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Women’s Voting Rights
In Canada, women first gained the right to vote in 1916 with Manitoba being the first province to make women’s voting rights. On the federal level, in 1917 through the Wartime Elections Act that allowed women who are directly related to soldiers to vote. In 1918 the government passed the federal elections act to allow women to vote in elections regardless of if they were related to a soldier. -
Persons Act
A group of women known as the “Famous Five” wanted to have women recognized as “persons” under the law. They wanted to do this so that women eligible to be appointed to the senate so that women could have voices in the government. On October 18th, 1929, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, which was the highest court of appeal in Canada at that time, ruled in favour of the Famous Five. -
Indian Act Revisions
The Indian revisions act was made in June 1951. It was created to administer Indian status, and reserve land for the First Nations people. It also outlines governmental obligations to First Nations people. -
Canadian Bill of Rights
The Canadian bill of rights was created in 1960. It’s a federal statute that aimed to protect certain rights and freedoms for Canadians. The bill was introduced by prime minister John Diefenbaker’s government. -
Ontario Human Rights Code
The Ontario human rights code was established on June 15th, 1962. It was created for Ontario’s population to prohibit discrimination in signs, services, facilities, public accommodation, employee and trade union membership on the grounds of race, creed, colour, nationality, ancestry and place of origin. -
Immigration Act
Changes in immigration regulations in 1967 resulted in the adoption of a universal point system in assessing prospective immigrants, irrespective of country of origin or racial background. This allows immigrants to move to Canada if they can do things like learn English. -
Canadian Official Languages Act
The Canadian Official Languages Act, first enacted in 1969 and revised in 1988, is a law that recognizes English and French as the official languages of Canada. The Act aims to ensure that all Canadians have equal rights to access federal government services in both languages and promotes the use of both languages in government, education, and public life. -
Royal Commission on the Status of Women
The Royal Commission on the Status of Women was established in Canada in 1970 to examine the status of women in the country and make recommendations for improving their social, economic, and political conditions. It was a response to growing awareness and activism around women's rights, particularly during the women's liberation movement. -
Canadian Human Rights Act
The Canadian Human Rights Act, enacted in 1977, is a federal law designed to protect individuals from discrimination and harassment based on specific grounds. These grounds include race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, disability, and conviction for an offense for which a pardon has been granted. -
Indigenous Voting Rights
Indigenous people first gained the right to vote in 1982. This allowed First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections. The right to vote is a fundamental right that Canadian citizens have, so indigenous people should get the right to vote as well. -
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, enacted in 1982 as part of the Constitution Act, is a landmark legal document that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all Canadians. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has had a profound impact on Canadian law and society, shaping public policy and advancing civil liberties since its adoption. It plays a critical role in upholding democracy and the rule of law in Canada. -
Big M Drug Mart
Big M Drug Mart Ltd. v. Canada is a landmark case decided by the Supreme Court of Canada in 1985. The case revolved around the application of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, specifically concerning freedom of religion and freedom of expression. Big M Drug Mart is a pivotal case in the context of Canadian constitutional law and human rights, emphasizing the protection of individual freedoms against state interference. -
R. v. Oakes
R. v. Oakes is a Supreme Court of Canada case decided in 1986, significant for its interpretation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, particularly concerning the balance between individual rights and societal interests. The Oakes test is widely used in subsequent cases to balance individual rights against societal interests, making it a foundational case in the development of constitutional law in Canada. -
Abortion Rights
In 1988, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in R. v. Morgentaler that the existing criminal law prohibiting abortion violated a woman's right to security of the person under Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This decision effectively decriminalized abortion, making it a healthcare issue rather than a criminal one. As of now, abortion is legally available in Canada, although some facilities may impose their own restrictions based on medical considerations. -
Canadian Employment Equality Act
The Canadian Employment Equity Act, first enacted in 1995, aims to promote equality in the workplace and eliminate barriers to employment for designated groups. The Act is designed to achieve a representative workforce in federally regulated sectors and focuses on four main groups:
Women, Indigenous Peoples, People With Disabilities, and Visible Minorities. The Employment Equity Act reflects Canada’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workforce. -
Delgamuukw v. British Columbia
Delgamuukw v. British Columbia is a Supreme Court of Canada case decided in 1997 that significantly impacted Indigenous land rights and the recognition of Aboriginal title in Canada. The Court recognized that Aboriginal title is a distinct form of land ownership that stems from Indigenous peoples long-standing use and occupation of their lands. Delgamuukw v. British Columbia is a foundational case in Canadian law regarding Indigenous rights. -
Vriend v. Alberta
Vriend v. Alberta is a case decided by the Supreme Court of Canada in 1998. The case involved the issue of discrimination based on sexual orientation and the application of human rights protections in Alberta. In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the failure to include sexual orientation as a protected ground of discrimination in the Alberta Individual Rights Protection Act was unconstitutional. This was a pivotal case in the development of LGBTQ+ rights in Canada. -
R. v. Marshall
R. v. Marshall is a significant Supreme Court of Canada case decided in 1999 that addressed Indigenous fishing rights and the interpretation of treaty rights. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Marshal because the ruling underscored the need to respect and uphold Aboriginal rights as integral to Indigenous peoples cultures and livelihoods. The Court acknowledged that these rights are not only for subsistence but also include a right to earn a moderate livelihood through fishing. -
Same Sex Marriage
Same-sex marriage in Canada was legally recognized and legalized through a series of legal milestones that culminated in a historic decision by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2005. Canada's same-sex marriage law was a milestone in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, underscoring the country’s commitment to equality, human rights, and the recognition of diverse family structures. The decision also contributed to a cultural shift toward greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in Canadian society. -
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was established in 2008 as part of the settlement of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, which was the largest class action settlement in Canadian history. The TRC's mandate was to investigate and document the history of Indian Residential Schools in Canada, with a focus on the survivors and their families. Its goal was to promote healing, reconciliation, and understanding between Indigenous peoples and Canadian society.