Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Collective Rights, and Immigration Laws & Policies Key Terms

Flashcards on Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Collective Rights, and Immigration Laws

Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The part of Canada’s Constitution (since 1982) that guarantees basic rights and freedoms to everyone in Canada.

Individual Rights

Rights held by each person (e.g. freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial).

Collective Rights

Rights held by specific groups (e.g. the rights of Indigenous peoples, or of English‑ or French‑speaking minorities).

Constitution

Canada’s highest law; it lays out how the government works and protects certain rights.

Fundamental Freedoms

Basic freedoms under the Charter: Freedom of conscience and religion, thought, belief, opinion and expression, peaceful assembly, and association.

Democratic Rights

Guarantee that Canadian citizens can vote and run in elections, and that elections are held at least every five years.

Mobility Rights

The right to enter, stay in, leave Canada; and to move and work anywhere within Canada.

Legal Rights

Rights in criminal and civil law—e.g. the right to a fair trial, protection against unreasonable search and seizure, protection against self‑incrimination, and to life, liberty, and security of the person.

Equality Rights

The right to equal treatment and protection under the law without discrimination (e.g. based on race, religion, sex, age, or mental/physical disability).

Women’s Suffrage

The historic movement and achievement (1916–1922 in Canada, varying by province) by which women won the right to vote.

Internment Camps

During both World Wars, Canada forcibly detained mostly Ukrainian, German, and Japanese Canadians because they were viewed (wrongly) as security risks.

No‑Fly List

A security measure that bars certain individuals from boarding flights in or to Canada, based on security‑screening information.

Infringement of Rights

When government actions or laws violate or limit someone’s Charter rights.

Notwithstanding Clause (Section 33)

A part of the Charter allowing federal or provincial governments to pass laws “notwithstanding” certain Charter rights for up to five years before needing renewal.

Collective Rights

Rights guaranteed to specific groups because of their unique place in Canada’s history and society.

First Nations

Indigenous peoples of Canada excluding Métis and Inuit.

Métis

People of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry with a distinct culture.

Inuit

Indigenous peoples traditionally inhabiting Arctic regions.

Francophones

French‑speaking Canadians.

Anglophones

English‑speaking Canadians.

Treaties with First Nations

Agreements (starting in the 1700s) between Indigenous nations and the Crown, often exchanging land rights for promises of assistance, education, reserves, etc.

Indian Act

Federal law (since 1876) defining who is an “Indian,” regulating reserves and band governance, historically restrictive and paternalistic.

Reservations/Reserves

Land set aside by treaty or law for First Nations to live on.

Minority Language Rights

Rights under the Charter (section 23) protecting education in English or French for children of official‑language minorities.

Bill 101

Québec’s Charter of the French Language (1977), making French the official language in government, business, and schools.

Charter of the French Language

Another name for Bill 101.

Inherent Rights

Rights that First Nations and Métis claim flow from their original occupation of the land, not granted by government.

Scrip

Certificates given (1870s–1880s) to Métis instead of land, redeemable for land or money, often mismanaged or bought cheaply by speculators.

Prosperous

Having wealth or success; Canada’s economy gains from newcomers.

Xenophobia

Fear or hatred of foreigners.

Discrimination

Unfair treatment based on race, nationality, etc.

Assimilation

Forcing newcomers or minorities to adopt the dominant culture.

Refugee

A person fleeing persecution, war, or violence, seeking protection.

Racism

Belief that one race is superior, leading to prejudice and unequal treatment.

Labour force growth

Increase in workers; immigration helps fill jobs and skills gaps.

Tolerant

Willing to accept people of different backgrounds.

Point System

Canada’s way (since 1967) of ranking prospective economic immigrants by education, language skills, work experience, age, etc.