1. Influences on the Government Interest Groups – Lobbyists 1000s in Canada, top examples include: Greenpeace, Amnesty International, the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, and the Canadian Federation of Labour – Public opinion Influence both government and public through paid advertisements – i.e. the three major cell phone companies in Canada. Opposition to interest groups – Views not always shared by all citizens – Large amounts of money (expect special treatment) Mass Media – Cover issues that ‘it’ thinks are important to society. – Concentration of media groups under one umbrella = no coverage from a 2 nd or 3 rd party, i.e. Vancouver Sun & Vancouver Province are both owned by the same company.

2. Influences on the Government part 2 Protest Groups – Rallies; parades; marches Raging Grannies: Protest in their stereotypical “granny” clothes. Usually protest on environment and human rights issues. – Civil Disobedience Usually involves the act of intentionally disobeying the law. – I.e. the Stanley Cup riot in 2012 (and 1994). Not supposed to include violence. Involves willingness to face punishment

3. Becoming a Canadian Citizen To participate in the electoral process you must be/hold Canadian Citizenship. Applies to: – Anyone born in Canada (automatic) – If you were born outside of Canada after 1977 and one parent is Canadian, you are automatic as well. If you were not born in Canada you must apply for Canadian Citizenship; this involves: – You must have lived in Canada permanently for the past 3 years – You must be 18 – Been a legal permanent residence for 3 of previous 4 years in Canada – Able to communicate in both French or English (official languages) – Have knowledge of Canada, including rights and responsibilities of a citizen You are not allowed to become a Canadian Citizen if: -Under deportation order -In prison, on parole, or probation -Charged or convicted with a serious crime You are not allowed to become a Canadian Citizen if: -Under deportation order -In prison, on parole, or probation -Charged or convicted with a serious crime

4. Human Rights What are they? – Rights to which all humans are entitled i.e. treated with dignity and respect; follow a “moral code” – “Considered basic to life in any human society” Not always found to be the case – United Nations established in 1945, post WWII to help curb human violations around the world – Key development: Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 First document to recognize that all humans have specific rights and freedoms

5. United Nations: Universal Declaration of Human Rights Important excerpts (Page 30) – All humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights – Everyone is entitled to rights declared, without prejudice of any kind – Everyone has right to life, liberty, and security of person – No one shall be held in slavery or servitude – No one shall be subject to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment – All are equal before law, and are entitled to protection by law – No one shall be subject to arbitrary (random) arrest, detention, or exile – Everyone has a right to education – Everyone has a right to the freedom of movement – Everyone has right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion – Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression – Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for health and well- being

6. Global Response to Offending Countries The UN lacks the power to directly enforce the previously mentioned declarations. Instead plays a crucial role in drawing world attention to offending countries. – i.e. UN sent in to Syria to see if there was evidence of Chemical weapons… find the proof and pass on info Global community then puts pressure on the offending country. – Through economic sanctions or military engagement