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Statement by Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff and Liberal Status of Women Chair Maria Minna on the 25th anniversary of guaranteed equality rights in Canada

Ottawa – Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff made the following statement marking the 25th anniversary of the enactment of Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms:

“Twenty-five years ago, on April 17, 1985, Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was enacted. It was a significant moment in Canadian history when all Canadians were guaranteed equality rights under the law.

The Charter entrenches the rights and freedoms Canadians believe are essential to our society, but Section 15 goes further. It ensures that every individual 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.  

This is one of the Liberal Party’s great achievements, and in 25 years as a country we’ve come a long way. Unfortunately, under our current government, individual equality rights have taken a step back. The decision to allow the right to pay equity to be bargained away at the labour negotiating table, the elimination the Court Challenges Program and cuts to funding for research and advocacy groups have gone against the spirit of Section 15.

On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary caucus, today we reaffirm our commitment to full equality by continuing the fight to protect the rights and freedoms enshrined in Section 15, and we call upon all Canadians to do the same.”

Liberal Women’s Caucus Chair Maria Minna added:

“Canada’s federal government should be leading by example by adopting – not cutting – anti-discrimination policies and programs that help women, minorities and the disadvantaged.  

Unlike this Conservative government, the Liberal Party firmly believes in equality for all Canadians. The Liberal Women’s Caucus is steadfastly committed to doing everything it can to uphold the tenets of Section 15 to ensure that all Canadians can succeed in society.”