Feminism and Canadian justice: How far have we come?

Abstract

This paper discusses two interrelated problems. First, it discusses the impact the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has had on women's social and economic status. Second, it discusses the role feminists can play in changing the face of the Canadian justice system. With regard to the first of these issues, it is observed that considerable evidence suggests that women's economic position has not improved in recent years. Women continue to be paid less men, are less likely than men to have access to employer pension plans, and are more likely to be included among those with incomes below the poverty line. The Charter has done little to change this. With regard to the role feminists can play in changing the justice system, it is argued that feminists must continue to channel at least some of their energy through the Supreme Court of Canada, even though the ultimate goals of feminism require a radical departure from and a transformation of the theories of justice.