - A human Rights tribunal will be asked to examine the complaint of a Toronto man who says Canada Customs and Revenue Agency discriminated against him because of his race and colour.
Selwyn Pieters alleges that he was unduly singled out by a customs official while aboard a VIA train to Canada from New York City. He says that, of the 70 people in the car, he was the only passenger to have his luggage searched. Mr. Pieters believes that he was searched because he is black.
The Canadian Human Rights Commission referred the complaint to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal at its May meeting.
The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal is an independent body responsible for adjudicating complaints referred to it by the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
The Commission refers a complaint to the Tribunal when it believes an inquiry into the complaint is warranted.
For more information:
Catherine Barratt
Media and External Relations
(613) 943-9119
Online: Canadian Human Rights Commission Press Release
Background on Pieters v. Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
The Bill of Rights for Black Men: Walking While Black by Bryonn Bain
Department of National Revenue - Customs and Excise - Customs Operations Office of the Auditor General Report
Canada Customs Visible Minority Study
Bader v. National Health and Welfare
U.S. Full Coverage: Racial Profiling
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ALCU's Class-Action Suit Over Racial Profiling
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