Rights and Responsibilities We have both!!

Think about this… What would your life be like if you didn’t have a choice in what events and activities you took part in with others? What rights and freedoms do you expect to have as a citizen in Canada? When is it okay for laws to restrict people’s choices? What’s the connection between having the right to be represented in government and your identity?

Canada’s Charter of Rights & Freedoms – what is it? 1) It gives individual rights and freedoms to Canadian citizens 2) It gives collective rights and freedoms to groups in society. Dates from 1982 Part of Canada’s constitution – which is the highest law of Canada, all other laws must be consistent with it.

Prior to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the provincial and federal governments had a variety of laws about individual rights. So why do we have the Charter…

Now that the Charter exists: It creates constitutional protection for individual rights and freedoms, applying to all governments across Canada. Canadians can challenge in court the laws that restrict their rights. Canada’s government is justified in restricting rights, if it is necessary to maintain Canada as a free and democratic country.

The Charter Application : - states that it applies to all levels of government Limitations: - Not all rights are absolute subject to reasonable limitations

YOUR INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS… (as stated by the Charter) Fundamental freedoms Freedom to express your opinions (“I think it’s stupid that I can’t listen to my IPOD in class.”) Freedom to choose your own religion Freedom to organize peaceful meetings and demonstrations (protests on Parliament Hill) Freedom to associate with any person or group.

Democratic Rights The right to vote for members of the House of Commons and of provincial legislatures The right to vote for a new government at least every five years.

Mobility Rights The right to move anywhere within Canada and to earn a living there. The right to enter, stay in, or leave Canada.

Legal Rights The right to be free of imprisonment, search and seizure without reasons backed by law or evidence. The right 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 ethic origin, religion, gender, age or mental or physical disability.

Official Language rights French and English are the two official languages in Canada - implications of this: All the laws made are in French and English in all the institutions of government. (Federal courts, House of Commons, etc)

Minority Language Education Rights People whose first language learned and still understood (French or English) is the minority in the province they live in People who have received their primary school instruction in French or English and that language is the minority of the province AND people who have received their primary or secondary education in French or English HAVE the RIGHT to have all their children receive primary and secondary education in the same language.

Enforcement Anyone whose rights or freedoms, as guaranteed by the Charter have been infringed or denied may seek the court of law to obtain any remedy the court considers appropriate or just.

But rights come with responsibilities…

Citizenship Responsibilities Obeying the law — One of Canada’s founding principles is the rule of law. Individuals and governments are regulated by laws and not by arbitrary actions. No person or group is above the law. Taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family — Getting a job, taking care of one’s family and working hard in keeping with one’s abilities are important Canadian values. Work contributes to personal dignity and self-respect, and to Canada’s prosperity.

Responsibilities Serving on a jury — When called to do so, you are legally required to serve. Serving on a jury is a privilege that makes the justice system work as it depends on impartial juries made up of citizens. Voting in elections — The right to vote comes with a responsibility to vote in federal, provincial or territorial and local elections.

Responsibilities Helping others in the community — Millions of volunteers freely donate their time to help others without pay—helping people in need, assisting at your child’s school, volunteering at a food bank or other charity, or encouraging newcomers to integrate. Volunteering is an excellent way to gain useful skills and develop friends and contacts. Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment — Every citizen has a role to play in avoiding waste and pollution while protecting Canada’s natural, cultural and architectural heritage for future generations.

Did you know? The Charter of Rights and Freedoms gives every person in Canada the same rights, whether they are a citizen or not!!! 2 EXCEPTIONS: You have to be a Canadian Citizen to: Have the right to vote! Have the right to leave Canada freely