dreaming the st. roch

Repeat after the presiding officer:

I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen.

p40

Canadian rights & responsibilities based on Canadian laws, traditions, and shared values.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (adopted in 1982) legally defines and protects the basic rights and freedoms of everyone in Canada.

Partial list of fundamental rights:

• legal rights (ex: fair trial)
• equality rights (ex: protection from discrimination)
• mobility rights (ex: live and work anywhere in Canada)
• Aboriginal peoples' rights

Partial list of fundamental freedoms

• thought
• speech
• religion
• peaceful assembly

Individuals and governments both must protect and respect the rights and freedoms of all Canadians. From time to time, the courts interpret the Charter to ensure it is being applied fairly in all situations.

Citizenship Rights

• stand as candidates in federal, provincial and territorial elections
• be educated in either official language
• apply for a Canadian passport
• vote in federal and provincial or territorial elections
• enter and leave Canada freely

Citizenship Responsibilities

• vote in elections
• help others in the community
• care for and protect our heritage and environment
• obey Canada's laws
• express opinions freely but respect rights & freedoms of others
• eliminate discrimination and injustice

Getting involved in Canada

Being a citizen is more than just voting and obeying laws.

• join a community group
• volunteer to work on an election campaign
• help neighbours
• work with others to resolve community issues
• become a candidate in an election

pp38-39

(click thumbnail to see map)

Capitol: Ottawa, on the border between Quebec and Ontario.

Population: 33 million people

Size: 10 million square kilometres

Bounding Oceans

• Atlantic to the east
• Pacific to the west
• Arctic to the north

pp 16-17

The Aboriginal peoples were the first people to live in Canada.

Constitution Act of 1982 recognizes three main groups:

• First Nations
• Inuit
• Métis

Aboriginals make up about 3% of the total population.

The term "First Nations" came into use in the 1970's, replacing "Indian".

The Inuit live in the far North, in Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Northern Quebec and Labrador.

The Métis are descendents of the intermarriages of the French (and a few English) fur traders with First Nations women.

The British Government made a number of treaties with the Aboriginal peoples between 1701 and 1923, in exchange for land. The terms are still being negotiated and revised; this process is called land claims settlement. Nunavut was created as part of one of these settlements.

The Aboriginal peoples are working toward self government so that they can regain control over decisions that affect them and manage their own affairs.

pp 14-15

In 1535, two Aboriginal youths used the Huron-Iroquois word "kanata," which means "village" or "settlement," to tell Jacques Cartier the way to Stadacona (site of present-day Québec City). Cartier used "Canada" to refer not only to Stadacona, but also to the entire area subject to Donnacona, Chief at Stadacona.

The first used of "Canada" as an official name came in 1791 when the Constitutional Act divided Quebec into the provinces of Upper Canada and Lower Canada. In 1841, they were united to become the Province of Canada. At the time of Confederation, the new country took the name of Canada.

Confederation

On July 1st, 1867 the provinces below joined together to form the new country of Canada:

• Ontario
• Quebec
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia

This "joining together" event is known as Confederation. The anniversary of Confederation is celebrated as Canada Day.

Made official by the British North America Act of 1867.

Sir John A. MacDonald selected as the first Prime Minister.

Maple Leaf

• earliest known use: 1700.
• now on reverse of 1¢ coin.
• maple leaf flag adopted on February 15, 1965

beaver

appears on the reverse of the 5¢ coin.

Parliament Buildings

in Ottawa.

tower in centre known as Peace Tower. big one with the clock.

Constitution

The Constitution Act in 1982 gave the Canadian Parliament the right to change the Constitution without having to get the change approved by the British Parliament.

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms added to the Constitution in 1982.

The Queen

Still Head of State.

Governor-General is her representative in Canada.

Provincial representatives of the Queen are known as lieutenant governors

O Canada

O Canada! Our home and native land!

True patriot love in all thy sons command

With glowing hearts we see thee rise

The true North strong and free!

From far and wide, O Canada

We stand on guard for thee

God keep our land glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee

pp 12-13

Individual ways to help protect the environment and move toward sustainable development:

• throw trash in designated public containers
• compost, recycle, re-use
• conserve energy & water; turn off taps and lights when not in use.
• walk, bicycle, car-pool, public transportation
• use environmentally-friendly products
• plant trees, gardens; avoid chemicals
• support local groups dedicated to natural & cultural heritage

pp 10-11

All are free to maintain and share our cultural heritage and to participate fully and equally in our national life.

Official Languages: English and French. Both have equal status in Parliament, the courts and all federal business.

Natural Resource Industries

• forestry
• fishing
• agriculture
• mining
• energy

Manufacturing Industries

• paper
• technological equipment
• automobiles
• food
• clothing
• many other goods

Largest international trading partner: United States

Service Industries

• transportation
• education
• health care
• construction
• banking
• communications
• retail services
• government

Composed of 10 provinces and 3 territories.

pp 8-9