Equal Rights
Equality includes giving every person equal respect in society. At times, people are discriminated against, or treated differently or unfairly because of the colour of their skin, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or the fact that they have a disability.

Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms notes that:

• Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, nationality, or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability;
• Subsection (1) does not preclude any law, program, or activity that has as its object the amelioration [improvement] of conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups including those that are disadvantaged because of race, nationality or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability.

Equality is achieved through:

• Education: to prevent discrimination
• Lobbying: to bring about changes that promote equality of rights
• Court action: to challenge laws

The Court Challenges Program as a Funding Source
In order to receive funding, cases must include federal and provincial language rights protected by the Constitution of Canada or challenge federal laws, policies, and practices based on Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In other words, funding will be provided to those cases that have the potential to change a law, a policy, or a practice in a way that will ensure the respect of equality and language rights.

Funding will not be provided for:

• Any case that covers an issue already before the courts
• Complaints under the Human Rights Act or the Official Languages Act
• Public education, community development, lobbying or political advocacy
• Challenges to provincial laws, policy, or practice as it relates to equality funding only

There are four categories of funding available for equality and language rights: Case Development Funding, Case Funding, Impact Study Funding, and Promotion and Access Funding. Refer to the Theory Box on the Court Challenges Program.