Canadians have constitutional right to unequal treatment, new report argues

By David Blaff | Published by the National Post

Summary

In Canada, equity, not equality, is constitutionally protected, allowing for lawful discrimination against certain groups, particularly straight white men, argues Bruce Pardy in a new report for the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy.

Pardy asserts that equal treatment and equity are mutually exclusive. The law cannot apply the same standards to everyone while adjusting them according to group identity. He contrasts this with the U.S. Constitution, which enshrines equality for all.

This issue should be particularly concerning to young Canadians who could be “squeezed out of opportunities because of their identity,” Pardy told the Post. Front of mind for him was the recent announcement by Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) new medical school that three-quarters of its seats would be allotted to “equity-deserving groups.”

“This kind of thing has become widespread, with job openings and government programs excluding people who are not the preferred race or gender,” Pardy said.

Read the full commentary by David Blaff at the publisher’s website here.

The report by Bruce Pardy, “A Right to Unequal Treatment,” for the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy is available to read at the publisher’s website here.

Further Reading: At TMU medical school, some students are more equal than others.