Human rights and the state, changing roles in a liberal economy

by Harrington, Catherine

The role of the federai state in Canada has always been one of change and adaptation. This is particularly tme of the state's role as it pertains to human rights based issues; those aspects of Canadian life which are most influenced by political, social and economic factors. Canada, in a neo-liberal economy, is trying to achieve a baiance of power which provides appropriate representation of; and protection for its citizens. This paper foiiows both the state's efforts to regain power at regional, national and internationai levels and the expectations Canadians have of the federal governrnent. The two concepts meet in a discussion of the potentid benefits of a joint partnership betweenthe federal govenunent and the Third Sector. It is the premise of this thesis that such a pannership wiil, in fact, meet many of the expressed and implied needs for both the state and for Canadians. However, the preliminary nature of the partnership movement leaves many issues unaddressed. 1would like to express my sincerest appreciation to Dr. Ken Gibbons, my advisor for thiç thesis. Dr. Gibbons provided me with continued support, offered challenging questions and endured many revisions 1would also like to thank Dr. Jane Ursel and Dr. Paul Thomas who sat on my thesis cornmittee. Their comments and questions provided me with the opportunityto strengthen my arguments and offered new perspectives on this thesis topic. 1 would a h like to thank severai people who have providd = with encouragement and every imaginable assistance over the last seven years. 1want to thank my partner, Sandra Hoeppner, wbse own work and interest in this area helped me to refine my ideas and commit them to paper and whose love, faith and editing skills saw me through the tough times. My mother Mary Harringon and my sister Linda Harrington were relentless in their enthusiasm and belief in my abîüty to s u d . My thanks aiso go to the Hoeppwr and Elias famiües for their celebration of the completion of this thesis. I would Wre to thank my fiends Janice Ristock and Catherine Taylor for demystifjhg x, many of the academic processes. FNy, 1would iike to acknowledge ali those who work in the area ofhuman rights, whether as mernbers of the Thkd Sector, the government, or both.