Unit 1: Government Canadian Identity

Your choice. In your notebooks, define the following words. OR Create a mind map to help you remember the information

Canadian Canadian: An individual who is a Canadian citizen.

Multiculturalism Multiculturalism: The view that the various cultures in a society merit equal respect.

Melting Pot Melting Pot: A country, locality or situation in which a blending of races, peoples or cultures is taking place.

Canadian Mosaic Canadian Mosaic: The idea that each cultural group retains a distinct identity and still contributes to the nation as a whole.

Culture Culture: A set of beliefs, norms and practices characteristic to a certain group of people.

Ethnocentrism Ethnocentrism: The belief in the inherent superiority of one’s own ethnic group or culture.

How we define identity as Canadians should be easy, but for many remains problematic and the subject of debate. Unfortunately, while we are not great at saying what we are, we are very adept at saying what we “are not”. As in … WE ARE NOT AMERICANS!!!!

"The Canadian Identity, as it has come to be known, is as elusive as the Sasquatch and Ogopogo. It has animated—and frustrated— generations of statesmen, historians, writers, artists, philosophers, and the National Film Board... Canada resists easy definition.” -Andrew Cohen.

The Canadian Identity “Canadian identity refers to the unique culture, characteristics and condition of being Canadian, as well as the many symbols and expressions that set Canada and Canadians apart from other peoples and cultures of the world.”

Canadian Identity When discussing the Canadian Identity, five specific areas are usually addressed. 1.The Bicultural Nature of Canada 2.Our unique historical experience. 3.The Canadian government has its roots in the British parliamentary system and British Legal system. 4.Social Structure 5.Geophysical factors

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Is a bill of rights entrenched in our Constitution. It forms the first part of the Constitution Act, Guarantees certain political rights to Canadian citizens and the civil rights of everyone in Canada. Often referred to as “The Charter.”

The Charter Take some time to read through the Charter. Discuss any questions you might have with a partner. Highlight anything you think is particularly important or interesting.

Charter Q & A Give two reasons why the freedom of expression is important to you as a student?

Why is it important to have provincial and federal elections every 5 years? It gives voters a chance to elect a new government if they are unhappy with the policies of the present government.

Name three types of legal rights. A right to a lawyer, the right to a fair trial, the right to remain silent when you are arrested.

If there were no mobility rights, how might your family be affected if your parents were looking for a new job? They would not be allowed to apply for a job in another province.

Name 3 minority language education rights. Children can be educated in French if their first language is French, if their parents received education in French and if there is another member of the family receiving their education in French.

True or False You can be held under arrest for as long as the government wants. False. The Charter states that you must be brought before a judge within 24 hours of detention. Evidence obtained without a search warrant is not admissible in court. Generally true but must look at section 24 of the Charter. In a court of law, the accused has to prove he or she is innocent. False. The Crown has to prove the accused’s guilt.

You must be read your Charter rights if you are arrested. True. Your freedoms are guaranteed as long as you don’t interfere with the freedoms of others. True.