Fundamental Freedoms
Name two freedoms listed under the Charter’s “Fundamental Freedoms.”
Freedom of expression; freedom of religion (also peaceful assembly, association)
What two basic legal protections does an accused person have when arrested, according to the Charter?
Right to be informed of reasons for arrest and to consult counsel; right against unreasonable search and seizure.
What are mobility rights?
Rights to move and work anywhere in Canada and to enter/leave Canada
What was the War Measures Act used for in 1970?
The government invoked it during the October Crisis to suspend rights to respond to kidnappings and perceived threat
Give one responsibility that accompanies the freedom to choose your own religion
Ensure your religion does not violate others’ rights or harm others
Explain in one sentence what the freedom of peaceful assembly allows people to do
To meet publicly to protest, express ideas, or gather without government interference if peaceful
What does it mean that everyone is “innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt”?
The prosecution must prove guilt using admissible evidence to a high standard; accused need not prove innocence
State one example of an official language right under the Charter
Use French or English in federal courts and Parliament; federal laws/records in both languages.
Name two groups that were interned in Canada during World War I or II, as listed in the notes
Ukrainian Canadians (WWI), Italian Canadians (WWII), Japanese Canadians (WWII)
According to the notes, what responsibility goes with the freedom to express an opinion?
Become informed before expressing opinions and ensure they aren’t lies or defamation
Give an example from the notes where a peaceful assembly became limited and explain why the limitation was applied.
Vancouver Stanley Cup riots — assembly turned into riot; police limited freedoms to protect others and enforce law
Identify one democratic right protected by the Charter and explain why it is important for a free society.
Right to vote/run for office — keeps government accountable and representative.
Why might a professional (like a teacher or lawyer) still face restrictions when moving to a new province, despite mobility rights?
Must meet provincial standards/certifications (e.g., teaching or law) to practice
Summarize why the Lord’s Day Act was found unconstitutional
It forced non-Christians to observe the Christian Sabbath, violating freedom of religion.
Explain how responsibilities help make rights work in society — use the mobility rights example from the notes.
Responsibilities (e.g., having a passport, obeying laws abroad) allow mobility rights to function without harm to others or communities
How does the Charter balance freedom of expression with protecting others’ reputations? Provide one specific responsibility you should follow when expressing opinions
Avoid defamatory statements; be informed and truthful; responsibility: ensure opinions do not ruin reputations
Describe the legal right related to search and seizure and one consequence if police obtain evidence unlawfully.
Police need reasonable grounds; illegally obtained evidence may be excluded at trial.
Explain minority language education rights: who they protect and why they matter
Protects minority-language education (e.g., French-language schooling in predominantly English provinces) so minority cultures/languages are preserved
Briefly describe one example of government apology or redress for past internment mentioned in the notes (include which group and which year)
1988 apology and some compensation to Japanese Canadians; 1990 apology to Italian Canadians; 2005 Internment of Persons of Ukrainian origin act/apology
A worker’s union organizes a peaceful demonstration that blocks access to a workplace and causes safety issues. Using the rights/responsibilities framework, explain two steps organizers should take to respect both freedoms and public safety
Organizers should plan for peaceful action, notify authorities, provide safe routes, and ensure demonstrations do not break laws or jeopardize safety
A new public protest might conflict with business owners’ rights. Describe how the Charter’s limits on freedoms could be used to resolve this conflict — include what kind of test or justification is referenced in the notes.
Freedoms can be limited to “reasonable limits ... demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society” (the notes reference limits to protect others’ rights)
Explain how the right to a trial by jury applies in Canada (include when it is guaranteed)
Trial by judge and jury guaranteed where punishment is over five years imprisonment.
A province wanted to limit newcomers from other provinces from getting certain jobs to protect locals. Which Charter section would challenge this and why?
Mobility rights would challenge provincial limits because they protect the right to move and earn a living across provinces
Explain why patriation of the Constitution in 1982 was important, including one political issue that motivated Pierre Trudeau
Patriation (1982) brought the Constitution home from Britain; motivated partly by Quebec’s push for sovereignty and desire to protect provincial/individual rights via a Charter
Analyze a scenario: A student posts a false accusation online about a classmate. Which rights and responsibilities are involved, and what remedies or consequences does the Charter framework suggest (mention both freedom and responsibility, and possible legal or school actions)?
Freedom of expression vs. the right to reputation/safety; responsibilities include truthful speech and non-harm. Remedies: school discipline, retractions, civil libel actions, and possible criminal charges if threats/harassment occur