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Vision

Vision

The Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties envisions a world where people’s diversity is valued, liberties are respected, and rights are lived.

Mission

Mission

The Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties takes action in education and advocacy for human rights and civil liberties toward greater social justice in the province.

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Land Acknowledgement

The Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene, and Metis peoples. Our primary office is located on Treaty 1 Territory as well as the birthplace and homeland of the Métis Nation, though our work extends throughout Treaties 2, 3, 4 and 5.

We respect the Treaties formed on these territories and acknowledge that We Are All Treaty People. We recognize the genocide and colonization endured by Indigenous peoples, and we are committed to working in partnership with Indigenous communities toward justice, equity, and reconciliation.

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Our
history

MARL’s formal beginnings occurred in January 1978 when the Ad Hoc Committee for Human Rights and Civil Liberties was formed. The original members felt there was a need for voluntary community action to advance rights and liberties in an affirmative way, which led the group to apply for funding from the Secretary of State to develop a viable human rights and civil liberties organization focused on human rights advocacy in Manitoba.

By March 1978, the Ad Hoc Committee had received a grant and were working part-time out of the Indian and Friendship Centre of Winnipeg. In August of that year, the Ad Hoc Committee incorporated under the name Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties. The early years of MARL’s existence saw a commitment to a broad organizational mandate. MARL sought to accommodate a variety of special interest groups, develop a legislative review function, and begin specific projects to evaluate and monitor provincial human rights legislation and administration.

MARL’s role was initially defined as working at the grassroots, advocating for people who are aggrieved, and helping them to act on their own behalf. It was founded on the belief that rights and liberties are social and political concepts that shift over time, and that all humans have inalienable freedoms, which cannot be violated justly or morally. Although MARL has maintained this position regarding rights and liberties, the organizational mandate has grown to take action in education and advocacy toward greater social justice in the province.

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Legal

Need Legal Support?

MARL focuses on education and advocacy. We do not provide legal advice, as we are not a law firm. Please use the link below to find legal support in Manitoba.