Opinion: Will the equality rights of women and gender diverse refugees be considered this time around or will they be sidelined once again?
Canadian Council for Refugees et al. will challenge the STCA, which stipulates that refugee claimants arriving in Canada by way of the U.S. are ineligible for refugee protection in Canada. Right now, Canada must return the refugees to the U.S. to have their claims decided under American law. For large numbers of women refugees, this is a problem.
Importantly, ABC claims that the STCA has a disproportionately negative impact on women, violating their constitutional right of equality. The impact of sidelining the equality argument in this case is potentially life-threatening for refugee women, gender diverse people and their children. Our equality guarantee protects against disadvantage and marginalization in a way no other right in the Charter does.
The David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights, West Coast LEAF and Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund together will argue that failure to take up the equality concerns in this case communicates the problematic message that all refugee claimants are the same. This notion of equality is known as substantive equality. It is the standard that was adopted by the Supreme Court in its very first equality decision,, and our courts have committed to uphold it when deciding whether government action violates our equality rights.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Canada's top court won't hear central Newfoundland man's appeal of sexual assault convictions | SaltWireSupreme Court of Canada dismissed Devon Burry's application last week
Read more »
B.C. 'in solidarity' with Iranians calling for gender equality after Mahsa Amini death: HorganB.C. Premier John Horgan says the province is standing in solidarity with Iranians calling for gender equality, human rights and freedom following the death of Mahsa Amini.
Read more »
Letter to the editor: One city council candidate deserves a second chanceToo often, people are tried and convicted in the court of public opinion with no opportunity to make amends.
Read more »
Chrystia Freeland agrees with demands for tougher action against IranAlthough she agreed with over 1,000 demonstrators in Ottawa protesting the Iranian regime that Canada must do more to hold Iran accountable, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland did not provide any more details on how her government plans to do that.
Read more »
Environmental group suing B.C. governmentSupporters of Sierra Club BC gathered at B.C. Supreme Court Tuesday, alleging the government's plan to tackle climate change leaves out key
Read more »