British Columbia (BC) Security Guard License Practice Exam

Can human rights legislation override other laws, including provincial and municipal statutes?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only in special cases

4. Only federal laws

The correct answer is: Yes

Human rights legislation is designed to protect individuals from discrimination and ensure their fundamental rights are upheld. In many jurisdictions, including Canada, human rights laws are considered to have a significant standing, meaning that they can take precedence over other laws. This principle is based on the understanding that human rights protections are essential for a fair and just society. When human rights legislation is seen as overriding other laws, it reflects a commitment to uphold the rights of individuals, especially in cases where those rights may be infringed upon by provincial or municipal statutes. For instance, if a local law discriminates against a particular group, the human rights law would step in to ensure that those individuals are protected, thus affirming the supremacy of human rights. This interaction also emphasizes the importance of human rights as a fundamental aspect of law that should not be overlooked or overridden by lesser statutes, whether they be municipal or provincial, ensuring that all individuals have access to fair treatment and equality under the law.