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Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Democracy for the People and for Each Person

by Joseph W. Jacob B.A., M.P.A.

52 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #06-2912; ISBN 1-4251-1153-x; US$10.69, C$10.69, EUR7.30, £5.52

This book defines and explains all the important elements within the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and how they can be beneficial to each person in Canada.

About the Book

Canada currently has the fairest and most comprehensive charter of rights and freedoms in the world. It is the most important set of laws in Canada, as it overrides all other Canadian laws, including all municipal and provincial statutes. And, the charter was intentionally designed to be difficult to change. With this charter, truthful, proven and demonstrable harm just occur before punishment may be legally imposed (demonstrable justification). This is similar to the charter's guaranteed right of liberty (doing non-harmful actions). A law that has the potential of convicting a person who has not really done anything wrong offends the principles of fundamental justice; and such a law violates a person's right to liberty, under section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Each person is the proper guardian of their own health, whether bodily, or mental and spiritual. The right most valued by civilized man is the right to be let alone. Specific charter rights also apply to arrest, detention, and bail requirements.

The charter encourages everyone to be treated with respect and dignity. when everyone treats everyone else with respect, politeness, and dignity, society tends to be a safer and more joyful place to be. Another charter stipulation is that each person is equal before and under the law and has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law, without discrimination. Also, to respect non-harmful citizens, people in Canada are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty (not the other way around). Guaranteed rights also apply to mobility, allowing citizens to move and take up work in any Canadian province or territory.

English and French are the only official languages in Canada. English is encouraged in predominantly English areas; and French and English in areas of French and English background (Quebec and New Brunswick). Guaranteed charter rights and freedoms also apply to all aboriginal people in Canada, in addition to all their previous legally recognized rights and freedoms, including those in treaties and proclamations. This book also has a Glossary of Terms, and an index.

In essence, Canadians should continuously try to have pleasant things to look forward to, not involving harm to others or their property. Constantly adding value tends to improve life, security, happiness and joy.

About the Author

During 1947, the author was born in southern alberta. Soon thereafter, his family moved to Prince George, British Columbia, where elementary and high school were completed. Then, it was off to Simon Fraser University for a bachelor's degree, and the University of Victoria for a master's degree in public administration. The author has travelled internationally, and writes accounts based on truths and substantiations. He also enjoys participating in construction and restoration projects.

Excerpts