Canada’s constitution

4

What is a Constitution?

• A constitution is a legal framework or guideline that establishes how power and authority within a country is exercised.

• The supreme law of the land

• Our current constitution includes the Charter of rights and Freedoms

Why is the Constitution so important?

• It protects our rights and freedoms.

• Keeps society fair and just

• Solidifies that nobody is above the law

• Let us know how to make and change laws

The British North American Act (BNA)

1867

• It was created by the british parliament 

• Was fully based on the British Model

• Needed approval of the British monarch to make changes

Constitution Act

1982

• Patriated the constitution and introduced several amendments (Changes to previous constitution)

• 7 Sections (Including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms)

• Quebec wanted the Constitution to include an amendment to recognize Quebec as a separate society

• The Initial Constitution was signed without Quebec, and after the Constitution was passed, Quebec tried to separate from Canada

Meech Lake Accord

1987
Patriation of Canada’s Constitution in 1982 was done without Quebec’s Consent

1985 - New negotiations began to persuade Quebec to sign the Constitution

• Signing of Meech Lake Accord was unsuccessful and it expired in 1990

• It was unsuccessful because Indigenous communities also wanted to be recognised as a separate society

Charlottetown Accord

1992

• Following the failure of the Meech Lake Accord, several deliberations took place in and outside of Quebec

• Revisited issues in the Meech Lake Accord

• Accord was defeated in a national referendum in October 1992

• PM Brian Mulroney announced his retirement in early 1993

SECTION 91 (Federal) &

92 (Provincial/Territorial

discusses powers of government and responsibilities of each level of government