SST3772-ABED_1: Unit 6.4 Individual and Collective Rights in Canada's Democracy

Liberal Values

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.

Individual Rights—Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

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.

Click this link to see how the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the rights and freedoms and will of the Canadian people.

Please watch the following video explaining the Charter of Rights and Freedoms:

Read "The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms" on pages 348-351 of your textbook, Understandings of Ideology. These pages will further your understanding of the concept of promoting individual and collective rights in Canada.

You should make notes, either on paper or on your computer, about what you have read. You may want to read the tutorial How to Make Notes. When you are finished the tutorial, return here to continue this unit.

Québec Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The Québec Charter of Rights and Freedoms, enacted by the National Assembly of Québec in 1975, is based on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In the province of Québec, the Québec 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.

Québec 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.

Please watch the following video explaining the Québec Charter:

Read "Economic Rights in Québec" on page 351 of your textbook, Understandings of Ideology. This page will further your understanding of the concept of promoting individual and collective rights in Canada.

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 grow 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

Please watch the following video explaining Multiculturalism:

Reaction to Canada's multiculturalism policy has been mixed. People have various opinions about multiculturalism. Click here to examine the Arguments for and against Multiculturalism.

First Nations, Métis, 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 could 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 peoples in Canada expect equal rights and recognition of their status.

Click this link to examine the Declaration of First Nations.

Please watch the following video explaining the Assembly of First Nations:

Read "Canada's Multiculturalism Act" on page 352 and "Collective Rights in the Charter and in the Constitution" on pages 352-357 of your textbook, Understandings of Ideology. These pages will further your understanding of the concept of promoting individual and collective rights in Canada.