Has the Charter of Rights and Freedoms made a difference to Manitoba Women?

On Wednesday, I attended a review of 20 years under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Although the Charter itself came into effect in 1982, the implementation of the equality rights section was delayed until April 17, 1985.

Authors Danielle Fraser, Allison Fenske, Kristine Barr, Sharon Scharfe and Sarah Thurmeier have prepared a detailed 264 page assessment of the impact of the Charter on Manitoba women, and have made about 300 recommendations for actions which are still needed.

Allison Fenske and Sharon Scharfe presented the findings (photo). Most of the recommendations were directed at the provincial government in Manitoba showing the large number of areas where the present NDP government has failed to act.