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Reaching for the Stars:
Creating the Canadian Brand for Human Rights Leadership
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Charlie Coffey, O.C.
Executive Vice President
Government Affairs & Business Development
RBC Financial Group
Canadian Business for Social Responsibility (CBSR) Summit
"Human Rights: Everyone's Business"
Windsor Arms Hotel
Toronto, Ontario
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Adine, thank you for the marvelous introduction and for inviting
me to participate in this important Summit devoted to business
and human rights. I highly respect your skill and determination
in pushing the envelope on corporate responsibility and in
nurturing the corporate sector's relationship with CBSR, including
RBC. Although your success in financial services and commitment
to community leadership also stand out in my mind, I especially
admire the way you think. For example, when asked by the newspaper
Business in Vancouver: "What remains the biggest
challenge to women in business", Adine's response was
"changing the corporate climate to value intuition on
an equal footing with rational decision-making."
And Adine's right on the mark…in many cases and on many
landscapes, it's very much about changing the climate or the
culture. This is certainly true in terms of corporate responsibility
- it's reflected in the growing recognition by investors,
analysts, non-governmental organizations and various industry
sectors at large (most notably the financial services sector),
that there's more to a company's health than quarterly results.
As you all well know, any company or organization can be vulnerable
to a whole host of diverse influences that just aren't found
on a traditional balance sheet. And human rights, is a good
example of what I mean.
So for the next few minutes, I want to share some thoughts
about the business of corporate responsibility and human rights,
with a special focus on the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
- a magnificent meeting place for human rights leadership,
to be built in the geographic centre of Canada - in the great
city of Winnipeg. And then, we'll open the floor to questions,
as I really want to hear from you.
At RBC, we define corporate responsibility as operating with
integrity at all times, sustaining our company's long-term
viability while contributing to the present and future well-being
of all of our stakeholders, not just our shareholders. We
believe this balance is not only possible, it is imperative
for our ongoing success. It's not a matter of whether a company
can be both profitable and responsible, because in the long
term, you can't have one without the other. The bottom line
is that corporate responsibility is about how we operate our
business, support economic prosperity and contribute to communities
- it's about relationships with all stakeholders.
Increasingly, researchers, analysts and shareholders are
asking companies to report on their environmental, social
and ethical performance as well as on their financials. This
"sustainability" or "non-financial" reporting
is an emerging discipline. RBC's Sustainability
Report and Index to Sustainability Information (which
is available on our web site) provides the most detailed reporting
on responsibility performance. And human rights is a significant
component of this Report, in terms of our code of ethics and
business principles, financial products and services, environmental
concerns, supplier relations and engagement, not to mention
human resource policies.
All companies and organizations have a fundamental responsibility
to respect human rights in their own operations. Perhaps the
business community also has a broader responsibility -- to
use its influence to promote respect for human rights. How
many of you are aware that April 17, 2005 marked the Twentieth
Anniversary Year of Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of
Rights and Freedoms? How many of you are aware that Section
15 revolves around equality rights - that it reads as follows:
"Every individual is equal before the and under the law
and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit
of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without
discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour,
religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability."
In order to protect human rights, we must know and understand
our rights, as well as be determined to preserve them. It's
become increasingly apparent that not enough Canadians are
aware, as citizens, employees and employers. I for one, continue
to learn each and every day.
Speaking of learning….in January of this year, POLLARA
Public Opinion polled 2,360 Canadians for the Canadian Museum
for Human Rights. Here are some findings: "A substantial
majority of Canadians (81%) believe that human rights violations
have taken place in Canada in the past, while almost one-in-five
Canadians (19%) has personally been the victim of a human
rights violation based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender,
age or sexual orientation."
"When asked to think of human rights issues or events
that have happened in Canada, Canadians recount violations
against Canada's aboriginal peoples (17%), against Japanese-Canadians
during World War II (7%), against new immigrants to Canada
(6%), as well as against visible minorities (5%) and women
(5%), against gays and lesbians (4%), wrongful convictions
(3%), general racism and discrimination (3%), against organized
labour (2%) and twenty other instances with 1% or fewer mentions.
Only a third of Canadians (34%) could not immediately name
a human rights violation when asked." According to Michael
Marzolini, Chairman & CEO of POLLARA, "Canadians
believe it is important to build the Museum for Human Rights
- they believe that remembering our past is good insurance
against such events ever being repeated."
Another Canadian also thought it was important to build the
Museum - none other than the late Israel Asper, who established
the Asper Foundation in 1983, the foundation that also sponsors
the Holocaust and Human Rights Studies Program. It's this
program that largely inspired Izzy's dream - his vision -
for the creation of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights -
"the only human rights museum of this scale in the
world." It will be a people centre to tell Canadian
human rights stories, celebrate our heroes and capture Canada's
human rights essence. It will also be an action centre to
equip Canadians and others to be steadfast advocates for human
rights and a meeting place for human rights leadership.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is an opportunity for
Canada to brand human rights leadership on both the national
and international stage. The Museum is an opportunity to put
children, young people and education at the forefront of the
national agenda. And the Museum is an opportunity to put a
Canadian stamp on building effective public and private partnerships.
- Why must Canada enhance its international leadership reputation
on human rights? Because that's how Canada will help effect
change. We want a world that respects basic human rights
for all peoples - we want this for North America - we want
this for Afghanistan, India, Africa, China, Haiti, Iraq,
Pakistan and countries around the globe. We recognize that
human rights are the foundation of freedom, dignity and
democracy. Yet none of our national institutions explain
Canada's historical journey or celebrate Canada's successes
- our stories, our heroes, our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
It's about creating the Canadian brand for human rights
leadership.
On September 11, 2001, the world was transformed immeasurably
and irrevocably. As Prime Minister Paul Martin said, "the
ultimate human right is the right to personal security."
The attacks on North America were fueled by hatred and intolerance…
The Prime Minister repeatedly claims that, "the time
has come for us to act…the fight against terrorism
will only be won if in fact the rights of individuals are
respected at the same time." If the United Nations
is our "moral conscience" for action, the
Canadian Museum for Human Rights can be our moral compass
for action. It's about creating the Canadian brand for human
rights leadership.
In his reply to the Speech from the Throne on October
4, 2004, the Prime Minister asserted that "the satisfaction
with which we present ourselves to the world as a country
of inclusion (and tolerance), will ultimately erode and
be lost if we are not vigilant, if we do not vigorously
combat racism and exclusion, if we do not together stare
into the face of hate and declare: This is not our Canada."
The meeting place where Canada and the world can come together
to stand united against the face of hate is the Canadian
Museum for Human Rights. It's also a tangible symbol - an
icon - of Canada's international and innovative leadership
in the world arena - our call to action.
- Why must Canada focus on human rights education for children
and youth? Because that's how Canada will help to effect
change. Publisher and champion of Canadian history, Lorne
Pierce, wrote in 1930: "We must teach history better
in order that we make better history to teach." Since
teaching is hardly limited to a local classroom in a local
school, we can advance education for children, youth and
adults in a global classroom, in a global school.
It's about creating the Canadian brand for human rights
leadership.
Toronto historian, commentator and author Jack L. Granatstein
says: "Whether society can function without common
cultural capital, is uncertain. For example, how can Canadian
voters - and 18-year-olds are voters - make rational political
choices (in the 21st century) without understanding such
terms as 'British North America Act,' 'Charter of Rights
and Freedoms,' 'provincial powers' and 'Social Union'?"
Again, teaching is hardly limited to the classroom. From
the early years on, Canadians need a better understanding
of our history - of human rights history - to better propel
our country's future. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights
will be the home for compelling Canadian stories and the
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The Museum will also help, in an extraordinary way, to prepare
and encourage a powerful generation of human rights leaders
and advocates. It'll promote human rights from coast to
coast, educating Canadians about our obligation to uphold
the principles in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
And through signature architecture, galleries, collections
and programs (including virtual learning technology), the
Museum will foster more awareness about the challenges of
building bridges and strengthening relationships among communities.
It will be a meeting place for understanding the importance
of respecting human rights, a tribute to those who have
died defending human rights and a model for all humanity,
especially children and youth. The message of universal
rights can be Canada's legacy - and the creation of this
legacy rests with our young people - their ability and perseverance
to make it happen. In the years ahead, these students and
thousands more, can look forward to a more global classroom
on visits to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. What
better way to capture the imaginations of young Canadians
than to give our future a past and to give their future
greater hope…
Young Canadians across the country are already involved
in human rights. While reading through the names/backgrounds
of the high school students who earned the RBC Royal Bank
Financial Lifeskills Scholarship this year, I noted Stephen
Geoffrey Aylward, from St. John's, NL - not only is Stephen
studying arts en route to law at McGill University, he's
also involved with Amnesty International, an organization
that works to protect human rights. It's simply amazing
and quite literally a small world - I'll be in touch with
Stephen this month to talk about human rights.
On January 24, 2005, during a special session of the United
Nations on the Liberation of the Concentration Camps, Foreign
Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew quoted the Reverend Martin
Niemöller, a German pastor, when referencing the evil
of indifference: "First they came for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Communist. Then
they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up, because I
wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't
speak up, because I was a Protestant. Then they came for
me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for
me." Minister Pettigrew may just as well have made
the education case for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
- Why must Canada pursue public/private partnerships for
a human rights museum? Because that's how Canada will help
to effect change. The pursuit of human rights is an intrinsic
part of Canada's identity - of who we are as a people and
a country. That's why the Museum was originally proposed
as a public/private sector partnership initiative - an institution
supported by federal, provincial, municipal and private
investment. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights enhances
Canada's national and international leadership reputation
as a power broker, peace keeper and upholder of human rights.
We can show the world how partnerships are done. It's
about creating the Canadian brand for human rights leadership.
The private sector and individuals have stepped up to the
plate, including several aboriginal, cultural and ethnic
groups. Premier Gary Doer and the Province of Manitoba,
plus Mayor Sam Katz and the City of Winnipeg, have stepped
up to the plate too. And on April 15th, the Government of
Canada confirmed a total investment of up to $100 million
for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The announcement
was made by President of the Treasury Board and Member of
Parliament (Winnipeg South) Reg Alcock, Minister of Canadian
Heritage and Minister Responsible for Status of Women Liza
Frulla, and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
and Minister of State (Sport) Stephen Owen. We still have
a distance to go in reaching a project fund-raising goal
of close to $300 million, but the value of partnerships
is abundantly clear, as CBSR knows so well, in addition
to many of you in this room.
Before I wrap up my remarks, I want to share some marvelous
information and stories about human rights with you. First
of all, I was delighted to discover that the work of scores
of Order of Canada recipients (over the years) is connected
to human rights. Out of the 48 individuals invested into the
Order on September 1st, three of them are involved with human
rights: Diane Richler, C.M., of Toronto, Renée Dupuis,
C.M., of Quebec City and Anne Hart, C.M., of St. John's, Newfoundland
and Labrador. Very impressive!
Secondly, last month "a new era in human rights scholarship"
got underway at McGill University, following a tremendous
gift by law school alumnus, David O'Brien (who also happens
to be chair of RBC Financial Group). "His $3-million
donation has created five major fellowships that will be awarded
every year to top graduate students from around the world.
The O'Brien Fellows will be a pivotal source of ideas and
energy for the McGill Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism,
a major new research group. The centre will see professors
and students from the faculties of law, arts and education
working together to study the legal and cultural aspects of
human rights. As the news release read: "The fellowships
gift comes at a time when human rights issues are taking on
paramount importance to a world community repeatedly confronted
with genocide and conflict." It's evident that David
O'Brien's decision to contribute on such a large scale has
a good deal to do with his strong interest in human rights
and support of education. Again, very impressive!
Thirdly, congratulations to Scotiabank and Bank of Montreal
(who are represented at this Summit and luncheon) for their
significant contributions to the Canadian Museum for Human
Rights. In fact, the banking community has truly come together
on this project, including RBC Financial Group through our
Foundation. The "big 5" have made contributions
ranging from $750,000 to $1.5 million which is also very impressive!
On this one and rare occasion, I feel comfortable in speaking
for my banker colleagues when I say that our investments are
about a commitment to education, youth, diversity and corporate
responsibility. On this note, I'm pleased that Frances Bedford-Jones
(RBC Foundation) and Gord Kerr (RBC Human Resources) have
joined us today to learn more about the business of human
rights and to help spread the word about the Museum. By the
way, if I missed a company or organization in this group,
please speak up as it would be remiss not to mention all contributors
to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The bottom line is
that we (YOU) can make a difference…
In closing, I ask you to picture 2010 - you've traveled to
Winnipeg for the grand opening of the Canadian Museum for
Human Rights. As you enter the doors, you see or meet Gail
Asper, the powerhouse spearheading this project (and daughter
of Izzy Asper). Making your way through the crowd, you're
drawn to an exhibit - a story that you heard at the CBSR Summit
five years ago. It's a story celebrating the national historic
significance of Mary and Henry Bibb - two people who "left
an indelible mark on south-western Ontario and on Canada as
a whole." It's a human rights story about remarkable
individuals in Canada's history, "especially for African
Canadians and for all other immigrants who, fleeing persecution
and slavery, came to this country on the promises of liberty
and opportunity. Mary and Henry Bibb produced The Voice of
the Fugitive, the first major newspaper to be published by
and for African Canadians. Despite discrimination in the public
school system, the Bibbs established their own schools improving
the education of African Canadian children and adults. One
of their most important contributions was the role in organizing
the North American Coloured Convention, held in Toronto in
1851. During this convention, people of colour vigorously
debated emigration without the involvement of well-meaning
Whites and other outside forces, thereby taking command of
their own destiny." Henry and Mary Bibb have a place
at the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada - now
they can have a place, as part of Canada's legacy, at the
Canadian Museum for Human Rights. As you picture 2010, just
know this is one of countless hero stories!
You won't be surprised to hear me say how proud I am, as
a Canadian, to be chairing the advisory council for the Museum.
I urge all of you to reach for the stars when it comes to
the business of human rights - and if you need a little encouragement
along the way - to help your imagination picture 2010, I also
invite you to read or revisit the National Post's June 22nd
insert on Canada's Museum for Human Rights. We have copies
of this "inspiring journey of hope" for everyone.
Talk up the Museum across Canada - create anticipation about
the Museum in your workplaces and communities. And stay tuned
for exciting announcements in the weeks ahead. It's time to
create the Canadian brand for human rights leadership!
Thank you Adine and CBSR…and thanks to one and all.
Now let's hear from you!
www.canadianmuseumforhumanrights.com
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