democratization in canada

driving forces behind democratization

british legacy

geopolitical context

economic transformation

cultural and social diversity

political pluralism

external influence

how did british legacy drive democracy in cnaada

the British North America act (1867) led to the constitution act 1867, which established the foundations of parliamentary democracy

how did geopolitical context drive democracy

canadas position as a commonwealth member and participant in the international liberal order reinforced democratic norms

how did economic transformation drive democracy

industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of a middle class expanded demands for political participation

how did cultural and social diversity drive democracy

a multicultural society encouraged inclusive governance and representation

how did political pluralism drive democracy

the development of a multi party system strengthened competition and accountability

how did external influence drive democracy

the us democratic model served as a nearby example and influence on Canadas political evolution

the British North America act (1867)

established the dominion of Canada, marked the birth of a new political system, combined british parliamentary traditions with Canadian federalism

what type of democracy was canada in 1867

constitutional monarchy (crown symbolizes authority, governing power rests with elected representatives)

major elements of Canadian democracy outlined in the British North America act

federalism

parliementarian

bicameral legislature

provincial autonomy

judicial independence

federalism

divided power between federal and provincial governments to balance unity and regional diversity

parliamentarianism

executive authority is responsible to the elected legislature, not above it

bicameral legislature

House of Commons (elected) and the senate (appointed) ensure representation and review

provincial autonomy

provinces control education, health, and local affirs

judicial independence

courts operate free from political influences, safeguarding constitutional principles and rights

major elements of the charter of rights and freedoms (1982)

brought the constitution fully under Canadian control

protects core pillars of democratic life

right to vote and run for public office

legal rights

equality rights

official and minority languages

indigenous rights

legal rights

ensures life, liberty and personal security, protection from arbitrary arrest or punishment

equality rights

establishes equality before and under the law, prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, age, or disability

official and minority languages

recognizes English and French as canada’s official languages, grants access to education in official languages

indigenous rights

affirms the existing rights of indigenous peoples

major elements of modern Canadian democracy

multiparty system

three levels of elections

three levels of government

multicultural democracy

welfare state

multi party system

competitive party politics reflecting regional and ideological diversity

liberal: social justice, multiculturalism, progressive taxation

conservative: economic freedom, individual responsibility, lower taxes, traditional values

three levels of elections

federal, provincial, and municipal

reinforce democratic engagement at every level of governance

three levels of government

federal: national level decision making, interprovincial and global matters

provincial: regional policy and administration, direct control over provincial services

municipal: community level governance, implements and enforces bylaws locally

ensures unity and local autonomy

multicultural democracy

ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity as a core democratic value, promoting inclusion and equal citizenship

cultural diversity, immigration, bilingualism, indigenous rights, human rights protection, anti-discrimination laws, ethnic discrimination laws

welfare state

social programs reflect commitment to equality, justice, and public welfare

healthcare, education, income security, social services, housing, child benefits

ISSUE: inequality and unemployment

areas for deepening democracy

balancing power between federal and provincial governments

equitable distribution of resources across provinces and communities

continuing progress on gender equality, indigenous peoples rights, LGTP, migrants, racial minorities