Lesson 2: Democratic Rights and Responsibilities

What is a ‘right’? All citizens living in a democracy have guaranteed rights and freedoms. A right is a legal privilege or entitlement that is protected. Rights are usually fought for and claimed, and less often simply granted. Examples: the right to express yourself, freedom of religion.

Discussion Have you ever had to fight for a right or argue for a privilege at home, in school or in your community? Were you successful? If so, how?

Rights and Freedoms in Canada The Canadian Bill of Rights (1960) was the first written expression of human rights law at the national level. Our rights and freedoms are now protected at both the provincial and national level by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, a part of the Constitution Act, 1982, that was signed by Queen Elizabeth II.

Seven Sections of the Charter The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has seven sections that define our rights as Canadians: Fundamental freedoms (basic rights) Democratic rights Mobility rights Legal rights Equality rights Official languages of Canada Minority language education rights

Fundamental Freedoms freedom of religion (to worship your own god) freedom of thought (ability to form your own opinion) freedom of expression (ability to express your opinion freely) freedom of the press (to report on all matters) freedom of peaceful assembly (to gather and protest respectfully) freedom of association (to meet and associate with others)

Our Democratic Rights In a democracy, we select representatives to make decisions and pass laws on our behalf. Elections are the process of selecting representatives. Every Canadian citizen, 18 years and older, has the right to vote in an election and to be a candidate in an election if they choose to be. It also includes the requirement that governments hold elections at least every five years.

Universal Suffrage The right to vote in elections has been fought for by various groups throughout our history. Initially, only men who owned property could vote. After much campaigning by men and women who thought this was unfair, women received the right to vote provincially in 1916 and federally in 1918. The last of the limitations for various ethnic and religious gr groups were not removed until 1960. Universal suffrage is the extension of the right to vote to all adult citizens.

What is a ‘responsibility’? A responsibility is a duty or obligation. It is something you should do to show that you respect your rights. Example: your right to an education comes with the responsibility to show up to school prepared and on time.

Responsibilities in a Democracy It is the responsibility of all Canadians to respect and abide by the rules set out by the Constitution in order to benefit from their protected rights. The right to vote comes with the responsibility to vote and to make an informed decision.

Federal Voter Turnout by Age Group Year 18-24 yrs 25-34 yrs 35-44 yrs 45-54 yrs 55-64 yrs 65-74 yrs 75+ yrs 2004 37.0% 44.0% 54.5% 66.0% 72.9% 75.5% 63.9% 2006 43.8% 49.8% 61.6% 70.0% 75.4% 77.5% 2008 37.4% 48.0% 53.9% 59.7% 65.6% 68.4% 67.3% 2011 38.8% 45.1% 64.5% 71.5% 75.1% 60.3%

Provincial Voter Turnout Year Voter Turnout 2012 54.4% 2008 40.6% 2004 44.7% 2001 54.8% 1997 52.8% 1993 60.2%

Final Thoughts Electoral participation in Canada is declining at all levels of government (federal, provincial and municipal). Why do you think less people are voting today? Is the decline in voting disrespectful to those that had to fight for their right to vote? Should voting be mandatory?