View cases - Stewart McKelvey

35[134] In considering sections 7 and 10, it is important to highlight the purpose of the CHRA asstated in section 2:2. The purpose of this Act is to extend thelaws in Canada to give effect, within thepurview of matters coming within thelegislative authority of Parliament, to theprinciple that all individuals should have anopportunity equal with other individuals tomake for themselves the lives that they areable and wish to have and to have their needsaccommodated, consistent with their dutiesand obligations as members of society,without being hindered in or prevented fromdoing so by discriminatory practices basedon race, national or ethnic origin, colour,religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, maritalstatus, family status, disability or convictionfor an offence for which a pardon has beengranted.2. La présente loi a pour objet de completerla législation canadienne en donnant effet,dans le champ de compétence du Parlementdu Canada, au principe suivant : le droit detous les individus, dans la mesure compatibleavec leurs devoirs et obligations au sein de lasociété, à l’égalité des chancesd’épanouissement et à la prise de mesuresvisant à la satisfaction de leurs besoins,indépendamment des considérations fondéessur la race, l’origine nationale ou ethnique, lacouleur, la religion, l’âge, le sexe,l’orientation sexuelle, l’état matrimonial, lasituation de famille, la déficience ou l’état depersonne graciée.2010 CHRT 24 (CanLII)[135] The Supreme Court of Canada and other Courts have consistently told us to interprethuman rights in a large and liberal manner. In CNR v. Canada (Human Rights Commission)(Action Travail des Femmes), [1987] 1 S.C.R. 1114, the Court stated, at paragraph 24 :24. Human rights legislation is intended to give rise, amongst other things, toindividual rights of vital importance, rights capable of enforcement, in the finalanalysis, in a court of law. I recognize that in the construction of such legislationthe words of the Act must be given their plain meaning, but it is equally importantthat the rights enunciated be given their full recognition and effect. We should notsearch for ways and means to minimize those rights and to enfeeble their properimpact. Although it may seem commonplace, it may be wise to remind ourselvesof the statutory guidance given by the federal Interpretation Act which asserts thatstatutes are deemed to be remedial and are thus to be given such fair, large andliberal interpretation as will best ensure that their objects are attained.