Use the following organizer to research and write a biography of a key figure in history who had a significant role in shaping our concept of citizenship. Some individuals might include Nellie McClung, John Diefenbaker, and Pierre Trudeau.
Checklist for Writing a Biography
Students should compare their rights as Canadian citizens as outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms with those indicated under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In relation to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, particular attention should be drawn to establishing the significance of:
It will be useful to illustrate how active citizens, such as Terry Fox, Craig and Marc Kielburger, Martin Luther King, and Gandhi, as well as local citizens who have made a positive impact on their communities. Inquiry and analysis in this section will include:
• Make Comparisons — Compare the rights of a Canadian citizen to a person in another country.
• Identify Cause and Consequence — What would Canadian society be like without the Charter of Rights and Freedoms? Which are the two most important responsibilities of Canadian citizenship. Why?
• Determine Significance — Identify a need in your community where you could make a difference by engaging as an active citizen.
Create a “Manifesto of Active Citizenship” similar to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which outlines the characteristics of an active citizen in Canadian society. The presentation copy of this manifesto might include symbols of citizenship and the nation.
Was federalism a good choice of government for Canada? Why or why not? Create a mind map that uses words and pictures to illustrate how the division of powers meets the needs of citizens.
Work in pairs and decide which level of government (municipal, provincial, or federal) would have the power to help you solve each of the following problems or concerns. (Hint: the phone book may help.)
Identify at least one power that you would change from federal to provincial or local control, or vice versa, and explain why.
Use a Venn diagram to compare the concepts of separatism and sovereignty-association.
Write an essay of 250 words expressing why Québec should be identified as a distinct society.
Summarize major developments in the federalist-separatist debate.
Assume one of the following roles and give an oral presentation of how life would change for you if Québec were to separate from Canada. Consider changes in the areas of: communication, healthcare, taxes, economic situation, currency, highways, education and seaways.
Students should consider the historical context of modern day interests of Aboriginal people to assert independence and achieve self-government. In particular it will be important to consider the changes experienced by First Nations and Inuit associated with European migration since the 16th century. The following events / achievements are considered important in developing an understandings of the history of Aboriginal peoples:
Students should be aware that the above processes of negotiation between the various Aboriginal groups and federal and provincial governments was challenging and time-consuming. Many negotiations between these parties are still on-going today. As new agreements are reached it will help to offset past injustices, create new and preferred futures for Aboriginal peoples and exemplify Canada’s core values.
Write a dialectical journal entry in which you discuss the importance of the agreements reached between Aboriginal peoples and government. How has Canada’s identity changed because of the empowerment of First Nations, Métis/Metis, and Inuit?
Write a paragraph to explain your position on the following statement: “The empowerment of Aboriginal peoples will help shape the Canadian identity.”
Organizing Structure for an Inquiry Paragraph