Charterland’s Anniversary
April 16, 2005 · By kaqchikel
The Dream
Irving Cotler:
Section 15 marked a milestone in Canada’s evolution as a nation. Since April 17, 1985, it has enshrined our shared commitment that all Canadians are equal before and under the law, that every individual has the right to protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.
Over the years, analogous grounds, such as sexual orientation, marital status and aboriginal place of residence, have been included reflecting our Constitution as a living tree and resonating with our evolving understanding and aspirations.
The Reality
Vic Toews:
At the same time that our government was casting itself as a world leader in the promotion and protection of human rights, the sad truth is that its activities undermined the basic principles of a responsible democracy and the very principles set out in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The actions of our government over this past decade are a shameful reminder that the mere expression of lofty constitutional principles is not sufficient to prevent corruption and abuse in our democratic institutions.
38th PARLIAMENT (Canada), 1st SESSION
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 082
14 April 2005.
Cross posted from Civitatensis
Trees grow to a certain limit, and then their branches and roots get overgrown and need to be chopped down.
Yeah. They also have a natural life. Let’s hope this one is a poplar.