Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: How effectively does it protect your individual rights?

How does the Charter protect individual rights and freedoms? Crossing the Line p What is the Charter of Rights and Freedoms? Framework on how Canada is governed Highest law in Canada Constitutional protections of indiv. rights and freedoms, apply to laws and governments across Canada

Continued… Canadians can challenge in court laws that restrict their rights Charter says Canada’s government is justified in restricting rights, if the restrictions are necessary to maintain Canada as a free and democratic society

So what are your rights? Fundamental Freedoms Freedom to: Express your opinions Choose your own religion Organize peaceful meetings and demonstrations Associate with any person or group

Democratic Rights The right to: Vote for members of the House of Commons and of provincial legislatures Vote for a new government at least every five years Mobility Rights The right to: Move anywhere within Canada and to ear a living there Enter, stay in, or leave Canada

Legal Rights The right to: Be free of imprisonment, search and seizure without reasons backed by law and evidence To a fair and quick public trial by an impartial court that assumes that you are innocent until proven guilty Equality Rights The right to: Be free of discrimination because of race, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, or mental or physical disability

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms po po

“In a free and democratic society, it is important that citizens know exactly what their rights and freedoms are, and where to turn or help and advice in the event that those freedoms are denied or rights infringed upon. In a country like Canada—vast and diverse, with eleven governments, two official languages and variety of ethnic origins—the only way to provide equal protection to everyone is to enshrine those basic rights and freedoms in the constitution. We have a Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that recognizes certain rights for all of us, wherever we may live in Canada.” Jean Chretien, “The Charter of Rights and Freedoms: A Guide for Canadians,” Ottawa 1982

Past and Present: Comparison Pages In Canada’s history we: First Nations Women Ukranian Canadians Italian Canadians Japanese Canadians With a partner analyze cause and effect p. 104

The Charter and law making in Canada Examples of citizens who have exercised their rights by challenging the government legislation Robin Eldridge in BC…p.105 No fly list…p.107 Junk food ads…p.109 Decision Making Worksheet…p.111

How does the Charter affect the workplace? Charter challenge: Women and pay equity in Ontario p113 Age bias p 115

Task Wrap Up p. 116 Organize your information for an informal debate on the question: What do you believe is the most important Charter issue affecting individual rights and freedoms in Canada today? Make sure you summarize your ideas

Chapter 3 Review Chapter test Monday January 18 Make sure you know your terms, and study from the three sections in your text book

Please take a piece of paper out and write your name and class on the top right corner

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