🟦 UNIT 1: Political and Legislative Processes in Canada
📘 Chapter 1: Governance and the Political System
Key Concepts:
• Democracy: Government by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
• Principles of Democracy: Rule of law, freedom of expression, accountability, equality, etc.
• Federal System: Divides powers between national and provincial governments.
• Three Branches of Government:
• Executive: Enforces laws (Prime Minister, Cabinet, Governor General).
• Legislative: Makes laws (Parliament - House of Commons and Senate).
• Judicial: Interprets laws (courts).
• Three Levels of Government:
• Federal: National issues (defence, currency, immigration).
• Provincial: Local concerns (education, health).
• Municipal: Community issues (waste management, libraries).
• Constitution: Supreme law of the land; sets government structure.
• Constitutional Monarchy: Monarch is head of state, power limited by constitution.
• Prime Minister vs. Premier: PM = national leader; Premier = provincial leader.
• MPs (Members of Parliament): Elected reps in House of Commons.
• How a Bill Becomes Law: Proposal → House of Commons → Senate → Royal Assent (Governor General).
Vocabulary:
• House of Commons: Main law-making body, elected MPs.
• Senate: Reviews laws, appointed by PM.
• Governor General: Represents Monarch federally.
• Cabinet Ministers: MPs with specific portfolios (e.g., Finance).
• Riding/Constituency: Geographic voting area represented by an MP.
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📘 Chapter 2: Justice and Law
Key Concepts:
• Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA): Applies to 12–17-year-olds, focuses on rehabilitation.
• Legal Rights: Legal protections (e.g., right to lawyer, fair trial).
• Fairness vs. Equality: Fair = Just outcome; Equal = Same treatment.
• 4 Factors in Consequences:
1. Seriousness of offence
2. History of offender
3. Attitude of offender
4. Harm done to victim
• Advocacy Groups: Help youth (e.g., John Howard Society, Elizabeth Fry Society).
• YCJA vs. Adult System: Youth get more rehab, adult system more punitive.
• Goals of Youth Justice: Reintegration, meaningful consequences.
Vocabulary:
• Criminal Code: Law for adult crimes.
• Rehabilitation: Helping offenders become law-abiding citizens.
• Restitution: Compensation for damage.
• Jury: Group of citizens deciding guilt in a trial.
📘Chapters 3/4: Rights and Freedoms
Key Concepts Explained
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Part of Canada’s Constitution (1982).
Guarantees all Canadians fundamental rights and freedoms.
Applies to laws, government actions, and court decisions.
Can be limited only if justified in a free and democratic society.
Fundamental Freedoms
Freedom of conscience and religion: Practice your beliefs freely.
Freedom of expression: Speak your mind as long as it doesn’t infringe upon other’s rights.
Freedom of peaceful assembly: Join protests or public meetings.
Freedom of association: Join clubs, unions, groups.
📌 Example: A student protesting a school policy cannot be punished for peaceful demonstration.
Equality Rights
Everyone is equal before and under the law.
Protection from discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, etc.
📌 Example: Same-sex couples gaining the right to marry in Canada (2005).
Legal Rights
Right to life, liberty, security of person.
Right to a fair trial, to remain silent, to a lawyer, and to be presumed innocent.
📌 Example: A person arrested must be told their charges and legal rights.
Democratic Rights
Right to vote and run in elections (age 18+).
Elections must happen at least every 5 years.
📌 Example: Delaying elections for too long without cause would violate this right.
Mobility Rights
Right to live and work in any province/territory.
Right to leave and enter Canada freely.
📌 Example: You can move from Alberta to Ontario for work or school with no legal barriers.
Vocabulary
Constitution: Supreme law outlining how Canada is governed.
Infringement: A violation of a legal right.
Internment: Forcing people into camps during wartime (e.g., Japanese Canadians in WWII).
Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on race, gender, etc.
Multiculturalism: Policy recognizing and respecting cultural diversity.
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🟦 UNIT 2: Economics and Citizenship
📘 Chapter 6: Economic Systems
Key Concepts:
• Market Economy: Businesses make decisions, minimal government.
• Planned Economy: Government controls economy.
• Mixed Economy: Combines both systems.
Scarcity: Limited resources but unlimited wants.
Supply: How much sellers are willing to offer at different prices.
Demand: How much buyers want at different prices.
Surplus: Extra goods when supply is more than demand.
Vocabulary:
• Consumer Sovereignty: Consumers control production with choices.
• Monopoly: One company dominates a market.
• Crown Corporations: Government-run businesses.
• Privatization: Selling government services to private companies.
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📘 Chapter 8: Government and the Economy
Key Concepts:
• Taxation:
• GST = Goods & Services Tax.
• Income Tax = Based on earnings.
• Government Services: Funded by taxes (healthcare, education).
Vocabulary:
• Surplus/Deficit: Extra or shortfall in government budget.
• Progressive Tax: Higher income = more tax.
• Public vs. Private: Government vs. business-owned services.
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📘 Chapter 7: Consumerism
Key Concepts:
• Consumer Rights: Safety, information, choice, voice.
• Environmental Responsibility: Buying eco-friendly products.
• Ethical Consumerism: Fair trade, no exploitation.
• Advertising Influence: Impacts choices and identity.
Vocabulary:
• Boycott: Refusal to buy.
• Identity and Consumer Choices: What you buy reflects your values.
• Lobbying: Influencing government policy.
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🟦 UNIT 3: Immigration and Citizenship
📘 Chapter 5: Immigration Policy
Key Concepts:
• Categories of Immigrants:
• Economic
• Family
• Refugee
• Immigration and Economy: Supports population, jobs.
• Multiculturalism: Promotes diversity and inclusion.
Vocabulary:
• Immigration and Refugee Protection Act: Sets immigration rules.
• Push/Pull Factors: Reasons to leave/join a country.
• Integration: Becoming part of Canadian society.
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📘 Chapter 4: Immigration and Identity
Key Concepts:
• Aboriginal Perspectives: Concern about immigration without consent.
• Challenges for Newcomers: Language, housing, jobs.
• Francophone & Indigenous Rights: Protected in Constitution and Charter.
Vocabulary:
• Treaties: Agreements between Indigenous nations and the Crown.
• Assimilation: Losing cultural identity.
• Cultural Mosaic: Diverse cultures co-existing.
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🟦 UNIT 4: Canada’s Role in the World
📘 Chapter 9: Canada and International Issues
Key Concepts:
• Foreign Aid: Helping other countries with money/services.
• Peacekeeping: Military support for peace/conflict zones.
• Global Citizenship: Responsibility to global community.
Vocabulary:
• NGO: Non-Government Organization (e.g., Red Cross).
• Internationalism: Countries working together.
• Trade Sanctions: Restrictions for political reasons.
• Biodiversity: Variety of life.
• Exploitation: Using resources/people unfairly.