1. Canada’s Constitution

2. Canada’s Constitution is:
The supreme law of the land
Interpreted by Canada’s supreme court in court cases where it is felt a part of the Constitution has been violated
The document which outlines the structure of our government
The document which defines and limits the power of government

3. British North America Act (1867)
This act first created Canada’s constitution, establishing Canada’s system of government
It created the relationship between the monarchy’s power and the colon’s federal and provincial powers
Also known as the BNA act

4. 1982: Repatriation (bringing the Constitution home)
In 1982 Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau “brought the Constitution home”
Two major changes to the Constitution were made:
An amendment formula which allows the Canadian government to change the Constitution
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms was added

5. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms

6. 1. Fundamental Freedoms Freedom of conscience and religion
Freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression
Freedom of peaceful assembly
Freedom of association

7. The right to live and work in any province or territory
2. Mobility Rights
The right to live and work in any province or territory

8. 3. Legal Rights
The right to not be detained or imprisoned without good cause
The right to be informed promptly of the reasons for arrest
The right to a lawyer without delay, and to not be imprisoned without the existence of a crime
The rights to be presumed innocent until proven guilty
The rights not to be subjected to cruel and unusual treatment or punishment

9. 4. Equality Rights
The right to equal treatment by the law and protection from discrimination on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, or mental or physical disability

10. 5. Official Languages of Canada
The right to access the government of Canada in English or French

11. 6. Minority Language Educational Rights
The right to education in English or French where there are significant numbers of students.