The Rights and Freedoms of Canadians

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, rights, and legislation related to the rights and freedoms of Canadians, based on recent lectures.

Freedom

Something that is looked upon as being very basic, something which no law restricts.

Right

Something which a person is granted by legislation or by regulation.

Civil rights

Rights that people believe they should have irrespective of the power of the government.

Human rights

Rights which should apply to individuals and protect individuals from discrimination.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

A declaration written by the United Nations in 1948 in response to abuses during World War II.

Bill of Rights

Passed in 1960, it gave Canadians a list of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Part of the Constitution Act, 1982 that outlines the rights and freedoms guaranteed to all Canadians.

Notwithstanding Clause

Section 33 of the Charter that allows a government to continue a law that is not consistent with the Charter for a limited time.

Freedom of religion

The right to practice any religion or none at all, as long as practices do not infringe upon public order.

Equality rights

Prohibit the government from discriminating against specific individuals and guarantee equal protection under the law.

Language rights

Require that both English and French are available in legal situations and education in Canada.

Aboriginal rights

Guarantee the existing rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada.

Discrimination

The denial of certain equalities and rights based on stereotyping or prejudice.

Stereotyping

Making a global judgement by applying the characteristic of one member to a group.

Prejudice

Making a judgement about an individual based on assumed traits of a group.

Adverse effect discrimination

Unintentional discrimination that results from policies that appear neutral.

Conciliation meeting

The first step in the complaint process for human rights violations.

Tribunal

A formal legal hearing in which cases of human rights complaints are decided.

Human Rights Legislation

Laws that are designed to protect individuals from discrimination at both federal and provincial levels.

Mobility rights

Guarantee that citizens can move freely from province to province.

Democratic Rights

Guarantee your right to vote and cannot be abrogated by the Notwithstanding Clause.