1. Chapter 12
What is Citizenship?

2. Rights and Responsibilities: A History
After Holocaust and atrocities of WW2, Canada and other countries wanted to improve conditions in world by passing legislation to guarantee human rights
fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being.

3. Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Written by Canadian John Humphrey
Passed by United Nations 1948
First international statement of its kind to use the term “human rights” on a global scale.
It includes the following basic guiding principles/resolutions:
See Textbook page 194

4. Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Continued
Only effective if all countries live by its principles
There have been many violations
UN has established committees to monitor this, but has limited ability to enforce
Can make violations known to public hoping that pressure from other countries with make the offending nation comply

5. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Part of the Constitution Act, which was “brought home” or patriated in 1982
Became a major milestone for Canadian self rule or sovereignty for Canada
Hallmark for rights of Canadians
Part of the Constitution meaning rights and freedoms that it protects cannot be changed easily
Since these rights/freedoms are guaranteed by law, courts make decisions when there are issues that involve these rights

6. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Charter rights are not “absolute” rights
They are subject to ‘reasonable limits prescribed by law in a free and democratic society”
Video:

7. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Some of the rights and freedoms contained in the Charter are:
Democratic Rights – eg. right to vote
Legal Rights – eg. Right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty
Equality Rights – eg. Protection from discrimination
Mobility Rights – eg. Right to travel and work in any province
Fundamental Freedoms – eg. Expression, opinion

8. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Charter also guarantees
Official language rights
Minority language rights
Aboriginal and treaty rights
It also contains a “notwithstanding clause” that allows provincial/federal governments to make exceptions in certain cases

9. Responsibilities With Rights, however, come Responsibilities:
Understand and obey laws
Participate in democratic society
Vote in elections
Allow others to enjoy their rights and freedoms
Appreciate and help preserve your heritage
Acquire knowledge and understanding of people and places around the world
Help preserve the environment
Speak out against social injustice, discrimination and racism
Challenge institutional thinking when it violates human rights