dreaming the st. roch

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

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