Human RIghts Act - Research StarterCanada’s Bill C-25, the Human Rights Act—first read in the House of Commons November 29, 1976, and first read in the Senate June 6, 1977—received the Royal Assent July 14, 1977, and was proclaimed to be in force August 10, 1977. The act was revised and expanded in 1985 to provide for those with physical disabilities and to clarify issues involving sexual harassment, the elderly, and women on maternity leave.