was particularly important in view of the country'~ cultural, social and geographic diversity. 3. Canada's commi tmerit to aspects of gender equality. to promote that instrument. the Convention reflected the priority accorded to all Accordingly, the Gover~~ent had made special efforts 4. lle · .. dshed to inform the Cor..mi ttee of a number of important rne~sures taken in Canada since January 1987 to promot~ women's equality. As noted in Canada's initial report, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms w~s one of the main sources of protection against discrimination in his ccuntry. Section 15 of the Charter, which had entered into force in 1985, c_paranteed ew~ry individual equality u~der the law, without discrimination on the basis of a number of grounds, including gender. Any individual in Canada could challenge legislation, policies and practices of the federal or provincial governr-.ents that were perceived to be rliscri~inatory. In addition, section 28 stated that all rights and freedoms guaranteed under that instrument were guaranteed equ~lly to men and women. Approximately 50 cases involving gender discrimination had been initiated on the basis of the Charter's equality provisions, The resulting decisions had significantly enhanced the status of women, and a general interpretation had established that section 15 precluded systemic as well as intention~l or direct discrimination. Recent rulings of the Supreme Court had also emphasized the relevance of international agreements, including the Convention, to the Charter's interpretation. 5. The Canadian Government hud established a nati.onul Court Challenges Progr <:!mme which made funds available to non-profit groups and individuals so that they could bring test cases before the courts to clarify and promote tr.e rights pertaining to equality and language which \orere guaranteed in the Constitution. Funding had been provided under the Programme to in~igrant, native, psychiatrically disabled and imprisoned women, and the Programme enjoyed wide support. I • •. ---------------------- --------CEDAW/C/SR.l67 English Page 3 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the efforts of the Canadian government to promote gender equality and women's rights, specifically with regards to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). It highlights the country's cultural, social, and geographic diversity, as well as its commitment to gender equality and the measures taken to promote it.

**Category**
Human rights, Education