8.2.3 Human Rights in Canada
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8.2.3 Human Rights in Canada
How should I respond to globalization?
Most Canadians are proud of our human rights record. Our fundamental rights are enshrined in the
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and protected in other legislation.
For example,
Canadians who believe their rights are being violated also have protection under the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Employment Equity Act. We can take measures when we feel our rights are being violated. We can take legal action, or we can file a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
But, do all Canadians experience the benefits of excellent human rights? Canada's treatment of Aboriginal People was considered a violation of human rights in the past. The social conditions of many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people are still a problem in Canada. The right of Francophone Canadians to receive their education and government services in their mother tongue is an issue in some places. Other issues include
For example,
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our right to an education is guaranteed by provincial laws such as
Alberta's School Act
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our right to healthcare is covered by the
Canada Health Act
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our right to protection from extreme poverty is included in our social services and pension programs
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our right to own property is guaranteed under the criminal code
Canadians who believe their rights are being violated also have protection under the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Employment Equity Act. We can take measures when we feel our rights are being violated. We can take legal action, or we can file a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
But, do all Canadians experience the benefits of excellent human rights? Canada's treatment of Aboriginal People was considered a violation of human rights in the past. The social conditions of many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people are still a problem in Canada. The right of Francophone Canadians to receive their education and government services in their mother tongue is an issue in some places. Other issues include
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rights of the disabled
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missing and murdered Indigenous women
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failure to resolve native land claims
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rights of temporary foreign workers
- failure to protect Canadian dual citizens from detention and torture abroad
A woman in a wheelchair is unable to get up the stairs.
© Thinkstock
© Thinkstock
Mosaic of missing and murdered Aboriginal women
Courtesy of No More Silence
Courtesy of No More Silence
Cousins of Omar Khadr protest for his release.
Courtesy of Joshua Sherurcij
Courtesy of Joshua Sherurcij
Although members of mainstream society may feel that their rights are well protected, members of certain minority groups may not agree.
Reflect
Consider the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Note that the right to own property (Article 17) and the right to protection from extreme poverty (Article 25) are not included in our charter.
Are our rights as Canadians adequately guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
Watch
Watch this video about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.