PowerPoint 2: Rights and Responsibilities in a Democracy

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

Discussion Have you ever had to 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 Democratic rights Mobility rights Legal rights Equality rights Official languages of Canada Minority language education rights

Fundamental Freedoms freedom of religion (to choose to worship in your own way) freedom of thought (to form your own opinion) freedom of expression (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 The right to vote in government elections (must be 18 years of age or older and a Canadian citizen) The right to stand for office (become a candidate for election) The regular sitting of federal and provincial legislative bodies (at least once every 12 months) The requirement that elections be held every five years (or less) except in times of war or rebellion

Women’s Suffrage Initially, only men who owned property could vote in Canada. Women in Canada eventually gained the right to vote (suffrage) following years of persistent protest. Women in Nova Scotia received the right to vote provincially on April 26, 1918. By 1918, women in Canada had nearly the same voting rights as men in federal elections and gained the right to run for federal office in 1919.

Universal Suffrage Men and women of several ethnic and racial minorities, such as Canadians of Chinese and Japanese origin and Indigenous peoples, were still disenfranchised for several decades after the women’s suffrage movement. The last of the limitations for various ethnic and religious 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 A responsibility is a duty or obligation 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 cast ballot and to make an informed decision

Voter Turnout Voter turnout is the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot during an election. Voter turnout across Canada has declined since the late 1980s/early 1990s. Young voters are less likely to vote than older voters. In the 2013 Nova Scotia provincial election, only 59 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot.

Final Thoughts Why do you think fewer people are voting? Do you think it is disrespectful to those who fought for the right to vote? Should voting be mandatory? Are there legitimate reasons to not vote?