Today is Equality Day in Canada, marking the anniversary of the adoption of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The Charter was adopted April 17th, 1982. The coming into force of Section 15 of the Charter a few years later in 1985 was a touchstone in Canadian history by guaranteeing the right to equality of all before the law, without discrimination.
Nearly 37 years after its adoption, the concept of equality is confronted by today’s reality. Although section 15 contains a list of nine types of prohibited discrimination, the list was not exhaustive and has evolved over time before the courts.
In New Brunswick, the Human Rights Act was adopted in 1967, but has also been expanded due to influences from social attitudes.
For example, the definition of sex, no longer confined to just man or woman, was updated in 2017, and is now also defined by gender identity or expression. It now also provides inclusive protection for the transgender, bisexual, transsexual, and intersex people in the province.
However, the province admits there is still a long way to go before reaching full equality in all areas of society.
The province is asking people today to reflect on the right to equality, its role in our society, and what we can do to promote and protect those rights.
