The appellant challenged a Quebec social assistance regulation that provided a significantly lower base amount of welfare benefits to individuals under the age of 30 compared to those 30 and over, unless they participated in specific training or work experience programs.
The appellant argued that this age-based distinction violated her equality rights under section 15(1) of the Canadian Charter, her right to security of the person under section 7 of the Canadian Charter, and her right to financial assistance under section 45 of the Quebec Charter.
The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the appeal.
The majority held that the scheme did not violate section 15(1) because it was designed to ameliorate the situation of young people by encouraging their integration into the workforce, and did not treat them as less worthy of respect.
The majority also found no violation of section 7, concluding that the deprivation of security of the person was not caused by state action implicating the administration of justice, and declined to recognize a positive state obligation to guarantee adequate living standards under section 7.
Finally, the majority held that section 45 of the Quebec Charter did not subject the adequacy of social assistance measures to judicial review.
