WHAT IS THE CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS?

ü  One part of the Canadian Constitution, which is a set of laws containing the basic rules about how our country operates.

ü  The Charter sets out those rights and freedoms that Canadians believe are necessary in a free and democratic society. Some of the rights and freedoms contained in the Charter are:

·  freedom of expression

·  the right to a democratic government

·  the right to live and seek employment anywhere in Canada

·  legal rights of persons accused of crimes

·  Aboriginal peoples’ rights

·  the right to equality, including the equality of men and women

·  the right to use either of Canada’s official languages

·  the right of French and English linguistic minorities to an education in their language

·  the protection of Canada’s multicultural heritage


WAYS TO “TAKE ACTION” ON AN ISSUE

If a society is to be democratic, its citizens must participate to influence decisions that will affect their lives. Citizens can participate by…

·  Voting – electing a representative of their choice.

·  Lobbying – practicing private advocacy with the goal of influencing a government body so that an individual’s or organization’s point of view is represented in the government.

Lobbying can be divided into 3 categories…

(1)  Cooperative Protest

ü  Write letters of protest to government representatives

ü  Hold public meetings

ü  Start a petition

ü  Advertise a cause with flyers/posters/newletters

(2)  Non-Cooperative

ü  Refuse to buy goods from a certain company or country

ü  Refuse to obey a law that you think is unjust

ü  Refuse to pay taxes

(3)  Intervention

ü  Participate in a demonstration/protest

ü  Occupy land that is being misused

ü  Put yourself between people or groups that are trying to harm others


Rights and Responsibilities in a Democracy

RIGHTS

In a democratic society like Canada, we are all entitled to certain rights and freedoms. We can group these into three categories.

CIVIL
18th Century / POLITICAL
19th Century / SOCIAL
20th Century
- equality
-liberty
- freedom of speech, thought, & religion
- right to own property / - right to participate in elections:
=> to run for &
hold office
=> to vote / - right to a certain standard of economic and social well being
- to participate fully in society (to protest)

In Canada your rights are guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. If you feel these rights were/are infringed upon you can appeal to the courts to uphold your rights.

Majority rule in democracies means that the opinion of the greater number will prevail but today we also try to guarantee that the rights of minorities are protected.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific responsibilities of Canadians are not outlined in our Charter but they are implied in every clause. For example, if you have the right to protection by law, you have the responsibility to obey the law. If you have the right to vote, you should vote after becoming an informed citizen. Also, some Canadians must run for office so that citizens who are not in office are represented. In order to have rights we must live up to the responsibilities that accompany them.

We also have the responsibility to contribute to the common goals of our communities. For example, all basic needs of the people in the community must be met. It is your responsibility, as an active citizen to help contribute to that common goal.


CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP

Is it Your Right or Responsibility?

Put “Right” or “Responsibility” in the space provided.

1.  Every Canadian citizen should vote in all elections. ______

2.  All people are to be treated equally and fairly. ______

3.  All Canadians can apply for a Canadian passport. ______

4.  Any Canadian citizen can run as a candidate in any local, provincial or federal election. ______

5.  Canadian Laws should be obeyed by all citizens.

6.  Canadian citizens should help groups to keep our environment clean and safe. ______

7.  A Canadian citizen can learn in French or in English. ______

8.  Good citizens are willing to lend a helping hand to neighbours in need. ______

9.  Old buildings and artifacts should be preserved or restored to keep our history alive. ______

10.  Canadian citizens can leave and enter Canada whenever they want. ______

11.  Canadians are able to speak freely about issues and problems. ______

12.  Children from other countries should not be laughed at or teased because of their appearance and dress. ______

13.  The Johnsons are leaving Ontario and moving to Calgary, Alberta. ______

14.  Mary went to the principal of her school to report the vandalism done to the school building by five of her classmates. ______

15.  Mr. and Mrs. Samra went to the polling station to vote for the new mayor of Kingston. ______

16.  The Chang family helped Mr. Wood’s election campaign by knocking on doors in their neighbourhood and handing out his pamphlets. ______