ACTIVITY Canadian Values People have different ideas about how society should be organized and how a country should work. These diverse views are influenced by distinct values and beliefs. In Canada, vast differences exist in what people value. Priorities can vary among provinces, communities, neighbourhoods, and even within families. The Canadian Government also has values that inform decision-making and policy. These values can change over time and from one government to the next. 1. Read over the Charter sections here to familiarize yourself with these rights. 2. Form small groups and reflect on what you believe constitute “Canadian Values.” As a group, agree on five key Canadian values. 3. Present your chosen values to your classmates in a series of tableaus. For an added challenge, see if your classmates can guess the value you are presenting with your tableau. A tableau is a frozen scene, where you use your bodies to depict an idea, story, moment in time, or emotion. 4. As a class, vote on the top ten values that you share. Reflect together on this process. Was it easy or difficult to come up with shared values? Why or why not? Do your values line up with the values found in the Charter (if unsure, ask your teacher for examples)? What about values that you hold personally or in your family? Extension Activity: As a class, name any laws, bills, or practices in Canadian history that contradict the Charter. For each one, consider the following questions: What Charter right(s) would have protected Canadians from it? How does it measure against your list of “Canadian Values”? Can you name any recent laws that were passed despite contradicting the Charter? Why might a government want to pass an unconstitutional law? At the end of the discussion, consider why it is important that our values are reflected in the legal system. We Demand (Historica Canada) A law is called a bill before it is passed by Parliament.
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