Equality and Justice for All in Canada

Today, Canada is known around the world as a cultural mosaic. As a nation it welcomes people of both sexes with all different beliefs, cultures, and religions. Creating a mature nation would require promoting equality of opportunity to all and giving help to those who were disadvantaged. However, Canada has not always been a welcoming and mature nation. In the past, women were not allowed to vote alongside men or run for political positions, due to the fact that they were not considered “persons”. As well, Aboriginal children were stipped from their homes, families, and identities so that they could assimilate all First Nations people. During the last century, women have gained more political rights, gained more respect from society, and Aboriginal people have been compensated for their terrible past.

For Canada to become a fully mature nation, it needs equality among both genders, women’s rights should be equal to men’s rights. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Canadian women were subordinate to Canadian men, not only in politics, but in most aspects of living. Most men believed that women were not able to accomplish anything a man could, or be wise enough to vote. In 1914, Manitoba Premier Sir Rodmond Roblin said that “the majority of women are emotional, and if given the franchise would be a menace rather than an aid." (Women Get The Vote ) Seeing that this man was in an authoritative position, his statement was an example of a typical and common viewpoint at the time. Many men agreed with him, and Canadian society did not legally allow women all the rights men had. Women made up a majority of the Canadian population, yet they did not have the right to vote, which made Canada an immature society at this time. By 1914...

... middle of paper ...

... action. It stated that the Canadian government would provide nearly 2 billion dollars to the former students who had attended 130 schools. Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl said he hoped the money would "close this sad chapter of history in Canada" (A Timeline of Residential Schools).

To conclude, social conflict has helped Canada mature as a nation during the last century. This is proven by women gaining the right to vote and being able to run for political roles in the government. Also, women gained more respect from society and with hard work and determination, are now legally known as "persons." Finally, the sympathy and compensation shown from the Canadian government to the Aboriginal people who were affected by the residential schools proves that conflict has helped Canada grow from an immature nation to a mature nation as a whole over the last century.