How Does the Charter Protect Individual rights and Freedoms?

How Does the Charter Protect Individual rights and Freedoms?

How Does the Charter Protect Individual rights and Freedoms?In this ChapterWe will inspect the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms We will explore specific cases of how the charter protected some individuals

What is the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?The Charter of Rights and freedoms is part of Canadas Constitution. The Constitution sets out a framework for how Canada is to be governedThe constitution is the highest law in Canada. All other laws must be consistent with itWith the charter, Canadians can challenge in court laws that restrict their rights. The judicial branch makes decisions about these challenges by interpreting how to apply the charterThe charter gives the Canadian government the right to restrict rights, if the restrictions are necessary to maintain Canada as a free and democratic society.The War Measures ActEx. The FLQ crisis, Montreal 1970

Your Individual Rights Under the CharterLets read through pgs 97-98 and come up with examples for each individual freedom. What Responsibilities do you believe that people have because of these rights?Complete the Cut and paste chartWhat does the Charter Reflect about Today's Society compared to the Past?We will be looking at some events from Canadas History. As we explore them, think about how the governments actions effected the individuals rights. How does the Charter protect these rights today?First Nations and the Indian ActIn 1876, parliament passed the Indian Act. It passed without consulting the First Nation Peoples, at a time when people of European decent generally viewed European ways as superior to those of the First Nation People. At points in history the Indian Act:Required First Nation Peoples to obtain government permission to wear traditional clothingBanned traditional Ceremonies Prevented First Nations from taking political actionForced first nation people to live on reservesCanadian Women and the Right to VoteUntil 1918, women were not allowed to vote or run as a candidate in CanadaCanadian women began campaigning in 1876, Led by Canada's first female doctor, Emily Howard StoweThe idea that women should be able to vote was so radical at the time, women's groups had to hideToronto Womens Literary Club

Dr. Emily Howard StoweNellie MaClungA famous Canadian feminist who was instrumental in the women's rights movementHistorica minutemock parliament

Emily MurphyFought to have women recognized as persons by the British and Canadian governmentHistorica MinuteInternment of Ukrainian CanadiansAt the beginning of World War 1 in 1914, more then 8000 people of Ukrainian and German descent who were living in Canada were arrested and sent to camps because of their identity.The Canadian Government passed the War Measures Act in 1914 which gave them the power to move people as they saw fitCanada and its allies were at war with Germany and Austria-HungaryThe people interned had to work as labourers, they build roads and worked in national parks but received no wage. They were prisoners in their own countryIn 2005 Canadas parliament passed the Internment of Persons of Ukrainian Origin Recognition Act, which acknowledges this event in Canadian HistoryThe Internment Of Italian CanadiansDuring WW2, Canada used the War Measures act again to arrest people of Italian descent and sent them to camps.Entire families were forced into camps and their properties seizedIn 1990, prime minister Brian Mulroney apologized to the Italian Community for the internmentSome members of the community are seeking compensation. These negotiations are ongoingThe Internment of Japanese CanadiansOn December 7th, 1941 during WW2, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.Canadians with Japanese ancestry suddenly found themselves treated with suspicion and hatred, even though most of them had been born and raised in Canada.In February 1942 Canada's government decided to move all peoples of Japanese origin away from the west coast. Under the war measures act, more then 200,000 men women and children were forced to leave their communities.They were loaded onto trains and moved inland into campsJapanese peoples possessions and homes were confiscated and they were sent to work camps in the B.C. interior. These people were treated like enemies and hated even though most had been born and raised in Canada.Relatives of the Japanese Canadians interned received $21,000 in 2007. CBC clip

How does the Charter Affect Law Making in Canada?We will read and explore how the charter affects legislation. You will find:Examples of citizens who have exercised their individual rights by challenging government legislationExamples of issue affecting individual rightsGroup WorkBreak into 4 groupsEach group will select one of the following examples of legislation challenging individual rights. you must then answer the following and present to the classA summary of what happenedHow the individual rights were violatedWhat legislation was challenged?What changed

Breaking the communication barrier- pg 105Always open- pg 106Restrictions on flying- pg 107-108Banning junk food ads- pg 109How Does the Charter Affect the Workplace?The charter is in place to protect the rights of Canadians in every aspect of their lives including the workplaceCan you think of an instance where you or someone you know was treated unfairly at work? How can the charter help them?ExampleIn 2001 ,4 Ontario women and 5 labour unions launched a Charter Challenge arguing that the was discriminating against them based on their genderA 1993 Ontario law required that men and women be paid the same wage for the same job when they had equal levels of training and experienceThe women said the province hadnt followed through on the law and that them and their female co-workers were owed millions of dollars in lost wages.The case went to the supreme court. The women won their suit and the Ontario government had to pay $414 million on equity paymentsRead pg. 113- Mary KellyRead pg 115- Professor Olive DickasonBased on the article how easy or difficult is it to issue a charter challenge?Is the charter effective when it comes to protecting the individuals rights of Canadians?Questions to think aboutWhat jobs are young people legally allowed to hold in Alberta?Are their any rules that are set especially for young people?Do these rules violate your right to work in any way?What workplace issues might you encounter as a server in a restaurant? How might the charter protect you?Questions You Should be Able to AnswerHow does the Charter protect individual rights and freedoms?How does the Charter affect law making in Canada?How does the Charter affect the workplace?Future FrightWhile watching the video, think about the following:Would you be willing to give up your individual rights in order to be safe?What section of the Canadian Rights and Freedoms do you think is the most expendable?