how do the individual and collective rights of canadians influence laws and policies?

How do the individual and collective rights of Canadians

influence laws and policies?How well do Canada’s immigration laws and

policies respond to immigration issues?

IntroductionWhat languages do you speak or hear at

home, at school, or in your community?

Here in Alberta, the top 5 languages spoken are:English: 2 811 205Chinese languages: 76 720French: 52 895German: 40 445Punjabi: 23 860

Remember that in Toronto along there are over 100 languages spoken including Mandarin and Arabic. Even Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts in Punjabi!

The fact that there are so many languages spoken is a result of Canada's immigration policy, which has an impact on the rights of Canadians.

Rights are an important part of Canada’s culture in that they ensure that Canadians have political, economic, health, and security opportunities.

Remember that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the individual and collective rights which are guaranteed to every person living in Canada, whether they are a citizen or not.

However, originally the Charter did not protect immigrants and refugees. As we have discovered, there have been Charter challenges. The challenges have resulted in a change of laws in Canada.

 The Singh decision in 1985 was one such

Charter challenge. As a result of this decision, April 4 is now recognized as Refugee Rights Day in Canada.

Turn to page 181 and read about the Singh decision.

Complete the assignment Singh Decision: Views and Perspectives.

Immigration and the Aboriginal community

The Aboriginal peoples of Canada have a long history in Canada. We have learned about their collective identity and collective rights, the treaties surrounding their history, and the Indian Act.

Think back; many treaties were signed so that the Canadian government could secure land for the future settlement of immigrants. As a result of many of these treaties, millions of people from around the world have made Canada their home over the past 100 years.

As Canada continues to evolve and grow, more people will choose to settle in Canada and begin a new life.

THINK: Has immigration had an impact on the Aboriginal collective identity?

Complete the assignment, Immigration and Aboriginals.