Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Fun Fact

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Fun Fact: When the Queen signed the Constitution, Trudeau celebrated by dancing a Piroutte behind her back. When America signed their constitution they celebrated by shooting the British.

Charter of Rights • As part of the Constitution Act, the Charter came into effect in 1982. • Most of the civil rights fall under 7 broad categories: 1. Fundamental Freedoms • Freedom of conscience, belief, expression, peaceful assembly and association

2. Democratic Rights • Right to vote and run for office • Right to federal elections every 5 years 3. Mobility Rights • Right to enter/leave Canada • Right to work/live in any province

4. Legal Rights • Right to life, liberty and security of the person • Right to a fair trial and lawyer • Innocent until proven guilty • Right to not be subjected to cruel and unusual treatment 5. Equality Rights • Freedom from discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, religion sex, age, or mental or physical disability • Permission for affirmative action programs which allow preferential hiring for members of disadvantaged groups

6. Official Language Rights • Recognizes the official bilingual status of Canada and equality of French and English languages 7. Minority Language Education Rights • Right to education in English or French

Limitations of Rights “Notwithstanding Clause” : allows the possibility of both levels of gov’t to pass a law even if the law violates one of the rights. The violation can be in effect for up to 5 years, but then the gov’t must seek renewal.

END • Thank you: • Sean Connery • Bruce Willis • Queen Elizabeth II