Democratic Values in Action

Quick Review

• Charter of Rights in Freedoms – 1982

• Since then many have debated the meaning of the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Charter.

• This involves weighing the rights of individual citizens against the common good or public interest.

• Examples, Can you think of any?

Freedom of Worship

• Canada is a secular nation.• Meaning that government and religion are supposed

to remain separate.• Religious leaders do not make laws and politicians

have no say in deciding people’s religious practices.• Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion are

guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.• Ex. Saskatchewan school prayer debate.

Rule of Law• No one is above the law – applies to all, even

politicians, police, and governments.

1.Laws are passed by MPs

2.Laws are interpreted by judges, whose duty is to apply the law impartially and independently.

3. If politicians disagree with court rulings, they can only change the laws.

4.Citizens obey laws.

5.They can change laws by writing letters, speaking to political reps (mayor or council, MLA, or MP), or joining peaceful demonstrations.

6.Others engage in civil disobedience – non-violent public action that is illegal.

Mohandas GandhiGandhi was the pre-eminent political and spiritual leader of India during the Indian independence movement. He was the pioneer of satyagraha—resistance to tyranny through mass civil disobedience, firmly founded upon ahimsa or total non-violence—which led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Father of India2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948

Freedom of Expression• For people to participate in the democratic process

they must be free to express their beliefs and views without fear.

• Pluralism (the acceptance of varied beliefs and values) is necessary for democracy to function.

• However, the Charter states that laws may be passed to impose ‘reasonable limits’ on citizens’ rights and freedoms.

1.The law forbids libel –

2.And slander –

3.Adoption of anti-hate laws – illegal to promote hatred of an identifiable group. Ex. James Keegstra

Exit Pass

In your notebooks answer the following:

Should the internet be censored? How does your views of freedom of speech relate to censorship of content on the internet? Provide reasons and examples for your opinion.