2: Democracy In Action Flashcards
What was Justine Blainey’s age when she tried out for the boys’ hockey team?
10 years old
What sport was Justine Blainey a gifted player in?
Hockey
What did Justine Blainey do to improve her game?
Attended hockey school
What league did Justine Blainey try out for?
Metro Toronto Hockey League
What was Justine’s experience after winning a place on the boys’ team?
She was benched forever
True or False: Only boys could join the Hockey League, regardless of skill.
True
What was the main reason Justine Blainey could not play in the Hockey League?
Her gender
Fill in the blank: Justine believed that what she wanted was _______.
fair and just
What action could Justine take when she was told ‘No’?
Advocate for her right to play
What could Justine’s parents do to support her situation?
Challenge the decision legally or advocate for change
What feelings might Justine have experienced after being benched?
Shock and unfairness
What action did Justine and her parents take to fight for justice?
They complained to the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
The Ontario Human Rights Commission is responsible for addressing human rights issues in Ontario, Canada.
What did the Ontario law state regarding sports teams?
Sports teams could discriminate on the basis of gender.
This law allowed teams to legally refuse girls the opportunity to play.
What was Justine’s family’s response to the Ontario law?
They challenged the law in court.
They hired a lawyer to argue Justine’s case.
How many times did Justine’s case go to court before reaching the Supreme Court of Canada?
Five times.
What did the Supreme Court of Canada rule regarding Justine’s case?
The Ontario law ignored Justine’s equality rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees rights and freedoms to all Canadians.
What is no longer legal as a result of the Supreme Court ruling?
To exclude girls from participating on male teams.
What is Dr. Justine Blainey-Broker’s profession?
She shares a chiropractic practice with her brother.
What does Justine continue to promote through public speaking?
Equality.
Fill in the blank: To challenge a law, you go to court to try to get it _______.
[changed].
True or False: Discrimination can occur based on race, gender, age, or other factors.
True.
What does it mean to discriminate against someone?
To treat them in a certain way because of their race, gender, age, or other factor.
What is the most important source of people’s rights in Canada?
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Charter serves as a foundational legal document that outlines the rights and freedoms guaranteed to all Canadians.
What type of rights does the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protect?
Essential rights and freedoms of people living in Canada
This includes various categories of rights such as fundamental freedoms, democratic rights, mobility rights, legal rights, equality rights, and educational rights.
What are the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Charter?
- Freedom to meet peacefully with others
- Freedom to express opinions in media
- Freedom to follow any religion
- Freedom to think and believe what we like
Fundamental freedoms emphasize individual liberty and the right to participate in society.
What are democratic rights as outlined in the Canadian Charter?
Rights that ensure the participation of citizens in the political process
This includes the right to vote and run for public office.
What are mobility rights as per the Charter?
Rights that allow Canadians to move freely within the country
This includes the right to live and work in any province or territory.
What are legal rights in the context of the Charter?
Rights that protect individuals in legal matters and proceedings
This includes the right to a fair trial and protection against arbitrary detention.
What are equality rights as defined by the Canadian Charter?
Rights that ensure equal treatment and protection under the law
This prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, religion, and other grounds.
What are minority language educational rights?
Rights that ensure access to education in one’s official language
This applies to both English and French in Canada.
How does the Charter define a ‘freedom’?
The ability to choose for yourself what to think, say, or do
This definition emphasizes personal autonomy and choice.
True or False: The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms only protects the rights of certain groups of people.
False
The Charter is designed to protect the rights of all citizens equally.
Fill in the blank: The Charter guarantees the right to _______ our opinions.
express
This includes expressing opinions in various forms of media.
What was Justine’s case an example of?
Democracy at work
The case illustrates how democratic principles protect the rights of individuals.
What are the rights and freedoms in the Charter known as?
Individual rights
What does Section 1 of the Charter guarantee?
Rights and freedoms subject to reasonable limits
What can the government do regarding an individual’s rights?
Limit a person’s right or freedom if necessary
What is an example of a limit on freedom of expression?
Ruining a person’s reputation by spreading false information
Who has democratic rights in Canada?
Only citizens
What do mobility rights allow Canadian citizens to do?
Travel freely within Canada and move anywhere to live and work
What are the three rights that citizens have regarding their presence in Canada?
Enter, remain in, or leave Canada
What is the role of government concerning individual rights?
Identify and protect people’s individual rights
Fill in the blank: Individual rights are rights that you are entitled to as a _______.
[person]
True or False: Everyone in Canada has the same rights.
False
What is the significance of the individual’s freedom to express opinions?
It is limited by the rights of others
What is the purpose of having limits on rights?
To ensure a balance between individual freedoms and the rights of others
What does equality mean?
Treating everyone the same regardless of factors such as gender, race, or religion.
This definition emphasizes the importance of equal treatment in society.
What does accommodating the needs of others involve?
Adjusting or changing the way something is done so that everyone has an equal chance.
This process ensures that individuals with different needs can participate fully.
What rights do Canadians of all abilities share?
The same rights.
This highlights the universal nature of rights in Canada.
What is protected by the Charter regarding equality?
The right to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, colour, gender, age, or disabilities.
The Charter ensures these rights are upheld in Canadian law.
What can citizens do if they believe their equality rights are being denied?
Seek protection through the court system.
This legal recourse is a fundamental aspect of democracy.
In Justine’s case, what action did she and her family take?
They went to court to seek protection of Justine’s right to equality.
This case illustrates the practical application of equality rights.
Does treating people equally mean everyone receives the same treatment?
No, it means providing respect and equal opportunity.
This distinction is crucial for understanding fairness.
What does treating people or groups with special needs equally require?
Accommodating their disabilities.
This ensures fairness for those with disadvantages.
Under the Charter, what is allowed for programs that help disadvantaged groups?
Programs that try to help disadvantaged groups are allowed.
This can include policies like encouraging hiring from historically marginalized groups.
Fill in the blank: Equality means that all Canadian laws must treat each individual with _______.
[dignity and respect].
This principle is fundamental to the rights protected by the Charter.
What are collective rights?
Rights granted to groups, based on the idea that a certain group has a claim to particular rights.
Which groups are specifically mentioned as having collective rights in the Charter?
- Aboriginal people
- English-speaking people
- French-speaking people
Why are the collective rights of Aboriginal people rooted in the history of Canada?
They are based on their status as the original occupants of the land.
What significant ruling did the Supreme Court of Canada make in 1973 regarding Aboriginal rights?
It ruled that Aboriginal people have rights to their traditional territories even where there are no treaties.
Who is involved in determining the meaning of Aboriginal rights?
- Aboriginal people
- Federal government
- Provincial governments
- Courts
True or False: Collective rights are only applicable to individuals.
False
Fill in the blank: Collective rights protect a _______.
[group]
What do individuals who are part of a group with collective rights receive?
Entitlement to the collective rights of that group.
What activity was mentioned that demonstrates raising public awareness about Aboriginal rights?
A rally in Vancouver.
What is an official language?
A language that has been given legal status.
Official languages often have specific rights and privileges associated with their use in government and public services.
What does equity mean?
Treating people fairly.
Accommodations may be necessary to ensure fairness and equality for everyone.
Who was Donald Marshall?
A member of the Mi’kmaq nation charged with breaking fishing regulations.
His case highlighted issues of Aboriginal rights and treaty obligations.
What was the Supreme Court’s ruling in Donald Marshall’s case?
Ruled in Marshall’s favour, recognizing his right to catch fish for sale based on treaties from the 1760s.
This decision sparked controversy among non-Aboriginal fishers.
What languages does the Charter identify as Canada’s official languages?
French and English.
Both languages hold equal status in government settings.
What does equal status in the Government of Canada mean for French and English?
Representatives can speak either language during discussions and debates.
Citizens can also communicate with the federal government in either language.
What is required for government-related signs and literature in Canada?
Must appear in both official languages.
This ensures accessibility and inclusivity for all citizens.
Fill in the blank: The Charter recognizes the rights of the _______ and _______-speaking communities.
English, French.
This recognition is due to their unique roles in Canada’s founding.
True or False: The Charter supports the democratic principle of equity by accommodating certain groups in society.
True.
Protecting collective rights is a reflection of equity in democratic principles.
What principle does accommodating certain groups in society reflect?
The democratic principle of equity.
This principle emphasizes fairness and justice within a diverse society.
What distinguishes democracy from other forms of government?
All citizens can participate in shaping their communities and society
This participation includes making and changing the rules they live by.
How does increased participation affect a society?
The more people participate, the more democratic a society becomes
Participation enhances the democratic nature of governance.
What happens when individuals become involved in issues that benefit them?
Their actions often benefit others as well
This illustrates the interconnectedness of individual and communal interests.
Who is Justine Blainey and what did she achieve?
She won the right for herself and other girls to play hockey
This example shows how individual participation can lead to broader benefits.
What are wheelchair ramps and elevators an example of?
Facilities that can be used by everyone, not only people with disabilities
This demonstrates how inclusive design contributes to the common good.
What is the common good?
A condition that benefits the majority
It emphasizes the importance of societal improvements that affect most people.
How do governments promote the common good?
By creating parks for people to be active outdoors
Parks serve as public spaces that foster community engagement.
How can citizens contribute to the common good?
By using litter bins and keeping parks clean
This encourages shared responsibility for community spaces.
Fill in the blank: Clean air is an example of a _______.
common good
Clean air benefits public health and well-being.
What is one benefit of clean air to the majority?
It supports public health and quality of life
Clean air reduces health risks associated with pollution.
What are other examples of a common good?
- Public parks
- Clean water
- Safe streets
Each example benefits the majority by enhancing living conditions.
What is the right of Canadian citizens regarding voting?
All Canadian citizens have the right to vote for representatives for federal and provincial government. They also have the right to run for office.
How often must federal and provincial elections occur?
Federal and provincial elections must happen at least every five years.
What are the exceptions for the frequency of federal and provincial elections?
Exceptions are emergency situations, such as war, invasion, or rebellion.
How often must federal and provincial governments meet?
Federal and provincial governments must meet at least once every 12 months.
Fill in the blank: All Canadian citizens have the right to _______ for representatives for federal and provincial government.
vote
True or False: Only some citizens are allowed to vote in a democracy.
False
True or False: An elected government can decide to stay in power for 20 years without an election.
False
Fill in the blank: Federal and provincial elections must happen at least every _______ years.
five
What is a responsibility that comes with the rights and freedoms of citizens?
Responsibilities may include participation in elections, civic engagement, and obeying laws.
What is the term for the system where citizens choose representatives to make decisions on their behalf?
Representative democracy
What is the basic right in a democracy that allows citizens to choose their representatives?
Voting
At what age must a citizen be to vote in Canada?
18
Who were the two individuals that challenged the voting age in Canada?
Eryn Fitzgerald and Christine Jairamsingh
What did the judge conclude about the voting age limitation in Eryn and Christine’s case?
The limitation is reasonable to ensure maturity for good decision-making
In a representative democracy, who makes decisions on behalf of citizens?
Elected representatives
Fill in the blank: In Canada, a citizen must be _______ to vote.
[18 years old]
What did Eryn and Christine feel about the voting age law?
It discriminated against them due to their age
What is one example of participation in representative democracy mentioned in the text?
Voting for a class representative in a playground planning committee
True or False: The judge in Eryn and Christine’s case agreed that the voting age did not violate equality rights.
False
What broader issue did Eryn and Christine’s case raise about democracy?
The appropriate age to vote
What is a responsibility of elected representatives in a democracy?
To listen to the needs of all citizens
What concept is demonstrated by the restrictions on actions in a democracy?
Limitations on certain rights for maturity and responsibility
What does Eryn Fitzgerald suggest about political interest and voting?
Interest in politics and voting must start early
Who were the first people allowed to vote in Canada?
Men from Europe who owned property
Initially, voting rights were very limited in Canada.
What significant change occurred in Canadian voting rights in 1918?
Women over 21 were given the vote.
Which group was given the right to vote in federal elections in 1948?
Asian-Canadians.
In what year did people living on reserves gain the right to vote?
1960.
What was the voting age changed to in 1970?
18.
What right was granted to people serving federal prison terms in 2002?
They were given the vote.
What was the first type of ballot used in Canada?
Secret ballot
Introduced in 1874, the secret ballot helped ensure voter privacy.
Fill in the blank: Nellie McClung worked hard to win the right for women to vote in _______.
Canada.
What is the significance of the year 1960 in the context of voting rights in Canada?
It was the year when First Nations people living on reserves were given the vote.
What role did individuals and groups play in the expansion of voting rights in Canada?
They pressured the government to expand the right to vote.
True or False: The right to vote in Canada has always been accessible to all citizens.
False.
What age group is allowed to vote on school outing choices in the scenario?
Students aged 12 and over
This highlights the exclusion of younger students from decision-making.
How did Eryn and Christine feel about not being able to vote?
They felt excluded and frustrated
Their feelings reflect a broader concern about the voting age.
What has been a result of Eryn and Christine’s actions?
Many people have started thinking about the voting age in Canada
Their actions prompted a discussion about youth participation in democracy.
Fill in the blank: Only students who are aged _______ and over are allowed to vote on the choices.
12
This age restriction limits participation for younger students.
True or False: The scenario describes a situation where all students can vote regardless of age.
False
Only students aged 12 and over are allowed to vote.
What does suffrage mean?
The right to vote.
Who were suffragettes?
Women who fought for women’s right to vote.
What is the purpose of editorial cartoons?
To express a point of view about a current issue and entertain the reader using humor.
What year was the cartoon depicting the mayor of Toronto and suffragettes drawn?
1910.
In early Canadian history, who was believed to be the only gender that should participate in politics?
Men.
What did women begin to demand in the late 1800s?
The right to participate in government.
What were ‘Pink Teas’?
Meetings organized by women to discuss important issues, often decorated with frilly pink decorations.
What would happen if men attended Pink Teas?
Women would discuss topics of interest only to women.
How did husbands or fathers affect women’s ability to attend meetings?
They often did not allow them to attend.
Fill in the blank: Editorial cartoons use _______ to entertain the reader.
humour.
True or False: The cartoonist’s gender might have affected his point of view.
True.
What were the main topics discussed at Pink Teas when only women attended?
Women’s suffrage.
What year did some women in Canada gain the right to vote in federal and provincial elections?
1918
How long did some women in Canada have to wait after 1918 to gain the right to vote?
Almost another 50 years
What agency of the federal government prepares materials about women’s history each year?
Status of Women Canada
What does October celebrate in Canada?
Women’s History Month
What significant event occurred in 1981 regarding women’s rights in Canada?
1300 women demonstrated for sexual equality guarantees in the Charter
What does section 28 of the Charter guarantee?
Rights and freedoms are guaranteed equally to men and women
What year did five suffragettes win the right for Canadian women to be considered ‘persons’?
1929
What fields were women discouraged or barred from studying in the early 1900s?
Business, medicine, engineering, and law
By 1998, what percentage of university graduates were women?
Over 55 percent
True or False: Today, there are more men than women in law schools.
False
What do the colored bracelets on the woman’s arm symbolize?
The diversity of immigrant women in Canada
Fill in the blank: Women’s position in Canadian society has changed dramatically since the days of the _______.
suffragettes
What is the rule of law?
Laws apply to everyone equally
The rule of law is essential for democracy.
How does democracy support the rule of law?
By ensuring laws are followed by everyone, including leaders
A fair application of laws maintains order and justice.
Who was King John?
The king of England who imposed rules without following them
His actions led to the creation of the Magna Carta.
What significant event occurred in 1215?
King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta
This event marked the beginning of the rule of law.
What does the Magna Carta symbolize?
The introduction of the rule of law and rights for individuals
It was the first charter of rights in history.
What is one important idea from the Magna Carta still relevant today?
The right of a person who is arrested to know the reason for arrest
This includes being brought before a court in a timely manner.
Fill in the blank: The words Magna Carta mean _______ in Latin.
Great Charter
Why was the Magna Carta created?
To limit the power of the king and protect individual rights
It was a response to King John’s abuses of power.
What happens if a player doesn’t follow the rules in a game?
It changes the game and affects the experience for others
This analogy applies to the importance of the rule of law in society.
True or False: The rule of law means that some people are above the law.
False
What is the rule of law?
Laws apply to everyone equally
The rule of law is essential for democracy.
How does democracy support the rule of law?
By ensuring laws are followed by everyone, including leaders
A fair application of laws maintains order and justice.
Who was King John?
The king of England who imposed rules without following them
His actions led to the creation of the Magna Carta.
What significant event occurred in 1215?
King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta
This event marked the beginning of the rule of law.
What does the Magna Carta symbolize?
The introduction of the rule of law and rights for individuals
It was the first charter of rights in history.
What is one important idea from the Magna Carta still relevant today?
The right of a person who is arrested to know the reason for arrest
This includes being brought before a court in a timely manner.
Fill in the blank: The words Magna Carta mean _______ in Latin.
Great Charter
Why was the Magna Carta created?
To limit the power of the king and protect individual rights
It was a response to King John’s abuses of power.
What happens if a player doesn’t follow the rules in a game?
It changes the game and affects the experience for others
This analogy applies to the importance of the rule of law in society.
True or False: The rule of law means that some people are above the law.
False
What must be followed to carry out the rule of law?
Certain steps that allow people to participate fairly
What is recognized and declared in the Alberta Bill of Rights?
Human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination by reason of race, national origin, colour, religion, or sex
In a democracy, who makes the laws?
Citizens, either directly or through the representatives they elect
What happens if representatives pass laws that people think are unfair?
They may not be re-elected
How do governments ensure people are informed about the law?
By publishing or announcing laws
Are people treated equally under the law?
Yes, regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, gender, age, or mental or physical disability
What is a jury?
A group of ordinary citizens who judge people accused of a crime
What do jury members do during a trial?
Listen to arguments from both sides and decide on a person’s guilt or innocence
Is the identity of jury members protected in Canada?
Yes, and juries cannot be photographed in the courtroom
What does the statue of a woman with a blindfold and scales represent?
The idea of justice
Fill in the blank: Citizens have a say in making and changing the _______.
[law]
True or False: People are informed about the law in democracies.
True
What are some ways people can learn about new laws?
Through government publications, announcements, and civic education
Why is it important to know the law?
To ensure fair participation in the legal system and protect one’s rights
What does the blindfold on the statue of justice symbolize?
Impartiality and fairness in the application of the law
What do the scales in the statue of justice represent?
The weighing of evidence and arguments in legal proceedings
How does Ryan treat everyone he meets?
Ryan treats everyone he meets in the same way.
What is Ryan’s belief about the impact of individuals?
In his heart, we all make a difference whether we are prime ministers, gas station attendants, or Grade 7 students.
What action did Ryan Hreljac take when he was six years old?
Ryan decided to raise money to help pay for one well.
What inspired Ryan Hreljac to take action?
His teacher told the class about people in Africa having to walk many kilometres every day for fresh water.
What organization did Ryan and his family establish?
Ryan’s Well Foundation.
What has Ryan’s Well Foundation accomplished?
The foundation has raised money and built many wells in a number of countries.
What did Amy Brandon notice about special education students at lunch?
Many special education students ate lunch by themselves.
What program did Amy Brandon read about to help special education students?
Lunch Buddies.
What did Amy Brandon decide to do after learning about the Lunch Buddies program?
Amy decided to volunteer too.
Fill in the blank: Being a citizen involves _______ and responsibilities.
[rights]
Fill in the blank: Sometimes responsibilities involve making our communities and the world a _______.
[better place]
True or False: Ryan Hreljac’s fundraising efforts were limited to his immediate family.
False
What did students in the Lunch Buddies program do?
Students volunteered to meet and talk with special education students during lunch.
Who convinced many of her friends to join the program?
Amy
What was the initial number of volunteers in the program?
10
What did the number of volunteers grow to?
40
What impact did the program have on special education students?
They began feeling much more a part of the school
Who is Alanis Obomsawin?
A member of the Abenaki Nation
Where did Alanis Obomsawin grow up?
Québec
What did Alanis listen to as a young girl?
The history of her people from the Elders
What did Alanis Obomsawin notice was not taught in schools?
The stories of her people
What medium did Alanis choose to tell the stories of her people?
Making films
What is the title of Alanis Obomsawin’s first film?
Christmas at Moose Factory
What does the film ‘Christmas at Moose Factory’ depict?
The story of young Cree children growing up in the community in James Bay
How many films has Alanis Obomsawin made about the history of First Nations people?
More than 20
Who has seen Alanis Obomsawin’s films?
Students across Canada
What has Alanis Obomsawin received for her work?
Many awards
What program did Amy Brandon volunteer for?
Lunch Buddies
What program did Amy start in an elementary school?
Lunch Buddies program
Fill in the blank: Alanis Obomsawin is a member of the _______.
Abenaki Nation
