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Women's Voting Rights
Women in Canada gained voting rights through a gradual process that was influenced by reform movements and advocacy. Manitoba women were first to win provincial voting rights in 1916, and the federal vote was granted in 1918. Indigenous women and minority groups faced additional barriers, and indigenous peoples generally did not gain the full right to vote until 1960. Activists, mainly the Famous Five, played a significant role in advancing women's rights across Canada. -
Persons Case
The Persons Case (1929) was a landmark legal decision in Canada that established women as “persons” eligible to serve in the Senate. Initiated by five Alberta women known as the Famous Five, the case challenged the Supreme Court of Canada’s earlier ruling that excluded women from the legal definition of “persons.” The British Privy Council ultimately reversed the decision, marking a significant victory for gender equality in Canada. -
Indian Act Revisions of 1951
The 1951 revisions to the Indian Act made changes to the lives of Indigenous Canadians. These amendments lifted certain restrictions, allowing Indigenous people to organize politically and preform cultural ceremonies that had been previously banned. However, the act retained many oppressive controls and continued to enforce the reserve system and the pass system, limiting Indigenous self-determination. These changes started the set up for future advocacy and reforms. -
Canadian Bill of Rights
The Canadian Bill of rights passed in 1960 was Canada’s first federal law dedicated to protecting individual rights and freedoms. Championed by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, it outlined rights such as freedom of speech, equality, and protection from discrimination. Although significant, it was limited as a federal statute and lacked the constitutional power to override provincial laws. This eventually led to the creation of the stronger, constitutional Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. -
Indigenous Canadian's Voting Rights
Indigenous Canadians were officially granted the federal right to vote in 1960 without having to give up their Indian Status. Before this, Indigenous people who wanted to vote had to relinquish their status and treaty rights. Although this marked a significant change, barriers to full voting participation remained, at the local and provincial levels. -
Ontario Human Right Code
The Ontario Human Rights Code, enacted in 1962, was Canada’s first human rights law, protecting people from discrimination based on grounds like race, gender, disability, and age. It covers various social areas, including housing, employment, and services. The Code aims to foster equality and prevent discrimination across Ontario, outlining rights and responsibilities for both individuals and organizations. -
Immigration Act of 1967
Canada’s Immigration Act of 1967 established a points-based system prioritizing applicants based on skills, education, and experience, rather than country of origin. This new policy marked a shift, opening Canada’s doors to a broader range of nationalities beyond Europe. It facilitated the growth of multiculturalism and laid the foundation for Canada’s identity as a diverse nation. The policy led to an increase in visible minority populations, enriching Canada’s cultural landscape and economy. -
Royal Commission on the Status of Women
Formed in 1967, this commission addressed widespread gender inequalities affecting Canadian women. It released its findings in 1970, recommending equal access to education, employment opportunities, and social services. The commission’s report brought awareness to systemic barriers facing women and led to substantial legal reforms, including maternity leave provisions and equal pay. Its work helped to pave the way for further advancements in gender equality and women’s rights across Canada. -
Canadian Official Languages Act
Enacted in 1969, the Official Languages Act recognized English and French as Canada’s official languages, with equal status in federal institutions. Requiring government services to be accessible in both languages promoting bilingualism nationwide.The act was revised in 1988 to strengthen bilingual services and foster linguistic duality as a defining feature of Canadian identity. This legislation supports the preservation of Canada’s French heritage and affirms language rights for all Canadians. -
Canadian Human Rights Act
Enacted in 1977, the Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on factors like race, sex, and disability within federally regulated sectors. The Act created the Canadian Human Rights Commission, tasked with investigating complaints and promoting equality. The legislation is crucial for protecting individuals’ rights in areas such as employment and service provision. It underscores Canada’s commitment to human rights and provides framework for challenging discriminatory practices. -
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Adopted in 1982, the Charter is a foundational document that guarantees individual rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression, equality, and legal protections. As part of the Canadian Constitution, it has precedence over other laws, allowing courts to strike down legislation that infringes on these rights. The Charter is a critical component of Canadian democracy, shaping legal decisions and reinforcing citizens’ protections against government actions that may limit their freedoms. -
Big M Drug Mart
This landmark Supreme Court case challenged the constitutionality of the federal Lord’s Day Act, which mandated Sunday as a day of rest based on Christian traditions. The Court ruled that enforcing religious observance through law infringed upon freedom of religion, as guaranteed by the Charter. The decision was significant in affirming the separation of church and state in Canada, setting a precedent for future cases involving religious freedom and individual rights. -
Canadian Employment Equity Act
Passed in 1986, the Employment Equity Act aims to promote workplace diversity and reduce barriers for women, Indigenous people, visible minorities, and individuals with disabilities. It applies to federally regulated employers, requiring them to proactively address discrimination and inequality. This legislation has been a pivotal tool in advancing diversity in Canadian workplaces, contributing to more inclusive employment practices, and promoting social justice. -
R. V. Oakes
This Supreme Court case established the "Oakes Test" to determine if limitations on Charter rights can be justified under Section 1. The test requires that restrictions serve a pressing and substantial purpose and that the means used are proportional. This ruling is a cornerstone of Canadian constitutional law, guiding how courts evaluate cases where government actions might limit fundamental rights. The test has been instrumental in balancing individual freedoms with societal interests. -
Abortion Rights
In R. v. Morgentaler, the Supreme Court struck down Canada’s restrictive abortion laws, ruling that they violated a woman’s right to security of the person. The decision effectively decriminalized abortion, making Canada one of the few countries without federal restrictions on the procedure. The ruling underscored women’s reproductive autonomy and has had a lasting impact on Canadian healthcare and human rights, setting a global example for women’s rights. -
Deglamuukw v. B.C.
In this case, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized the validity of Indigenous oral histories as evidence in land claims and affirmed Aboriginal title rights. This decision underscored the importance of Indigenous perspectives in legal proceedings and has had a profound impact on land rights and treaty negotiations in Canada. The ruling strengthened Indigenous communities’ ability to assert rights over their traditional territories. -
Vriend v. Alberta
In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that Alberta’s omission of sexual orientation in its human rights legislation was unconstitutional. This landmark decision reinforced protections for LGBTQ+ Canadians, ensuring that sexual orientation was included as a protected ground against discrimination. It affirmed the Charter’s role in upholding equality and spurred changes to human rights protections across Canada. -
R. v. Marshall
This case upheld Mi'kmaq treaty rights to fish for a "moderate livelihood" outside the commercial fishing season, as guaranteed by 18th-century treaties. The Supreme Court’s decision acknowledged the historical agreements made with Indigenous peoples and reinforced their treaty rights. The ruling had significant implications for Indigenous sovereignty and resource rights, sparking debate and reforms in resource management policies. -
Same Sex Marriage
Canada became one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage in 2005, affirming equality rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The ruling marked a milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in Canada, recognizing marriage equality and setting a global example. This landmark legislation was achieved after years of advocacy and legal battles, reflecting Canada’s commitment to human rights and inclusivity. -
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Established in 2008, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission documented the legacy of Canada’s residential school system and its impacts on Indigenous communities. The commission provided a platform for survivors to share their stories and issued calls to action to promote healing and reconciliation. The TRC’s work has been essential in addressing historical injustices and fostering a path toward improved relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.