2. Lesson

In a liberal society such as Canada, we value the liberties that are granted to us. We like to think of ourselves as loyal to our country. At the same time, we want to be an independent nation-to be a sovereign nation. Canada also has been known for a long time as a country with a sense of fair play, both within its own borders and in other parts of the world. Canadians also, then, value justice.

We can influence our leaders to write or change laws that reflect the values of Canadians. If the government in power does not represent or listen to the changes its citizens want, citizens are free to elect a new government at the next election.

In many countries such as Canada and the United States, leaders saw the need to incorporate laws as part of their constitutions to protect liberal values. In the United States, the Bill of Rights protects individual freedoms. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms set out rights for every Canadian citizen.


Canada added the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to its Constitution in 1982. Think about this for a moment. You have many freedoms and rights, including the right to move anywhere in Canada, to voice your opinion, to find work, and to practice your religion. As Canadians, these rights are sometimes taken for granted, right? You may think these rights have always existed in Canada.

You have rights protected in Canada as long as you obey the laws of our country. And there's the challenge. In a liberal society, individuals have a duty to act as responsible citizens with liberal values. But individuals are not free to do as they please if they are disrupting the rights and freedoms of other people.

Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms, enacted by the National Assembly of Quebec in 1975, is based on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In the province of Quebec, the Quebec Charter is second only to the Constitution Act (1982) and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It covers all political rights and fundamental freedoms in addition to anti-discrimination and equal pay provisions. Other provinces also have rights and freedoms legislation.

Quebec is still the only Canadian province that has not signed the Constitution Act (1982) and, therefore, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, although it is still bound by it.

All Canadian provinces have enacted some legislation regarding rights and freedoms. For example, Alberta has the Alberta Human Rights Act.

Collective Rights: Multiculturalism



Canada became a multicultural country in 1971 when the federal government made a multicultural policy.  Multiculturalism was meant to create a fair and just society in which all cultural and ethnic groups are equal.

Canada's multiculturalism policy was made to:
  • help cultural groups to grown and contribute to Canada
  • help cultural groups to enjoy full participation in society
  • encourage groups to learn more about each other
  • help immigrants to learn at least one of Canada's official languages


First Nations, Metis and Inuit Rights

  • Aboriginals have had to struggle with many challenges. As a conquered people, they struggle to obtain the rights that were taken from them.  Historically, Aboriginal peoples have been settled on reserves.  Their identity was taken from them by European settlers who took their land.  In addition, Aboriginal peoples were denied the right to vote until 1960, and they were sent to residential schools so they would assimilate into white person's society.  A Declaration of First Nations united the First Nations peoples by giving them a common ideology that recognizes their history and values.

The Assembly of First Nations is the official voice of all Aboriginal peoples in Canada.  It issued a Declaration of First Nations that states Aboriginal values and claims to rights.  Although it is not legally binding, it shows that Aboriginal people in Canada expect equal rights and recognition of their status.