1. Introduction

Individual and Collective Rights in Canada


Issue Question: Are the values of liberalism viable?




Duration: 2 blocks (80 mins each + homework)

In previous lessons, you explored the the values of liberalism, including rights and freedoms such as the right to vote, equality of opportunity, and freedom from discrimination.  you have seen how such rights and freedoms have gradually been accepted in liberal democracies as being universal- that is, they apply to everyone.  Unless there are laws in place to guarantee such rights and freedoms, they may not be enjoyed by everyone.  In this lesson, you will explore how government works to promote liberal values through legislation.  You will discover how legal documents such as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Constitution, and the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms function to guarantee individual rights for all Canadians, and collective rights for specific groups in society.




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