Fundamental Rights in Canada

Objective: This worksheet aims to introduce students to the concept of fundamental rights, specifically within the Canadian context, and to foster critical thinking about the application and violation of these rights.

Content and methods: The worksheet begins with an article from a school magazine discussing a court decision in Ecuador granting a river the right to be free from pollution, using this as an entry point to introduce the concept of fundamental rights and spark discussion. Students are then asked to write a short response letter to the school newspaper, expressing their opinion on whether rivers should have rights. An audio file provides information on fundamental rights in Canada, covering categories like freedom rights, equality rights, claim rights, and citizen rights, as well as the role of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the ability to seek legal recourse for violations. Students answer true/false questions based on the audio content. Finally, the worksheet presents a fictional case study of a fundamental right violation in Canada and asks students to identify the violated right using a provided overview of fundamental rights in Canada, and to consider other examples of such violations.

Competencies:

Reading comprehension
Listening comprehension
Critical thinking and discussion
Opinion formation and expression
Understanding of fundamental rights and civil liberties
Case study analysis and application of legal concepts

Target group: 7th-10th grade

50 other teachers use this template

Target group and level

7th-10th grade

Subjects

GeographyPolitics

Preview

Fundamental Rights in Canada

What are fundamental rights?

Do you know what fundamental rights entail and who is entitled to them? Read this article published in the school magazine "The Brainy Buzz", then discuss its content with the rest of the class.

River in Ecuador Wins Right to Stay Clean!

Hello, Brainy Buzz readers! If you think rivers don't have rights, think again! In July 2024, a court in Ecuador granted the Machángara River the right to be free from pollution. This is a big deal because it's the first time a river in Ecuador got such rights.

Source: amerika21.de

So, what are basic rights? They are the fundamental freedoms and protections everyone should have, like the right to clean water and air. Now, the Machángara River has the right not to be polluted, meaning people can't dump garbage or chemicals into it anymore. This could help protect the river's ecosystem and the animals that live there.

This decision is super important because it shows that even nature deserves protection. Imagine if our school playground had rights! No one could litter or damage the equipment. By giving rivers basic rights, we're saying that they are important and need to be cared for.

But is it fair to give rivers rights? Some people think it's strange because rivers aren't people. However, others believe it’s necessary to protect our environment. What do you think? Should rivers have rights like us? Write to The Brainy Buzz and let us know your opinion!

Which fundamental rights are there?

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Listen to the audio file and answer the questions below.

Violations of fundamental rights

Now read the description of a fictional case in Canada where a fundamental right was violated, and try to identify which fundamental right it is. The overview on the next page will help you.

Liam and the Unfair Travel Ban

Liam is 14 years old and lives in Vancouver, Canada. He loves playing hockey and dreams of becoming a professional player one day. Recently, Liam’s team gets a chance to compete in a big tournament in Toronto, and he is incredibly excited. This is his first time traveling so far for a game, and he can hardly wait to experience the thrill of the competition.

On the day before the trip, Liam's parents receive an unexpected letter from the local authorities. The letter states that due to "security concerns," Liam is not allowed to leave Vancouver to travel to Toronto for the tournament. Liam and his parents are shocked and confused. There is no explanation for what these "security concerns" are, and they have no idea why Liam would be considered a risk.

Liam feels devastated. Not only is he missing out on an important opportunity for his future in hockey, but he also feels like his basic rights are being taken away without any valid reason. His parents try to appeal the decision, but time is running out, and it seems like the authorities are not willing to change their mind. Liam promises himself that he will fight this injustice and make sure that others do not have to go through the same unfair treatment.

Fundamental Rights in Canada

1. Freedom of conscience and religion: Individuals are free to practice any religion or no religion at all.

2. Freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression, including freedom of the press: Citizens can think, believe, and express their opinions openly.

3. Freedom of peaceful assembly: People have the right to gather peacefully for any purpose.

4. Freedom of association: Individuals can freely associate with any group or organization.

5. The right to vote: Every Canadian citizen has the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections.

6. The right to enter, remain in, and leave Canada: Citizens can move freely within the country and travel abroad.

7. The right to life, liberty, and security of the person: Individuals are protected against unlawful actions that threaten their personal safety.

8. The right not to be subjected to any cruel and unusual treatment or punishment: No one can be subjected to inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment.

9. The right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure: People are protected from unwarranted government intrusion into their personal property.

10. The right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned: Individuals cannot be detained without just cause.

11. The right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty: In criminal proceedings, a person is considered innocent until proven guilty.

12. The right to a fair trial: Everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal.

13. The right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination: Individuals are entitled to equal treatment and protection under the law regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability.