Christie v. The York Corporation (1940) | The Brian Mulroney Institute of Government

Despite a societal shift towards the introduction of anti-discrimination policies in the 1930s, there remained a point of contention, especially for the rights of merchants in how they operate their businesses (also known as the "freedom of commerce principle).
This was proven in the Supreme Court of Canada's Christie v. York decision, which ruled in favour of a merchant's rights in refusing entry of a black male into a Montreal Tavern.
In 1936, Fred Christie, along with his two friends, entered Montreal Forum's York Tavern for a drink but the waiter informed the group that due to new management, Fred Christie was not welcome in the bar any longer.
After Christie refused to leave, the police escorted the group from the premises and Christie sued the Tavern.
However, the Supreme Court of Canada ultimately ruled in favour of the merchant's rights to choose rather than Christie's right to be served (equal treatment).

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