Bananas
This document is known as the supreme law of Canada, outlining how the government works and protecting citizens’ rights.
This party forms when it wins the second-most seats and its role is to question and challenge the government.
Official opposition
This is the first stage of a bill, when it is simply presented to Parliament.
First Reading
Debates about changing Canada’s Upper House often focus on how Senators are chosen, their terms, and whether it represents regions fairly.
Senate reform
Why is the privacy of young offenders protected?
This protection exists so youth can rehabilitate without a damaging public criminal record.
This type of government is formed when a political party wins more than half of the seats in the House of Commons.
Majority Government
These non-elected government workers help run daily operations and support the Executive Branch.
Civil service
This stage involves debate and discussion about what the bill means.
Second reading
This term means a one-sided opinion that affects how information is presented.
Bias
This law outlines crimes and punishments for adults in Canada.
Criminal Code of Canada
This government happens when a party wins the most seats, but not over 50%, meaning the other parties combined have more seats.
Minority Government
This person represents the Monarch in Canada and gives Royal Assent to laws.
Governor General
At this stage, a committee studies the bill in detail and may suggest changes.
Committee Stage
These groups try to influence government decisions and must register with the Commissioner of Lobbyists.
Lobby Groups
What are criticisms of the YCJA?
Some think this youth law is “too soft,” avoids criminal records, and rarely gives adult sentences — leading to these common complaints.
Members of Parliament are chosen this way
Elected
This branch includes the House of Commons, the Senate, and the Governor General and is responsible for making laws.
Legislative Branch
After committee work, the bill returns in this stage before the final vote.
Report Stage
What is the purpose of having laws and law enforcement?
keeping people safe, protecting rights, maintaining order, and applying fair consequences.
What are factors determining a youth sentence?
A judge considers age, seriousness of the offence, past record, and background when deciding this.
Senators and Supreme Court justices are selected by the Prime Minister which is called what?
appointed
This branch includes the Supreme Court and interprets and applies the law.
Judicial Branch
The House conducts one last debate and vote in this final stage.
Third Reading
What is the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA)?
This youth law focuses on fair consequences, rehabilitation, reintegration, and keeping youth out of jail when possible.
What is a sentencing circle?
This traditional restorative-justice process may involve elders and the community for Indigenous youth.
What are consequences under the YCJA?
These possible outcomes include community service, supervision, counselling, restitution, or jail for very serious cases.
What are the qualities of a juror?
These individuals must be 18+, unbiased, able to listen to evidence, and reach a unanimous verdict.
After passing all readings, a bill must go through these same steps in this chamber.
Senate
What happens to a youth who commits a serious crime?
A youth who commits a serious crime may get counselling, community service, or even an adult sentence if they are 14–17.
How is the justice system fair and equitable?
The Canadian justice system is considered fair when evidence is collected, decisions are unbiased, and everyone can defend themselves.
What are the rights of someone who is arrested?
This process includes the right to remain silent, the right to a lawyer, and the right to know why you’re being detained.
A Cabinet minister is responsible for
A. representing a province in the Senate
B. managing a government department
C. organizing federal elections
D. approving Supreme Court rulings
B. managing a government department
This final approval makes the bill an official law.
Royal Assent
Which right is protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
A. The right to vote in other countries
B. The right to dismiss a judge
C. Freedom of expression
D. Freedom from taxes
C. Freedom of expression
When a young offender is being sentenced, the judge considers
A. whether the youth agrees with the law
B. the youth’s background and the seriousness of the offence
C. only the youth’s age
D. whether the judge knows the youth personally
B. the youth’s background and the seriousness of the offence