Activity 3 page 2

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Fortunately, the article that you read in Get Focused is fictional. This situation did not occur. Who is to say, however, that it might not happen if citizens do not get involved in the justice system?

As you have learned, citizens may participate in the justice system by knowing the law and by being called for jury duty. Citizens can also be involved in the justice system by participating and supporting a cause. Causes may be the legal rights of First Nations people, women, immigrants, youth, or victims of crime, for example. Promoting a cause is known as advocacy.

advocacy: to be in favour of or to argue for something

 Vocabulary

Retrieve your Issues of Canadians Definitions handout from your Activities folder, and record the word advocacy. Write your own definition and add an image, icon, or symbol to the definition.

Save your updated handout to your Activities folder.

In Alberta, many individuals and groups advocate for youth justice. Advocacy groups such as the John Howard Society and the Elizabeth Fry Society work to improve the justice system for all people, including youth.


Discover the role of advocacy groups in Canada.

Read "What are advocacy groups?" on page 82 in your textbook, Issues for Canadians, for an introduction to advocacy groups.

Continue to read pages 82 and 83 to find how the John Howard Society and the Elizabeth Fry Society advocate for justice in Alberta.

As you read, take notes about how advocacy groups promote fairness in the justice of youth.

Save your notes to your Activities folder.

Workbook Summary

In this workbook, you investigated the following questions.

What are the roles and responsibilities of Canadian citizens?

How does the jury system ensure fairness within Canada's justice system?

How do advocacy groups ensure fairness?

Canadians are proud of the rights and freedoms they are afforded. Canada's constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protect all Canadians. However, with rights come responsibilities and roles based on these responsibilities. One role that Canadians have is to contribute to Canada's legal system. This may be as simple as following the speed limit on the highway or not littering.

The rights and responsibilities of Canadians can also include participating in jury duty or advocating for youth.

Jury duty is considered an important responsibility of being a Canadian citizen. It is mandatory to participate if you have been selected for duty. The effectiveness of jury decisions depends on citizens taking this responsibility seriously.

As a youth, you may not be able to participate in jury duty yet, but understanding this responsibility will prepare you as you become a more active citizen in Canada.

The importance that is placed on jury duty in Canada reflects fairness and equity in the justice system.

Advocacy groups such as the John Howard Society and the Elizabeth Fry Society are an important part of our justice system. Advocacy groups believe that crime prevention and control are as much a responsibility of the community as of government. They help to ensure youth justice is fair.

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