Quote:
Originally Posted by MarchHare
You're wrong.
A private business is not legally permitted to deny service on the grounds of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc. unless there is a legitimate justification in the eyes of the court for the discrimination (as photon noted earlier). The Charter doesn't allow you to open, for example, a clothing store that refuses to sell to black customers or a private school that won't accept Asian students. You could open a business that you advertise as a "Jewish Deli", but you would not be allowed to refuse service to non-Jews.
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Actually, as I understand it, 110% is technically correct --
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is specific to the actions of government, and doesn't apply otherwise. It's part of the constitution and requires constitutional amendment to change. (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadia...s_and_Freedoms)
However, the Canadian Human Rights Act does apply to private business - that's the legislation that applies in these cases. It is a law like any other, and can - and has - been updated over time. (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Human_Rights_Act)
That said, both the Charter and the HRA allow for exceptions in situations where the discrimination is determined to be 'justified'.
Individual provinces may also have their own human rights legislation.