Human Rights & Legal Rights
What document, created by the UN in 1948, protects basic human rights worldwide?
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Name one fundamental freedom protected by the Canadian Charter.
Freedom of speech, religion, association, etc
What year was the Charter of Rights and Freedoms established?
1982
What is a negative right? Give an example
A right that protects individuals from government interference, such as freedom of speech.
What is a group right? Give an example.
Rights that protect specific groups, such as Indigenous land rights or French language rights in Canada.
What is the difference between human rights and legal rights?
Human rights apply to all people, while legal rights are granted and enforced by a country’s legal system.
Define responsibilities in a civic context.
Duties or obligations that come with rights and freedoms, like voting or following laws
What section of the Charter guarantees legal rights?
Sections 7-14
Name one situation where an individual’s rights might be limited for public safety.
Mandatory vaccinations, airport security checks, etc.
Give an example of a human rights violation in the past 10 years.
Open-ended—could include issues like refugee crises, discrimination cases, etc.
Give two examples of legal rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Right to a fair trial, protection from unlawful search and seizure
What is a responsibility that comes with the right to freedom of expression?
Respecting others' rights and obeying laws that protect national security.
What is the purpose of the Notwithstanding Clause?
Allows federal or provincial governments to override certain Charter rights for up to five years
Which province has used the Notwithstanding Clause to enforce language laws?
Quebec.
How did the Universal Declaration of Human Rights influence Canada’s legal system?
It helped shape laws like the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Which section of the Charter protects against discrimination?
Section 15 - Equality Rights.
Give an example of a law that limits freedom for the sake of the common good.
Hate speech laws, COVID-19 restrictions, etc.
What does the Limitations Clause (Section 1) allow?
The government can limit rights if the limits are reasonable and justifiable in a free and democratic society
A social media company removes posts criticizing the government. Does this violate freedom of speech? Why or why not?
No, because the Charter protects against government limits, but private companies can set their own policies.
Why do some people argue that free speech should have limits?
To prevent hate speech, incitement to violence, or misinformation.
A country enforces strict internet censorship, preventing criticism of the government. Is this a violation of human rights? Why or why not?
Yes, it violates the right to freedom of expression as outlined in the UDHR
Should voting be a legal obligation in Canada? Why or why not?
Open-ended debate question—teams argue their positions.
A law prevents public protests near government buildings for security reasons. Which sections of the Charter might this violate, and how could the government justify it?
It may violate freedom of assembly (Section 2), but the government could argue it protects public safety under Section 1.
A province bans religious symbols for public employees. Some say it protects secularism; others say it discriminates. What are the arguments on both sides?
Open-ended discussion—teams must defend both perspectives.
Imagine you are a human rights activist. Convince the class why a particular human rights issue needs immediate action.
Open-ended role-play—teams make their best argument.