Introduction

 Do you know what your rights and freedoms as a youth living in Canada are? By now, you understand the law and your rights under the YCJA.  But more specifically, what are your rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms? A right belongs to everyone; for example, education. More specifically, a right is a thing that we deserve, such as the right to clean water, food, and shelter.  What is your definition of a right?

Introduction

 Freedoms are also guaranteed in the Charter.

 These two words are often used interchangeably; however, they do have slightly different meanings. A freedom means that no one will interfere with what you want to do; this freedom might include having your own opinion.  What is your definition of freedom? How is freedom different than a right?

Vocabulary

 Right: refers to the things that we deserve as human beings (e.g., the right to clean water, food, shelter, reasonable access to health care).

 Legal rights are more specific and refer to rights secured by law, which cannot be denied from one situation to the next. In Canada, all citizens have a legal duty to respect the legal rights of others. If citizens feel their legal rights are being violated, they can turn to the law to ensure their legal rights are respected.

Vocabulary

 Freedom: implies that no one will interfere with what you want to do.

 No one is obligated to ensure that your freedoms are not being violated. The government has a responsibility to ensure that legal rights do not unjustifiably limit your freedoms.

 On April 17, 1982, a monumental event in Canada’s history took place. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

 It became a part of the Canadian constitution (our laws). The Charter was established by PM Trudeau to protect every Canadian citizen. It guarantees Canadian rights and freedoms and provides the basis for the law of the land. It is Canada’s declaration of human rights. All levels of government in Canada are guided by the Charter when making laws, and the judicial system is guided by the Charter when applying or interpreting laws.

Thinking Critically

 Turn to page 89 in your textbook.

 With a partner, discuss the questions under each photograph.

 Based on your discussion, answer the main question on the page:  “Based on the photographs below, how do rights and freedoms affect citizenship, identity, and quality of life?”

How does the Charter protect INDIVIDUAL rights and freedoms?

 The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms changed governance in Canada. Before the Charter, unfair laws passed by the House of Commons could not be challenged. Little could be done to change these laws.

 Let’s take a quick look at a copy of the Charter and the Youth Guide to the Charter .

 Let’s focus on this question: What is the impact of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms on individual rights?

Assignment:

 Look at the following words: Association Religion Thought Mobility Press Democratic Expression Education Legal Equality  Create a chart like the following and sort the words. Explain which right or freedom is the most important to you. Give 2 reasons why.

Descriptors What they mean to me

Freedoms Rights

 Read the comic “Crossing the Line” on pages 93 through 95 of your textbook. As you read the comic, identify what issues related to the Charter and individual rights and freedoms are explored in the comic.

 Respond to the question that is addressed on the bottom of page 95.

Let’s take a closer look…

 The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, commonly known as the Charter, is a vitally important document contained in the Constitution Act, 1982. It guarantees to all Canadians the right to liberty, equality under the law, and freedom of religion, expression, association, and peaceful assembly, among other things.

 It is the supreme law of the land. This means that normally, it takes priority over any federal or provincial law. Therefore, if any legislation, either provincial or federal, conflicts with the rights guaranteed in the Charter, it must be revised appropriately or it is likely to be struck down by the courts.

 Complete Judging Your Rights

Assignment

 Turn to page 96. Read about the Charter and Jean Chrétien’s quote on the bottom as he describes a free and democratic society and the importance of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  Create a chart to make THREE connections between what you have learned about the judicial system and the quote by Jean Chrétien.

Quote, Phrase, Key Word

“In a free and democratic society, it is important that citizens know exactly what their rights and freedoms are . . .”

My Reflection

Knowing rights and freedoms help me understand who I am as a Canadian.