PowerPoint 2: Rights and Responsibilities in a Democracy

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 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)

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

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. In January 1916, Manitoba was the first province to pass legislation that allowed women to vote in provincial elections. 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 Aboriginal peoples, were still disenfranchised for several decades after women achieved the right to vote. 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 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% *Voter turnout data from the 2015 federal election is not yet available.

Provincial Voter Turnout Year Voter Turnout 1973 78.3% 1977 75.6% 1981 72.4% 1986 67.5% 1988 74.0% 1991 69.1% 1995 69.2% 1999 68.1% 2003 54.2% 2007 56.8% 2011 55.8%

Final Thoughts Is it ever a legitimate choice not to vote? Should voting be mandatory? Will you vote when you turn 18?