Letters and messages from the chief commissioner: June 29, 2006
Chief commissioner's letter to the editor of the Calgary Herald, responding to coverage regarding to Global television's news story, "Racism at the Door".
The letter was published in the Calgary Herald on June 29, 2006
I am writing regarding recent coverage on the Global television’s Calgary station, “Racism at the Door” and the allegations within the coverage that racism and discrimination exists in Calgary’s nightclubs and bars. If these allegations are true, I believe it important to remind the public that such discrimination is both unfair and, at the same time, contrary to the law under Alberta legislation.
While it is understandable and lawful for any business to deny service or entry to a customer they may deem to be dangerous, intoxicated or inappropriately dressed, Alberta’s Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act clearly states that it is against the law to deny a service or access to a service “because of the race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, physical disability, mental disability, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income or family status . . .” (Sexual orientation was added in 1998.) As a result, any individual who has reason to believe that they have been denied entry or service at a business because of their race or because of any other area protected under the Act, has the right to file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission.
Calgary’s bars and nightclubs like many bars and nightclubs across Alberta are dynamic and sometimes volatile centres for social interaction. Club owners focusing on the safety and well being of their clientele, may justifiably attempt to determine the potential risk of prospective customers before allowing entry. It is also understandable that the orderly operation of their establishments and legislation such as fire codes, sometimes requires that they restrict entry to some individuals. But it is important to remember that it is clearly against the law to restrict entry on the basis of race or any other area protected under Alberta legislation.
The Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission is responsible for encouraging every Albertan to treat each person they meet as worthy of respect as a unique, contributing individual within our diverse society. Those Albertans who may not be prepared to demonstrate that respect, need to remember both the law and the responsibility they have as Albertans to provide fair treatment to others at all times, regardless of any social or organizational setting.
Sincerely,
Charlach Mackintosh
Chief Commissioner
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