An important value of our society is that all people have certain rights that are so important that they cannot be taken away. Governments have protected these rights in legislation. The Charter, for example, guarantees the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom of association, equality, mobility, voting, and many others. Fundamental human rights are also protected under BC and federal human rights legislation. Other rights are embedded in our justice system, including the rule of law, administrative fairness, and access to justice.
Some rights, such as the right not to be discriminated against because of social condition and poverty, are in more formative stages but are steadily gaining legitimacy in Canadian and international law.