The Canadian Constitution

1
The Canadian Constitution
2
BRAINSTORM

• What role do Canadas Constitution and Charter of
  Rights play in the lives of Canadians?
• Why is it important for a country to have a
  constitution and a statement of citizens rights?
  
• What role does a Constitution play in governing a
  country?

3
TIMELINE

• 1763 Royal Proclamation
• 1774 Quebec Act
• 1791 Canada Act
• 1840 Union Act
• 1867 British North America (BNA) Act
• 1931 Statute of Westminster
• 1947 Citizenship Act
• 1949 No more Cdn appeals to Privy Council
• 1982 Constitution Act

4
ACTIVITY

• Watch selected television clips in order to
  gather information about how the Canadian
  Constitution evolved from the 1960s to 1982.
• Notes Canadas Constitution and Charter of
  Rights
• Main events
• Individuals
• Issues

5
CBC Link

• Feb. 6, 1968 Constitutional showdown 13 minutes
• May 20, 1980 The 1980 Quebec Referendum 3 minutes
• Broadcast Nov. 5, 1981 Constitutional
  Shortcomings 5 minutes
• Broadcast April 17, 1982 Proclamation of the
  Constitution 20 minutes/Queen at 13 minutes

6
SMALL-GROUP DISCUSSION

• Agree or disagree? Support your answer.
• The patriation of the Constitution with the
  Charter of Rights in 1982 marked a decisive
  turning point in Canadians national identity and
  their pursuit of equality.

7
April 17, 1982Signing of the Constitution

• The constitution of Canada has finally come
  home. Pierre Trudeau
• Today I have proclaimed this new constitution,
  one that is truly Canadian at last. There could
  be no better moment for me as Queen of Canada to
  declare again my unbounded confidence in the
  future of this wonderful country. Queen
  Elizabeth II