The Charter Of rights and freedoms was signed on April 17, 1982.
Before the Canadian charter of rights and freedoms was signed, Canada had the British North America Act, which very much resembled the British Laws and rights.
Getting the provinces and territories of Canada to agree with all of these changes to this charter was tough, but it was done and once all the provinces agreed with one another, it was sent to Great Britain and revived approval where it was then signed by Queen Elizabeth II in 1982.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is only one part of the Canadian Constitution. The Constitution is a set of laws containing the basic rules about how our country operates. The Charter sets out those rights and freedoms that Canadians
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believe are necessary in a free and democratic society. Some of the rights and freedoms contained in the Charter are: freedom of expression the right to a democratic government the right to live and to seek employment anywhere in Canada legal rights of persons accused of crimes Aboriginal peoples' rights the right to equality, including the equality of men and women the right to use either of Canada's official languages the right of French and English linguistic minorities to an education in their language the protection of Canada's multicultural heritage. Continuity and Change: A lot has changed since the signing of the Charter of rights and freedoms, Following the signing of this charter, it subsequently made Canada a fully independent Nation and the first time in Canadian history Canada has its own Charter that differs from the British made one Canada had previously. Before the Charter came into effect, other Canadian laws protected many of the rights and freedoms that are now brought together in it. One example is the Canadian Bill of Rights, which Parliament enacted in 1960. The Charter differs from these laws by being part of the Constitution of Canada. Canada still does have very close ties with the British and Queen Elizabeth II still remains as our official head of state represented by the Governor General. After years of waiting The Charter was officially "Brought home" and with that came Canada's own charter of rights leading Canada to be recognized as a fully independent nation This is so important in shaping our canadian identity because without the signing of the Charter we would not be a fully independent country with our own voice and our own ability to represent ourselves independent of influence from another country.
The development of the charter has also given Canada international recognition and influence politically. For example, the Charter has replaced the American Bill of Rights as the constitutional document most emulated by other nations.
It could be argued that Canada has surpassed the United States as a leading global exporter of constitutional law. As the first Commonwealth nation to adopt a bill of rights, Canada has influenced other former British colonies as they create or revise their own constitutions. Israel, Hong Kong and Eastern European countries have also drawn from the Canadian example. This in turn influences how we see ourselves as Canadians on the world political stage. Canada, the Charter itself and the nation that gave birth to it serve as an examples to the world.
As Canadians we take great pride in our reputation as a country that can lead others in examples of equality, justice, and what is right for all citizens and this is why in my opinion, the development and signing of the Charter of Rights in 1982 was the most important event in the last 100 years of Canadian
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history. # 2 THe Battle of Vimy Ridge This Battle was one of the most defining moments for Canada in the 20th century. For the very first time in the First world war Canada fought as one whole army consisting of four divisions. Though the Canadians came up with a plan to use their artillery as a wall to protect their soldiers as they advance on the hiding Germans avoiding the Canadian artillery fire. The battle of Vimy Ridge was a defining moment in Canadian history, it also was a pretty important for the War in general, not only was it a great victory for Canada, but it was the real beginning of the end for the Germans. In the next year the war would be over, and Canada would go on win even greater battles. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was an important milestone for our country. Canadian soldiers earned one of the most impressive victories of the First World War. Canada had entered the war seen as little more than an overseas extension of Britain. Though the victory at Vimy was impressive, it did not come without cost. Approximately 3,600 Canadians were killed and more than 7,000 were wounded. Even with this amount of loss of lives, this single victory will always be remembered in Canadian history. Due to this important historical event, what has stayed the same and what has changed in canada?
This historical event reflects a time when a true singular Canadian identity began to develop without being under the shadow of another country. It is said that Canada's impressive contributions during world war I was best exemplified by our triumph in the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This victory changed the way that we and others in the world viewed our country. Some historians say that Canada came of age as a nation in the battle as 100,000 Canadians from coast to coast came together to capture the vital German stronghold.This was the first battle that Canada fought as one with limited help from the British, it was a primarily Canadian only
attack. With the French and the British trying and failing to take the ridge, the Canadians were finally given their moment and they proved their will to take on adversity and end in triumph. As Canadians we can look back on that moment that proved to us and the world that when we pull together as an independant nation we can accomplish anything and triumph were other may fail. It helped us realize that we can stand on our own as a country and protect ourselves in wartime as well as protect and serve other countries in need. What remained the same was the idea of Canadians being a very strong and supportive nation, what changed was a growing independent Canadian identity. #3 The Election of an Outstanding Prime Minister 1921-1948 The outstanding national leader of the first half of the 20th century was William Lyon Mackenzie King (1874–1950). Canadians elected the Liberal prime minister to run our country for over 21 years from 1921–30, and 1935–48. He retired with a record of the longest service as prime minister in Commonwealth history. The source of information regarding this important event is history books and the current state of our country's policies today. King steered Canada through industrialization, most of the Great Depression, and the Second World War. By the time he left office, Canada had achieved greater independence from Britain and a stronger international voice, and had implemented policies such as unemployment insurance in response to industrialization, economic distress, and changing social realities. To help reassure Canadians who feared the return of the Depression after the war and who looked to the government for greater social security, King introduced unemployment insurance in 1940, and his reconstruction program, based on Keynesian Economics, included family allowances and proposals for health insurance. These events had a massive influence on the Canada that we are today. Our country is known internationally for our social services, support of all our citizens and our desire to help and support the most needy of our citizens. The fact that our county continued to elect this inspiring leader to lead our country during such times of change in our history illustrates that our country embraces change for the greater good. Mackenzie King instituted many social programs that continue to this day. This caused an ideology to develop within Canada and affected our reputation internationally as a country that continued to choose leaders that cared about the well being of all our citizens, young or old, poor or rich. There were many countries then and still are today that the government supports and promotes the wellbeing of the rich and influential citizens. the fact that our country continued to elect a national leader who promoted and developed social security for its citizens really shows how we view ourselves and how we want ourselves to be viewed on the world stage, as a progressive and caring country who will provide and protect all it’s citizens. the election of Mackenzie King for over 20 years is a significant event in our country's history that really showcases Canadian identity. #4: Residential Schools/Indian Act 1920 Residential schools became very predominant following the Indian Act of 1920. and were supervised by Christian churches. Aboriginal Children at very young ages were taken from their homes, often by force and placed in these residential schools. The idea of these schools was to "Convert" the culture of the aboriginal children into the culture of the Predominately white community. Children were often punished for speaking their own aboriginal language, and their punishments were often very brutal with over 4000 children actually killed in these schools. Cause and consequence The major cause of the use of residential schools was the idea of wanting to assimilate the young aboriginal children into the white Canadian society, and destroy the "Indian" within them. 150,000 Children were put into these school during the time residential schools and over 4000 were killed, mostly from brutal staff beatings, sickness, malnutrition, suicide, the list just keeps on going. why did this happen in the first place? European settlers in Canada brought with them the assumption that their own civilization was the best of human achievement. They interpreted the socio-cultural differences between themselves and the Aboriginal peoples as proof that Canada’s first inhabitants were ignorant, savage, and—like children—in need of guidance. They felt the need to civilize the Aboriginal peoples. Education at residential became the primary means to this end. This is a historically significant and very sad event in Canadian history, Children being forced from their homes and Taught to become a "Proper person" and no Longer be what they call a "Savage".This event remains as a very dark time in Canadian history, and will not soon be forgotten. #5. Liberation of the Netherlands From September 1944 to April 1945 In September of 1944 the Canadian first army was given the order to take the Netherlands from Nazicontrol. The Canadians fought hard and also supplied the Dutch people with food and essential supplies to survive through these harsh conditions of war. Following the invasion and the subsequent liberation of the Netherlands, the people of this war torn country were overjoyed, finally they can live in peace thanks to the Canadians who even today the Dutch show their gratitude to Canada by sending 10,000 tulip buds every year. At this time in history citizens of Canada would have been very proud of our troops. It once again showed canada as a caring country that is willing to help those in need and provide support to all citizens globally not just our own citizens. These acts of support and kindness contributes greatly to Canadian identity as Canadians are remembered by the Dutch and other countries who see Canada as a liberating country.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, s 7, Part I of the Constitution Act, 1982, being Schedule B to the Canada Act 1982 (UK), 1982, c 11. Web.
It was once stated by F.R.Scott “ There are two miracles in canadian history. The first is the survival of French Canada, and the second is the survival of Canada.” His quote came to reality as of Canada grew to be a stable and secure country where everyone would want to be. Yet to accomplish this, many obstacles and events occurred such as the Spanish Succession war in 1713 , the seven years war in 1763, the constitutional act in 1791 and finally the Act of Union in 1841. First in 1713, the Spanish Succession war occurred where the British took control of Acadia. Soon after that, in 1763 the Seven Years War ended where the British took over New France and was later renamed British North America. Before the British most of the colonies were
One of Canada’s largest military endeavors was the battle of Vimy Ridge during World War One. It was a fierce battle between Germans and Canadians. Canada was trying to take over the German controlled ridge, which ran from northwest to southwest between Lens and Arras, France. Its highest point was 145 feet above sea level, which was exceptionally helpful in battle because of the very flat landscape. Already over 200,000 men had fallen at Vimy, all desperately trying to take or defend this important and strategic ridge. As a result of its success in taking the ridge, Canada gained a lot more than just the strategic point. Canada was united as a nation, and the victory changed the way other counties viewed them. Canadians no longer viewed their soldiers as merely an extension of allied forces; they now viewed their troops as an independent and unified entity.
The Canadian government only protects 18 out of 30 rights in the Universal Declaration and other important rights are ignored. For example, in article 26 of the Universal Declaration, it states that everyone has the right to education. This law is not included in the Charter but I think it is very im...
In conclusion Canada gained independence because of a series of events that took place during the twentieth century. If it hadn’t been for these events, Canada to this day might have been a part of the British Empire. Through discussion on the Chanak affair we signalled that we wanted autonomy. Through our hard work and lives, the world knew we had the ability to stand alone as a strong nation. While, our international reputation of being a “peacekeeping” country the right to stand as an independent self-governing nation. But finally through the Canada Act, we stood solely independent from our Empire. It is obvious that the twentieth century provided us with great chances to become an independent strong nation.
Moreover, although no powers or rights have been explicitly ‘reserved’ to the people, supporters of the charter nevertheless appear to give Canadians hope that the possibility may exist. COMPARISON OF BILL OF RIGHTS AND THE CANADIAN CHARTER... ... middle of paper ... ...
To draw a conclusion it is inevitable to highlight the significance change not only to Canada´s self-understanding, but also in the world´s appearance that the Statute of Westminster caused. It was the last of the Imperial Acts of the Parliament of Great Britain applicable to all dominions and therefore it marks the end of the great, superordinate British Empire which was one of the major forces throughout many centuries in history. Even though the Commonwealth technically remains, new autonomous countries were finally able to be more than just an extension of the the mother-country. Thus, many of them became remarkable powers with an own identity and own intentions on the world stage themselves, such as the country we live in, Canada.
Canada also became a leader internationally as well. With such an enormous military contribution during the war, other countries began to recognize the success of Canada. People wanted to know more about Canada. Consequently, the war advanced Canada’s sense of identity.
Canada has become a superior nation thru, perseverance, courage and even care as they persevered thru many dark battles, and made sure they all came thru together as a unit other than individuals. Their courage made there fighting 100% stronger as they wouldn’t back down to any task and they weren’t afraid to lose their life to help a fellow friend and country out. Care played a major aspect in each Canadian heart. There cared about Britain so they weren’t to go help them when they declared war, they helped other troops with their emotional problems and lastly they even cared a little about there enemies as they are the same person, however the only thing separating them is there culture. Canadians contributed in many ways to help our country's great efforts in the First World War.
Pierre Trudeau is the greatest Canadian of the twentieth century due to the fact that he declared Canada’s independence from Great Britain, he abolished the death penalty, and he created the Official Languages Act, making our nation entirely bilingual.
From the first Great War, to the Great Depression, and after the Second World War, you could say that Canada had been transformed significantly. Since the day the British North American Act was enacted in 1867, Canada was a small and developing country. The Second World War had been one of its biggest challenges yet and the countries future prospects tremendous benefits especially in the fields of political development, social development, and economical development. It was a great struggle to get where she is today and WW2 was a major contributing factor to why Canada is such a strong and unified nation
The Founding Fathers and Canada’s Founders both faced many obstacles and concerns when working towards creating the best possible form of government for their respectable nations. The Federalist Papers seek to counter the Articles of Confederation whereas Canada’s Founding Debates is a discussion between supporters and opponents of Confederation. Between the Founding Fathers and Canada’s Founders in the Founding Papers chapter Federal Union, there are many common concerns about the future of the country. When there is a change in how a country is structured, it brings concern over group rights and interest being ignored for the common good, and it is very
Democracy is more than merely a system of government. It is a culture – one that promises equal rights and opportunity to all members of society. Democracy can also be viewed as balancing the self-interests of one with the common good of the entire nation. In order to ensure our democratic rights are maintained and this lofty balance remains in tact, measures have been taken to protect the system we pride ourselves upon. There are two sections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that were implemented to do just this. Firstly, Section 1, also known as the “reasonable limits clause,” ensures that a citizen cannot legally infringe on another’s democratic rights as given by the Charter. Additionally, Section 33, commonly referred to as the “notwithstanding clause,” gives the government the power to protect our democracy in case a law were to pass that does not violate our Charter rights, but would be undesirable. Professor Kent Roach has written extensively about these sections in his defence of judicial review, and concluded that these sections are conducive to dialogue between the judiciary and the legislature. Furthermore, he established that they encourage democracy. I believe that Professor Roach is correct on both accounts, and in this essay I will outline how sections 1 and 33 do in fact make the Canadian Charter more democratic. After giving a brief summary of judicial review according to Roach, I will delve into the reasonable limits clause and how it is necessary that we place limitations on Charter rights. Following this, I will explain the view Professor Roach and I share on the notwithstanding clause and how it is a vital component of the Charter. To conclude this essay, I will discuss the price at which democr...
...I truly think that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms has paved a path for creating a free and democratic Canada and I believe it will create Canada as the greatest democratic nation.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was enacted under the Pierre Trudeau government on April 17, 1982. According to Phillip Bryden, “With the entrenchment of the Charter into the Canadian Constitution, Canadians were not only given an explicit definition of their rights, but the courts were empowered to rule on the constitutionality of government legislation” (101). Prior to 1982, Canada’s central constitutional document was the British North America Act of 1867. According to Kallen, “The BNA Act (the Constitution Act, 1867) makes no explicit reference to human rights” (240). The adoption of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms significantly transformed the operation of Canada’s political system. Presently, Canadians define their needs and complaints in human rights terms. Bryden states, “More and more, interest groups and minorities are turning to the courts, rather than the usual political processes, to make their grievances heard” (101). Since it’s inception in 1982 the Charter has become a very debatable issue. A strong support for the Charter remains, but there also has been much criticism toward the Charter. Academic critics of the Charter such as Robert Martin believe that the Charter is doing more harm than good, and is essentially antidemocratic and UN-Canadian. I believe that Parliament’s involvement in implementing the Charter is antidemocratic, although, the Charter itself represents a democratic document. Parliament’s involvement in implementing the Charter is antidemocratic because the power of the executive is enhanced at the expense of Parliament, and the power of the judiciary is enhanced at the expense of elected officials, although, the notwithstanding clause continues to provide Parliament with a check on...