The History of Democracy in Canada Today Canada

The History of Democracy in Canada

Today, Canada is known for being a democratic, multicultural country. But how did we get here?

The Iroquois -practiced own version of democracy -basic values: agreement and participation -The Great Binding Law of the Iroquois Nation - had 117 clauses and rules -the tribes would elect chiefs to make decisions

Nova Scotia, 1758 -on October 2, 1758, the Canadian parliamentary system in was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia -any British, Protestant male who was over the age of 21 and owned property in Nova Scotia was allowed to vote in the election

Confederation -four colonies formed Canada -throughout the 1800’s, all of the current provinces joined the Confederation (Newfoundland did not join Canada until 1949)

John A. Macdonald -first Prime Minister of Canada -born in Scotland, and immigrated to Kingston, Upper Canada at 5 years old -lawyer, and owned law offices in Kingston and Napanee -helped write BNA Act, which declared Canada as a democratic nation

John A. Macdonald FUN FACTS! -Macdonald was known as a nationbuilder and as a founding father of Canadian democracy and responsible government -he was also an extremely heavy drinker and was once found naked, rolled up in a carpet and quoting Hamlet -he also threw up on Governor General’s daughter

The Constitution, 1867 -outlines Canada’s first system of government; breaks down the division of power of each branch of government -originally called the BNA Act, was renamed after Confederation

The Constitution, 1982 -made several amendments to the Constitution from 1867 -emphasis on rights and freedoms -the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms makes up the first 35 sections; it guarantees every Canadian certain rights

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms -only civil rights in the Constitution -came into effect on April 17, 1982 -gives every citizen of Canada protection from discrimination, arrest without cause and many more -guarantees rights such as the right to make a living, to vote, and to speak either of out official languages