Minds On
What are rights and responsibilities?
Consider the following terms:
Rights and responsibilities
In your own words, describe what is a right and what is a responsibility. Then give an example of each.
When you are ready, press the tabs to explore definitions of rights and responsibilities, and examples of what they mean for Canadian citizens.
Brainstorm
What rights and responsibilities do you have at home?
What rights do you have at home? What are you responsible for around the house?
Record the different rights and responsibilities you have at home in the following fillable and printable mind map Rights and Responsibilities at Home. You can also complete this activity in your notebook or using a method of your choice.
Press the Activity button to access the Rights and Responsibilities at Home.
Activity(Opens in a new tab)Action
The rights and responsibilities as Canadian citizens
There are many rights and responsibilities individuals have as citizens of Canada.
Press Definition to explore a definition of citizen.
A citizen is someone who lives in a particular place, was born in a country, or someone who is legally able to exercise the rights and freedoms of the country in which they live.
Brainstorm
Brainstorm
The rights of Canadian citizens are probably different than the rights we have at home. Let’s record the different rights and responsibilities that you think Canadians have.
Complete the following fillable and printable mind map Canadian Citizens' Rights and Responsibilities. You can also complete this activity in your notebook or using a method of your choice.
Press the Activity button to access the Canadian Citizens’ Rights and Responsibilities.
Activity(Opens in a new tab)How are rights and responsibilities connected?
Rights and responsibilities are closely tied together. For example, Canadian citizens have the right to vote and are responsible for taking part in the electoral process.
Press Hint to explore some Canadian citizenship responsibilities.
- obeying the law
- taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family
- serving on a jury
- voting in elections
- helping others in the community
- protecting our heritage and environment
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. “Government of Canada.” Discover Canada–Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship–Canada.ca, / Gouvernement Du Canada, 26 Oct. 2016, www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/discover-canada/read-online/rights-resonsibilities-citizenship.html.
In your opinion, what makes a good citizen? How are rights connected to responsibilities? How are they not the same?
Record your ideas using a method of your choice.
Does everyone have the same Rights and Responsibilities?
It is important to note that not everyone in Canada is afforded the same rights and responsibilities. Indigenous Peoples have a long history of resisting the mistreatment and abuse of their human rights by the government of Canada. Today, The Indian Act is the legislation that determines First Nations identity, rights, terminology, and governance in Canada to this day. It does not include Inuit or Métis. The Act was created by Parliament without consultation from First Nations communities. The Indian Act was, and remains, legislation that is aimed at assimilating Indigenous Peoples into mainstream society.
Many communities today, including Inuit and Métis communities, are living without the services that are afforded to neighbouring non-Indigenous communities such as clean drinking water, accessible healthcare and properly funded education.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
In Canada, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms identifies the rights and freedoms of all Canadian citizens. It is part of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Charter guarantees Canadians fundamental freedoms as well as various rights, including democratic, mobility, legal, and equality rights.
The Constitution is the highest law in Canada and includes laws, agreements between federal and provincial governments, and traditions.
Freedoms
Freedom is the power and ability to act without unfair consequences.
The following are the Fundamental Freedoms which are included in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Press Info to learn about the Fundamental Freedoms.
- freedom of religion, or to not worship at all
- freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression (within limits)
- freedom of the media to report on anything in Canada
- freedom to meet as a group in private or publicly (peaceful assembly)
- freedom to associate or to befriend anyone they choose (association)
Rights
Let’s examine more examples of rights all Canadian citizens have.
The following are the Fundamental Rights which are included in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Press Info to learn about the Fundamental Rights.
- Mobility Rights: All Canadians are entitled to live and work anywhere in Canada. Canadians can also visit another country and come back when they choose.
- Equality Rights: Everyone is equal under the law. Canadians are not to be discriminated against on the basis of age, race, gender, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, intellectual or physical ability.
- Legal Rights: The right to life, liberty, and security, and rights focusing on the justice system.
- Official Languages of Canada: Both French and English are official languages of Canada and have equal status in Parliament and throughout the government.
- Minority Language Education Rights: Anyone can attend an English or French school based on their language anywhere in the country (with some exceptions).
- Democratic Rights: Canadian citizens have the right to vote in an election.
Exploring Canadian rights, freedoms, and responsibilities
Pick one right and one fundamental freedom. What does it mean a Canadian citizen is allowed to do? What is the responsibility that goes along with it? How does this right and fundamental freedom affect someone’s life? Why are they important?
Record your ideas in the Rights and Responsibilities Chart using the following fillable and printable document. You can also complete this activity in your notebook or using a method of your choice.
Press the Activity button to access the Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Chart.
Activity(Opens in a new tab)Matching activity
Explore the following examples and identify if they are rights or responsibilities.
Section 35
After the long history (and continuation) of rights being violated, Indigenous political leaders fought to have their rights included and recognized in the Constitution Act under Section 35. Under Section 35, Indigenous rights are recognized and affirmed. It is important to remember that the Canadian government did not initially plan to include Aboriginal rights so extensively within the constitution when the Act was being drafted in the early 1980s. Early drafts and discussions did not include any recognition of the existing rights and relationships, but through campaigns and demonstrations, Indigenous Peoples in Canada successfully fought to have their rights enshrined and protected.
It is important to understand that Section 35 recognizes “Aboriginal rights”, but did not create them —Indigenous rights have, and continue to exist, before Section 35. They are inherent rights.
Section 35 of the Constitution Act states:
- 35 (1) The existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada are hereby recognized and affirmed.
- (2) In this Act, “aboriginal peoples of Canada” includes the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.
- (3) For greater certainty, in subsection (1) “treaty rights” includes rights that now exist by way of land claims agreements or may be so acquired.
- (4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the aboriginal and treaty rights referred to in subsection (1) are guaranteed equally to male and female persons.
Consolidation
Rights vs. responsibilities
Think about the relationship between a right and a responsibility. Every citizen is entitled to many rights in their life; however, they also must be responsible for their actions.
Explore the following sentences about the rights of Canadian citizens and record an associated responsibility.
Student Tips
Student tips
Here are some Canadian citizenship responsibilities to consider:
- obeying the law
- taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family
- serving on a jury
- voting in elections
- helping others in the community
- protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment
Record your ideas in the Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Chart using the following fillable and printable document. You can also complete this activity in your notebook or using a method of your choice.
Press the Activity button to access the Rights and Responsibilities Chart.
Activity(Opens in a new tab)Think about it
Think about the following questions and record your ideas on paper, on the computer, or in an audio recording.
- What are the major rights of a citizen in Canada?
- What are your responsibilities as a member of the community? As a citizen of Canada?
- Revisit your earlier mind map, or list about Canadian rights, and add any other rights.
Reflection
As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel...
Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.