Charter Rights: Equality Rights - Revision history

Elena Renderos at 06:09, 10 November 2020

2020-11-10T06:09:25Z

Elena Renderos: Elena Renderos moved page Charter Rights: Equality Rights (No. 232) to Charter Rights: Equality Rights: Removing recording numbers from page names

2020-09-12T05:07:46Z

Elena Renderos moved page Charter Rights: Equality Rights (No. 232) to Charter Rights: Equality Rights: Removing recording numbers from page names

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:07, 12 September 2020
(No difference)

Drew Jackson: /* Remedies if a Charter right is violated */

2019-03-31T17:02:50Z

Remedies if a Charter right is violated

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:02, 31 March 2019
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	Section 1 applies only to written laws. It does not apply to '''government actions'''. An example of a government action is a decision by a government official to deny benefits. Where a government action violates the Charter, section 1 does not let the government try to justify the violation. The action is unconstitutional.		Section 1 applies only to written laws. It does not apply to '''government actions'''. An example of a government action is a decision by a government official to deny benefits. Where a government action violates the Charter, section 1 does not let the government try to justify the violation. The action is unconstitutional.

	===Remedies if a Charter right is violated===		==Remedies if a Charter right is violated==
	If you prove your equality rights under the Charter have been violated, and the government cannot justify the violation as a reasonable limit under section 1, the next question is what kind of '''remedy''' is appropriate. A remedy is a court order to give someone their legal rights or to compensate them for their rights not being respected.		If you prove your equality rights under the Charter have been violated, and the government cannot justify the violation as a reasonable limit under section 1, the next question is what kind of '''remedy''' is appropriate. A remedy is a court order to give someone their legal rights or to compensate them for their rights not being respected.

Drew Jackson at 17:02, 31 March 2019

2019-03-31T17:02:26Z

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	{{REVIEWEDPLS \| reviewer = [https://www.vancrimlaw.com/Lawyers/Brock-Martland-QC.shtml Brock Martland], Martland & Saulnier\|date= July 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC\|expanded = rights}}		{{REVIEWEDPLS \| reviewer = [https://www.vancrimlaw.com/Lawyers/Brock-Martland-QC.shtml Brock Martland], Martland & Saulnier\|date= July 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC\|expanded = rights}}
	The idea that all people should be treated equally is a core value in Canadian society. In fact, equality rights are enshrined in the ''Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms''.		The idea that all people should be treated equally is a core value in Canadian society. In fact, '''equality rights''' are enshrined in the ''Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms''.

	==Understand your legal rights==		==Understand your legal rights==
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	In other cases, the remedy might be to '''"read in" wording''' to a law that violates equality rights, in order to address the inequality. For example, the phrase “same-sex couples” might be read in to the definition of “spouse” in a law, to clarify that the law does not discriminate based on sex.		In other cases, the remedy might be to '''"read in" wording''' to a law that violates equality rights, in order to address the inequality. For example, the phrase “same-sex couples” might be read in to the definition of “spouse” in a law, to clarify that the law does not discriminate based on sex.


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Elena Renderos at 05:37, 29 March 2019

2019-03-29T05:37:58Z

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	{{~~Dial~~-A-~~Law Blurb~~}}		{{REVIEWEDPLS \| reviewer = [https://www.vancrimlaw.com/Lawyers/Brock-Martland-QC.shtml Brock Martland], Martland & Saulnier\|date= July 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC\|expanded = rights}}

	{{Dial-A-Law TOC\|expanded = rights}}
	The idea that all people should be treated equally is a core value in Canadian society. In fact, equality rights are enshrined in the ''Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms''.		The idea that all people should be treated equally is a core value in Canadian society. In fact, equality rights are enshrined in the ''Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms''.

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	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	\|align="left"\|'''Tip'''		\|align="left"\|'''Tip'''
	For more on your rights under the Charter, see our [[Charter of Rights ~~and Freedoms~~: Overview (~~Script~~ 230)\|overview of the Charter (no. 230)]] and our information on [[Charter of Rights ~~and Freedoms~~: Legal Rights (~~Script~~ 200)\|legal rights (no. 200)]].		For more on your rights under the Charter, see our [[Charter Rights: Overview (No. 230)\|overview of the Charter (no. 230)]] and our information on [[Charter Rights: Legal Rights (No. 200)\|legal rights (no. 200)]].
	\|}		\|}

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	Section 15 of the Charter does not apply to every possible inequality in life. The Charter controls '''laws''' and '''government actions'''. It doesn’t control private citizens, businesses, or organizations. Before you can claim the protection of section 15, you must show you are being treated unequally by a law or by the action of government, or some agency very closely connected to government, such as a school board or labour relations board.		Section 15 of the Charter does not apply to every possible inequality in life. The Charter controls '''laws''' and '''government actions'''. It doesn’t control private citizens, businesses, or organizations. Before you can claim the protection of section 15, you must show you are being treated unequally by a law or by the action of government, or some agency very closely connected to government, such as a school board or labour relations board.

	If a private individual, organization, or company violates your rights, you may be able to assert a claim under '''human rights law'''. Depending on the situation, you might be able to rely on the BC ''Human Rights Code'' or the Canadian ''Human Rights Act''. For more, see our information on [[Human Rights and Discrimination Protection (~~Script~~ 236)\|human rights and discrimination protection (no. 236)]], and [[Protection Against Job Discrimination (~~Script~~ 270)\|protection against job discrimination (no. 270)]].		If a private individual, organization, or company violates your rights, you may be able to assert a claim under '''human rights law'''. Depending on the situation, you might be able to rely on the BC ''Human Rights Code'' or the Canadian ''Human Rights Act''. For more, see our information on [[Human Rights and Discrimination Protection (No. 236)\|human rights and discrimination protection (no. 236)]], and [[Protection Against Job Discrimination (No. 270)\|protection against job discrimination (no. 270)]].

	===To show your equality rights are being violated===		===To show your equality rights are being violated===
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	In other cases, the remedy might be to '''"read in" wording''' to a law that violates equality rights, in order to address the inequality. For example, the phrase “same-sex couples” might be read in to the definition of “spouse” in a law, to clarify that the law does not discriminate based on sex.		In other cases, the remedy might be to '''"read in" wording''' to a law that violates equality rights, in order to address the inequality. For example, the phrase “same-sex couples” might be read in to the definition of “spouse” in a law, to clarify that the law does not discriminate based on sex.



	~~[updated July 2018]~~

	~~'''The above was last reviewed for legal accuracy by [https://www.vancrimlaw.com/Lawyers/Brock-Martland-QC.shtml Brock Martland], Martland & Saulnier.'''~~

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Drew Jackson: Drew Jackson moved page Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Equality Rights (Script 232) to Charter Rights: Equality Rights (No. 232): align with new Dial-A-Law website

2019-03-22T01:02:50Z

Drew Jackson moved page Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Equality Rights (Script 232) to Charter Rights: Equality Rights (No. 232): align with new Dial-A-Law website

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:02, 22 March 2019
(No difference)

Dial-A-Law at 06:19, 7 March 2019

2019-03-07T06:19:16Z

Show changes

Dial-A-Law: /* Remedies if Charter rights violated */

2018-07-27T22:35:58Z

Remedies if Charter rights violated

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:35, 27 July 2018
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	==Remedies if Charter rights violated==		==Remedies if Charter rights violated==
	Section 52(1) of the ''Constitution Act''~~, 1982~~ says that any law inconsistent with the Constitution is of no force or effect. Section 24 of the Charter allows a person whose rights have been violated to apply to a court for a personal remedy the court considers appropriate and just in the circumstances. The law gives courts lots of discretion about the kind of remedies they can order if a Charter right is violated. The type of remedies a court orders often depends on the type of Charter right that is violated. Script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Overview (Script 230)\|230]] has more on remedies.		Section 52(1) of the ''Constitution Act, 1982'' says that any law inconsistent with the Constitution is of no force or effect. Section 24 of the Charter allows a person whose rights have been violated to apply to a court for a personal remedy the court considers appropriate and just in the circumstances. The law gives courts lots of discretion about the kind of remedies they can order if a Charter right is violated. The type of remedies a court orders often depends on the type of Charter right that is violated. Script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Overview (Script 230)\|230]] has more on remedies.

	For more information, check the [http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-15.html#h-38 Charter] itself, script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Legal Rights (Script 200)\|200]], called “''Charter of Rights and Freedoms'': Legal Rights,” and script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Overview (Script 230)\|230]], called “''Charter of Rights and Freedoms'': Overview.”		For more information, check the [http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-15.html#h-38 Charter] itself, script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Legal Rights (Script 200)\|200]], called “''Charter of Rights and Freedoms'': Legal Rights,” and script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Overview (Script 230)\|230]], called “''Charter of Rights and Freedoms'': Overview.”

Dial-A-Law at 22:35, 27 July 2018

2018-07-27T22:35:35Z

Dial-A-Law: /* Remedies if Charter rights violated */

2016-11-28T23:47:29Z

Remedies if Charter rights violated

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:47, 28 November 2016
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	==Remedies if Charter rights violated==		==Remedies if Charter rights violated==
	Section 52(1) of the ''Constitution Act'', 1982 says that any law inconsistent with the Constitution is of no force or effect. Section 24 of the Charter allows a person whose rights have been violated to apply to a court for a personal remedy the court considers appropriate and just in the circumstances. The law gives courts a lot of discretion about the kind of remedies they can order if a Charter right is violated. The type of remedies a court orders often depends on the type of Charter right that is violated. Script 230 has more on remedies.		Section 52(1) of the ''Constitution Act'', 1982 says that any law inconsistent with the Constitution is of no force or effect. Section 24 of the Charter allows a person whose rights have been violated to apply to a court for a personal remedy the court considers appropriate and just in the circumstances. The law gives courts a lot of discretion about the kind of remedies they can order if a Charter right is violated. The type of remedies a court orders often depends on the type of Charter right that is violated. Script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Overview (Script 230)\|230]] has more on remedies.

	For more information, check the [http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-15.html#h-38 Charter] itself, script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Legal Rights (Script 200)\|200]], called “''Charter of Rights and Freedoms'': Legal Rights,” and script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Overview (Script 230)\|230]], called “''Charter of Rights and Freedoms'': Overview.”		For more information, check the [http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-15.html#h-38 Charter] itself, script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Legal Rights (Script 200)\|200]], called “''Charter of Rights and Freedoms'': Legal Rights,” and script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Overview (Script 230)\|230]], called “''Charter of Rights and Freedoms'': Overview.”

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:09, 10 November 2020
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	{{REVIEWEDPLS \| reviewer = [https://www.vancrimlaw.com/Lawyers/Brock-Martland-QC.shtml Brock Martland], Martland & Saulnier\|date= July 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC\|expanded = rights}}		{{REVIEWEDPLS \| reviewer = [https://www.vancrimlaw.com/Lawyers/Brock-Martland-QC.shtml Brock Martland], Martland & Saulnier\|date= July 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC\|expanded = rights}}
	The idea that all people should be treated equally is a core value in Canadian society. In fact, ~~'''~~equality rights~~'''~~ are enshrined in the ''Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms''.		The idea that all people should be treated equally is a core value in Canadian society. In fact, equality rights are enshrined in the ''Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms''.

	==~~Understand your legal rights~~==		==What you should know==

	===The Charter guarantees equality rights===		===The Charter guarantees equality rights===
	The ''[~~http~~://canlii.ca/t/~~8q7l~~ Charter of Rights and Freedoms]'' is part of Canada’s Constitution and protects a broad range of rights and freedoms. Among the rights guaranteed by the Charter are '''equality rights'''.		The [https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/schedule-b-to-the-canada-act-1982-uk-1982-c-11/latest/schedule-b-to-the-canada-act-1982-uk-1982-c-11.html ''Charter of Rights and Freedoms''] is part of Canada’s Constitution and protects a broad range of rights and freedoms. Among the rights guaranteed by the Charter are '''equality rights'''.

	Section 15 of the Charter says everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection of the law, without discrimination. The section highlights the right to be free of discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability.		Section 15 of the Charter says everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection of the law, without discrimination. The section highlights the right to be free of discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability.

	The wording of section 15 gives equality rights to “every ~~individual”~~. As such, the equality rights under the Charter protect '''people''', not companies or other artificial persons.		The wording of section 15 gives equality rights to “every individual." As such, the equality rights under the Charter protect '''people''', not companies or other artificial persons.

	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	\|align="left"\|'''Tip'''		\|align="left"\|'''Tip'''
	For more on your rights under the Charter, see our [[Charter Rights: Overview ~~(No. 230)~~\|overview of the Charter ~~(no. 230)~~]] and our information on [[Charter Rights: Legal Rights ~~(No. 200)~~\|legal rights ~~(no. 200)~~]].		For more on your rights under the Charter, see our [[Charter Rights: Overview\|overview of the Charter]] and our information on [[Charter Rights: Legal Rights\|legal rights]].
	\|}		\|}

	===The Charter applies to government, not the private sector===		===The Charter applies to government, not the private sector===
	Section 15 of the Charter does not apply to every possible inequality in life. The Charter controls '''laws''' and '''government actions'''. It doesn’t control private citizens, businesses, or organizations. Before you can claim the protection of section 15, you must show you are being treated unequally by a law or by the action of government, or some agency very closely connected to government, such as a school board or labour relations board.		Section 15 of the Charter does not apply to every possible inequality in life. The Charter controls '''laws''' and '''government actions'''. It doesn’t control private citizens, businesses, or organizations. Before you can claim the protection of section 15, you must show you are being treated unequally by a law or by the action of government, or some agency very closely connected to government, such as a school board or labour relations board.

	If a private individual, organization, or company violates your rights, you may be able to assert a claim under '''human rights law'''. Depending on the situation, you might be able to rely on the BC ''Human Rights Code'' or the ~~Canadian~~ ''Human Rights Act''. For more, see our information on [[Human Rights and Discrimination Protection ~~(No. 236)~~\|human rights and discrimination protection ~~(no. 236)~~]], and [~~[Protection Against Job Discrimination (No~~. ~~270)\|~~protection against job discrimination ~~(no. 270)]~~].		If a private individual, organization, or company violates your rights, you may be able to assert a claim under '''human rights law'''. Depending on the situation, you might be able to rely on the ''BC Human Rights Code'' or the ''Canadian Human Rights Act''. For more, see our information on [[Human Rights and Discrimination Protection\|human rights and discrimination protection]], and [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/job-discrimination/ protection against job discrimination].

	===To show your equality rights are being violated===		===To show your equality rights are being violated===
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	First, you must show that a law or government action treats you differently from others.		First, you must show that a law or government action treats you differently from others.

	Second, you must show that one of the grounds of discrimination in section 15 are the basis for the differential treatment. Section 15 prohibits discrimination because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability. It also prohibits discrimination on ~~“'''analogous'''”~~ grounds — meaning comparable grounds not listed in section 15. The courts have said that something ~~“analogous”~~ is a personal characteristic you can’t change at all, or you can’t change without great personal cost or difficulty — like sexual orientation or citizenship.		Second, you must show that one of the grounds of discrimination in section 15 are the basis for the differential treatment. Section 15 prohibits discrimination because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability. It also prohibits discrimination on “analogous” grounds — meaning comparable grounds not listed in section 15. The courts have said that something “'''analogous'''” is a personal characteristic you can’t change at all, or you can’t change without great personal cost or difficulty — like sexual orientation or citizenship.

	Third, you must show the law or government action has a purpose or effect that is discriminatory within the meaning of the equality guarantee. The courts have said a central purpose of section 15 is to promote “'''substantive equality'''” by fighting discrimination. So the courts focus on whether the law or government action is discriminatory in creating a disadvantage by prejudice or stereotyping.		Third, you must show the law or government action has a purpose or effect that is discriminatory within the meaning of the equality guarantee. The courts have said a central purpose of section 15 is to promote “'''substantive equality'''” by fighting discrimination. So the courts focus on whether the law or government action is discriminatory in creating a disadvantage by prejudice or stereotyping.

	===Equality does not mean identical treatment for everybody===		===Equality does not mean identical treatment for everybody===
	In certain cases, disadvantaged groups may need more services or programs. For example, courts have ruled that to ensure equal access to medical care, someone born deaf should be provided a sign language interpreter to be able to effectively communicate with their doctor.		In certain cases, disadvantaged groups may need more services or programs. For example, courts have ruled that to ensure equal access to medical care, someone born deaf should be provided a sign language interpreter to be able to effectively communicate with their doctor.

	Section 15 itself protects '''affirmative action programs'''. It says that laws or programs designed to improve the conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups do not violate section 15. So governments can set up programs to help people or groups disadvantaged because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability.		Section 15 itself protects '''affirmative action programs'''. It says that laws or programs designed to improve the conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups do not violate section 15. So governments can set up programs to help people or groups disadvantaged because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability.

	===Equality rights under the Charter are not absolute===		===Equality rights under the Charter are not absolute===
	Charter rights are not absolute. The Charter itself recognizes that some laws might violate the Charter yet be justifiable in the broader public interest. Where a law violates a Charter right, a government can try to justify the violation as a '''reasonable limit''' under section 1 of the Charter. Under that section, a reasonable limit needs to be “prescribed by law” and “demonstrably justified in a free and democratic ~~society”~~.		Charter rights are not absolute. The Charter itself recognizes that some laws might violate the Charter yet be justifiable in the broader public interest. Where a law violates a Charter right, a government can try to justify the violation as a '''reasonable limit''' under section 1 of the Charter. Under that section, a reasonable limit needs to be “prescribed by law” and “demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society."

	If a government tries to rely on section 1 to justify a Charter violation, a court can decide if the violation is a reasonable limit. The court will look at whether the law has an important objective, and whether the government chose a proportionate way to meet that objective — a way that interferes as little as possible with Charter rights. For example, could the government achieve its objective in another way, without violating equality rights? Does the law do more harm than good?		If a government tries to rely on section 1 to justify a Charter violation, a court can decide if the violation is a reasonable limit. The court will look at whether the law has an important objective, and whether the government chose a proportionate way to meet that objective — a way that interferes as little as possible with Charter rights. For example, could the government achieve its objective in another way, without violating equality rights? Does the law do more harm than good?

	Section 1 applies only to written laws. It does not apply to '''government actions'''. An example of a government action is a decision by a government official to deny benefits. Where a government action violates the Charter, section 1 does not let the government try to justify the violation. The action is unconstitutional.		Section 1 applies only to written laws. It does not apply to '''government actions'''. An example of a government action is a decision by a government official to deny benefits. Where a government action violates the Charter, section 1 does not let the government try to justify the violation. The action is unconstitutional.

	==Remedies if a Charter right is violated==		==Remedies if a Charter right is violated==
	If you prove your equality rights under the Charter have been violated, and the government cannot justify the violation as a reasonable limit under section 1, the next question is what kind of '''remedy''' is appropriate. A remedy is a court order to give someone their legal rights or to compensate them for their rights not being respected.		If you prove your equality rights under the Charter have been violated, and the government cannot justify the violation as a reasonable limit under section 1, the next question is what kind of '''remedy''' is appropriate. A remedy is a court order to give someone their legal rights or to compensate them for their rights not being respected.

	Section 24 of the Charter allows a person whose rights have been violated to apply to a court for a remedy the court considers appropriate and just in the circumstances. Different kinds of remedies apply to different types of cases. In some cases, a court may '''~~decide to~~ declare that a law is unconstitutional'''. This is often referred to as ”striking down a ~~law”~~. For example, if the government passed a law that discriminated based on gender, the court could strike down the law. In this way the remedy helps everyone affected by the law. In such a case, a court may “suspend” its declaration to give the government time to pass a new law that will be valid.		Section 24 of the Charter allows a person whose rights have been violated to apply to a court for a remedy the court considers appropriate and just in the circumstances. Different kinds of remedies apply to different types of cases. In some cases, a court may decide to '''declare that a law is unconstitutional'''. This is often referred to as ”striking down a law." For example, if the government passed a law that discriminated based on gender, the court could strike down the law. In this way the remedy helps everyone affected by the law. In such a case, a court may “suspend” its declaration to give the government time to pass a new law that will be valid.

	In other cases, the remedy might be to '''"read in" wording''' to a law that violates equality rights, in order to address the inequality. For example, the phrase “same-sex couples” might be read in to the definition of “spouse” in a law, to clarify that the law does not discriminate based on sex.		In other cases, the remedy might be to '''"read in" wording''' to a law that violates equality rights, in order to address the inequality. For example, the phrase “same-sex couples” might be read in to the definition of “spouse” in a law, to clarify that the law does not discriminate based on sex.

	{{Dial-A-Law_Navbox\|type=life}}		{{Dial-A-Law_Navbox\|type=life}}
	{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}}		{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:35, 27 July 2018
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	You also need to show that section 15 applies to the different treatment you received. Section 15 prohibits discrimination because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability. It also prohibits discrimination on “analogous” grounds—meaning comparable grounds not listed in section 15. The Courts have said that something “analogous” is a personal characteristic that you can’t change at all, or you can’t change without great personal cost or difficulty—like sexual orientation or citizenship.		You also need to show that section 15 applies to the different treatment you received. Section 15 prohibits discrimination because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability. It also prohibits discrimination on “analogous” grounds—meaning comparable grounds not listed in section 15. The Courts have said that something “analogous” is a personal characteristic that you can’t change at all, or you can’t change without great personal cost or difficulty—like sexual orientation or citizenship.

	The Supreme Court has said that the central purpose of section 15 is to promote “substantive equality” by fighting discrimination. So in addition, courts will focus on whether the law or government action is discriminatory in creating a disadvantage by ~~perpetuating (or indefinitely~~ continuing) prejudice or stereotyping.		The Supreme Court has said that the central purpose of section 15 is to promote “substantive equality” by fighting discrimination. So in addition, courts will focus on whether the law or government action is discriminatory in creating a disadvantage by continuing prejudice or stereotyping.

	==Section 15 allows affirmative action programs==		==Section 15 allows affirmative action programs==
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	But section 1 applies only to written laws, not to government action, because it requires any limit on a Charter right to be “prescribed by law.” So when government action—not a written law—violates the Charter, section 1 does not let the government try to justify the violation. The action is unconstitutional.		But section 1 applies only to written laws, not to government action, because it requires any limit on a Charter right to be “prescribed by law.” So when government action—not a written law—violates the Charter, section 1 does not let the government try to justify the violation. The action is unconstitutional.

	The essential questions courts must decide under section 1 are whether the law has ~~a very~~ important objective and whether the government chose a proportionate way to meet that objective—a way that interferes as little as possible with Charter rights. For example, could the government achieve its objective in another way, without violating equality rights? Does the law do more harm than good?		The essential questions courts must decide under section 1 are whether the law has an important objective and whether the government chose a proportionate way to meet that objective—a way that interferes as little as possible with Charter rights. For example, could the government achieve its objective in another way, without violating equality rights? Does the law do more harm than good?

	==Section 33, the notwithstanding clause==		==Section 33, the notwithstanding clause==
	If a law cannot be justified as a reasonable limit on a right or freedom, in some cases, Parliament or a provincial legislature can ~~say—under~~ section 33—that the law operates notwithstanding (despite) section 2 or sections 7 to 15 of the Charter. The Canadian Parliament has never used this notwithstanding clause, but Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Yukon have.		If a law cannot be justified as a reasonable limit on a right or freedom, in some cases, Parliament or a provincial legislature can direct—under section 33—that the law operates notwithstanding (despite) section 2 or sections 7 to 15 of the Charter. The Canadian Parliament has never used this notwithstanding clause, but Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Yukon have.

	==Remedies if Charter rights violated==		==Remedies if Charter rights violated==
	Section 52(1) of the ''Constitution Act'', 1982 says that any law inconsistent with the Constitution is of no force or effect. Section 24 of the Charter allows a person whose rights have been violated to apply to a court for a personal remedy the court considers appropriate and just in the circumstances. The law gives courts ~~a lot~~ of discretion about the kind of remedies they can order if a Charter right is violated. The type of remedies a court orders often depends on the type of Charter right that is violated. Script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Overview (Script 230)\|230]] has more on remedies.		Section 52(1) of the ''Constitution Act'', 1982 says that any law inconsistent with the Constitution is of no force or effect. Section 24 of the Charter allows a person whose rights have been violated to apply to a court for a personal remedy the court considers appropriate and just in the circumstances. The law gives courts lots of discretion about the kind of remedies they can order if a Charter right is violated. The type of remedies a court orders often depends on the type of Charter right that is violated. Script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Overview (Script 230)\|230]] has more on remedies.

	For more information, check the [http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-15.html#h-38 Charter] itself, script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Legal Rights (Script 200)\|200]], called “''Charter of Rights and Freedoms'': Legal Rights,” and script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Overview (Script 230)\|230]], called “''Charter of Rights and Freedoms'': Overview.”		For more information, check the [http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-15.html#h-38 Charter] itself, script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Legal Rights (Script 200)\|200]], called “''Charter of Rights and Freedoms'': Legal Rights,” and script [[Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Overview (Script 230)\|230]], called “''Charter of Rights and Freedoms'': Overview.”


	[updated ~~November 2016~~]		[updated July 2018]

			'''The above was last edited by John Blois.'''

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