15. (1) 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, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.
(2) Section (1) does not preclude any law, program or activity that has as its object the amelioration of conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups including those that are disadvantaged because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.
Diminishing Returns: Inequality and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by 
Making Equality Rights Real Securing Substantive Equality Under the Charter by Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: the Development of the Supreme Court of Canada's Approach to Equality Rights Under the Charter by