What makes Canada, Canada? Is it our hockey, our beer, the natural beauty, the 9 months of winter and the other 3 months when we’re tormented by our national bird “the mosquito” and road repairs?
Recently, a close friend and mentor challenged me with the question, “What is most important?” As I’m currently working through some health issues (of which recovery is going well), it has come with its own set of challenges in terms of what gets done and what doesn’t. His deeper question was: “How are you going to live by your personal values and mission in light of the challenges you’re facing?” “How will you lead your businesses and personal life by their respective mission statements?”
This question can apply to us as Canadians. Canada’s constitution is in one sense a mission statement. It is a set of statements and laws that govern us as citizens. For me personally, in my daily activities, I am generally not thinking about Canada’s Constitution. I’m thinking of the challenges of operating a business and navigating the raising of a family. I’m sure most of my readers would feel the same. however, I would like to suggest that the constitution of our country is important to think about. From time to time, it would be valuable for us as citizens to contemplate its meaning, and how our personal activities either contribute to its strength, or fight against it? Are our larger corporations and political systems honouring this constitution or are they violating it? The real challenge is how we as constituents hold ourselves, political systems, and corporations into account by democratic vote, petition, and economic spending.
When our constitution is upheld and lived out, it facilitates flourishing communities and the honoring of ancestral culture and history. (Regardless of race and creed).
As a reminder The Charter:
- sets out the values that Canadians live by
- describes the kinds of personal human rights and freedoms we can expect in this country
Some of these include:
- the right to:
- life, liberty and personal security
- a fair trial, that respects all your legal rights
- be presumed innocent until you’re proven guilty
- talk to a lawyer as soon as possible if you are arrested
- equal protection and benefit under the law, without discrimination
- freedom of:
- conscience and religion
- thought, belief, opinion, and expression – the press and other media
- freedom to:
- join groups
- hold peaceful meetings
- protection from:
- unreasonable search or seizure
- being detained or put in prison without a just reason
Rights come with duties. People who live in Canada are expected to:
- understand and obey Canadian laws
- help protect Canada’s multicultural heritage
- allow other Canadians to enjoy their rights and freedoms
If you live in Canada, you should become informed about politics and help to improve your communities and the country.
Citizens of Canada have other rights and freedoms, such as the right to vote in elections.
From the Government of Canada Website www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/learn-about-canada/human-rights.html
As we celebrate Canada Day, I trust the above constitution won’t be forgotten amidst the fun and celebration.
From my family to yours,
Lowell Harder
