Canadian Charter Preamble

Improved Essays
Show More
The preamble to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom states, “Canada is grounded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God” (Russell 1999). According to Russell (1999), this can also be considered the “God-clause.” The three articles discuss this notion of stating “the supremacy of God” in the preamble of the Canadian Charter. Although the articles have different views about the preamble, I highly agree with Russell’s (1999) article titled, “The Supremacy of God does not belong in the Constitution”. To begin with, Russell’s (1999) overall argument is that ‘God’ should not be mentioned in the preamble of the Canadian Charter. I agree with Russell (1999), as I highly support the idea that there should be a separation between …show more content…
I highly agree with Russell’s (1999) change, since Canada is a multicultural country the Charter should not favor a certain religion or God, but rather, unite the nation with ideas that support Canada’s secular and multicultural society. In addition, the definition of God may vary between individuals and shift as society changes, even Christians themselves do not agree about “how God commands us to live” (Russell 1999). Therefore, it is problematic to refer to such a complex term in a political document that is a supposed to outline individual’s rights and freedom, as ‘God’ can mean different things to different …show more content…
I disagree with the content of this article, as it fails to define ‘God’; what/who is God? Dueck (2012) illustrates that “the succinct preamble…reminds Canadians that God is the foundation of our laws,” but, Dueck fails to acknowledge the fact that not everyone believes in the same (or any) ‘God’, nor does every Canadian have the same religious background. In addition, I do not believe that ‘God’ needs to be mentioned in the Charter’s preamble nor does Canada have to be in a “covenant with God” in order to secure our rights to freedom of religion and expression of it (Dueck 2012). Although I support the fundamental ideas of ‘freedom of religion’, it seems as though Dueck’s (2012) argument gives voice to the Christian God and places Christianity as the superior religion.

Related Documents

  • Superior Essays

    Essay On Constitutional Amendment
    • 1267 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Essay On Constitutional Amendment

    The Constitution Act of 1982 transferred the authority to amend the Constitution from Great Britain to Canada. To date, Quebec’s constitutional concerns have not been addressed to a great enough extent, according to the government or the residence, to formally pass consent on the 1982 Constitution. This is largely due to the distinctiveness of the society of Quebec originating from the largely French speaking population, the resilient cultural identity, as well as history, political, and social traditions, that are more or less not shared with the rest of Canada The question in concern is whether or not Canada’s Constitution should recognize the francophone population in Quebec as a ‘nation’ with characteristics and needs palpably different from those of other provinces in the Canadian federation. The problem has been tackled on a number of occasions but has yet to be resolved.…

    • 1267 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Superior Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    How Did Multiculturalism Affect Canada
    • 903 Words
    • 4 Pages

    How Did Multiculturalism Affect Canada

    The Impact of The Multiculturalism Act on Canada Canada is a well-developed country and if it was not for the certain rules or laws, it would not be the successful nation is it today. The Multiculturalism Act is the most significant development in Canada’s history towards creating a unified nation, where all are equal. Canada has gained victory in its evolution as a country because men and women are provided with equal rights and share the same freedoms, cultural heritages are celebrated, and two official languages are used to help the citizens of the country. The Multiculturalism Act has contributed to the success of Canada and the way Canada is portrayed as a well-developed nation. The Multiculturalism…

    • 903 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Denominational Rights In Canada
    • 1001 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Denominational Rights In Canada

    Denominational rights have been and is a major issue facing Canadians. In Ontario, there have been struggles about accepting denominational rights. During the 2007 provincial election, Ontarians were faced with the question of denomination rights within education. John Tory, the leader of the Conservative party introduced an election platform which advocated for the extension of the public funding of all faith-based schools and this has caused a major debate within the province. Canada is a diverse country with such rights and freedoms like religion, it is only fair that educational funding should not be beneficial to Catholic schools alone, but extended to other religions, supporting the notion of equality rights, religious freedoms and freedom…

    • 1001 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Superior Essays

    Frank Vs Canada Case Analysis
    • 1724 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Frank Vs Canada Case Analysis

    One of the hallmarks of Stephen Harper’s tenure as Prime Minister was the adversarial relationship between Parliament and the courts. His government was “openly hostile towards the judicial branch” and often failed to take its Charter duties seriously. Harper’s lack of deference for the right and freedoms entrenched in the Charter led to several of his government’s laws being struck down by the Supreme Court of Canada. Conversely, the appeal of Frank v. Canada was a victory for the Conservative government – although the impugned legislation had been enacted over a decade before Harper became Prime Minister. It is still possible for the challenged sections of the Canada Elections Act to be declared unconstitutional, however, as the case is being appealed in the SCC.…

    • 1724 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Superior Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    John Diefenbaker Canadian Bill Of Rights
    • 1173 Words
    • 5 Pages

    John Diefenbaker Canadian Bill Of Rights

    John Diefenbaker and the Canadian Bill of Rights John Diefenbaker was the thirteenth Prime minister of Canada. He was elected in 1957, forming the Progressive Conservative Government, and from the beginning of his campaign, he made it a promise that he would create a Bill of Rights for Canada. He was a very progressive Prime Minister who believed in equality and fairness, “Diefenbaker brought diversity into government- he appointed the first woman to a cabinet post and the first Aboriginal person to the Senate.” (Canadian Decades 1960, p. 20) Citizens of Canada appreciated his dedication, and his commitment both to the Bill of Rights and to Canada deserves recognition. There was reasons that Canada needed a Bill of Rights.…

    • 1173 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    The Pros And Cons Of The Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms
    • 830 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The Pros And Cons Of The Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms

    I. INTRODUCTION Freedom of expression is one of Canada’s fundamental freedoms, as laid out by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This freedom is highly valued in most democratic countries and as such is very highly protected. The Ontario Human Right Code grants everyone freedom from discrimination on multiple different grounds. Recently, conflicts have occurred between these two rights when the freedom of expression is used to discriminate against a person or group of persons. Often, these groups are discriminated against very harshly.…

    • 830 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Multiculturalism Analysis
    • 819 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Multiculturalism Analysis

    The source is written by many different authors and it is mainly edited by the 4 authors mentioned above. These authors are one of the best scholars that tackle the controversial ideas of diversity, and Canadian policies. It respectfully challenges the saint idea that multiculturalism is great for Canada, however it does not claim Multiculturalism is actually bad. It continually demonstrates the underlying capability, the conventional restraints and the miniscule disorders of the policies and blinding discourse of multiculturalism.…

    • 819 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Battle Of Vimy Ridge Analysis
    • 1012 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Battle Of Vimy Ridge Analysis

    War. Battles are not always fought with guns and blood, it can be a fight for different ideas, necessity and equality, which can be seen through Canada’s history. Canada has continues to positively impact issues concerning human rights and equality on an international scale from the early 1900s to the present day by setting a good example for other countries to follow. Some significant events such as the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Person’s Case and bringing home the constitution and the charter of rights prove this to be true. There are many battles that could demonstrate Canada fighting for human rights, but the Battle of Vimy Ridge explicitly portrays how important it is.…

    • 1012 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    The Pros And Cons Of The Establishment Clause
    • 1504 Words
    • 7 Pages

    The Pros And Cons Of The Establishment Clause

    A part of the First Amendment of the constitution states “[c]ongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” The Establishment Clause intends to prevent any government endorsement or support of religion (Freedom of Religion and the Establishment Clause). Throughout history and different time periods, many contrasting interpretations of this clause have formed. Many court cases have helped develop the meaning the this Clause. The Establishment Clause’s interpretation remains controversial, although numerous tests have helped the Clause itself.…

    • 1504 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms
    • 205 Words
    • 1 Pages

    Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms

    The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms forms the first part of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Charter guarantees civil rights to everyone in Canada and was designed to unify Canadians. The Charter was signed into law by Queen Elizabeth II of Canada on April 17, 1982 along with the rest of the Act. “However, the Bill of Rights is only a federal statute, rather than a constitutional document.” (Wikipedia 04/06/15)…

    • 205 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More
  • Superior Essays

    Case Study: The Meech Lake Accord
    • 2008 Words
    • 9 Pages

    Case Study: The Meech Lake Accord

    Introduction The Canadian Constitution, also known as the supreme law, describe Canada’s process of both codified and uncodified traditions as well as convention. It allows for the division of powers between federal and provincial powers and encompasses the rights and freedoms of all Canadians. The Meech Lake Accord was the first attempt to amend the newly patriated Constitution in order to facilitate changes depicted by the Constitution Act, 1982. The Meech Lake Accord was a set of constitutional amendments designed to persuade Quebec to accept the Canada Act. The accord was proposed by both Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and premier of Quebec, Robert Bourassa.…

    • 2008 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Superior Essays
    Read More
  • Great Essays

    John Stuart Mill's Model Of Speech Analysis
    • 2080 Words
    • 9 Pages

    John Stuart Mill's Model Of Speech Analysis

    This paper will endeavor to apply John Stuart Mill’s model of free speech to a situation brought to the forefront in an episode of TVO’s The Agenda, titled What is Wrong with Mark Steyn? The episode explores the issue of Maclean’s magazine refusing to publish a response to a series of articles by Steyn that were being viewed as hateful, as well as potentially harmful, to Muslim people in Canada. It will be argued that Mill would advocate for Maclean’s to publish a response to Steyn’s hateful speech because, if not challenged and clarified by opposing opinion, such speech could lead to direct harm of Canada’s Muslim population. However, while this paper will generally agree with Mill’s likely position in regards to the free speech issues raised…

    • 2080 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Great Essays
    Read More
  • Decent Essays

    Canada's Constitution Changes
    • 172 Words
    • 1 Pages

    Canada's Constitution Changes

    The form and content of the Constitution Act (1982) and the current status of individual and collective rights in Canada today is a third important aspect of the “rights” here in Canada. Without the Constitution Act (1982) and the current status of individual and collective rights in Canada, Canada’s society would have stayed the same regarding the “rights” of the citizens. As years go by, society changes and that means that the “rights” have to change as well in order to keep up with Canada’s changing society. As the Constitution Act changed throughout the years it improved Canada’s living environment by creating the “rights” that were needed amongst the citizens of Canada at that current time. Without the Constitution Act (1982) and the current…

    • 172 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent Essays
    Read More
  • Great Essays

    In God We Trust: Freedom Religion In Public Schools
    • 1252 Words
    • 6 Pages

    In God We Trust: Freedom Religion In Public Schools

    Provisional Title “In God We Trust: Freedom Religion in Public Schools” This title was chosen to examine and understand the extent in which teachers and students can express their beliefs, and the extent to which schools allow religion to be tolerated. I chose the title “In God We Trust” because it is the official motto of the United States, yet it directly correlate’s with the controversy of separation of church and state. As an American citizen we have the right to freedom of religion, but the constitution is vague in what extent freedom of religion is acceptable.…

    • 1252 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Great Essays
    Read More
  • Improved Essays

    Multiculturalism And Racism
    • 381 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Multiculturalism And Racism

    In the article “Why Multiculturalism Can’t End Racism” (Word and World, pp.112-116) Marlene Nourbese Philip discusses multiculturalism in Canada and how in her opinion multicultural policies in Canada may promote discrimination rather than end it. Philip discusses the inequality with-in Canada between different cultures and races; one of the main points being that the Canadian government only recognizes English and French in the constitution while omitting Native culture. Philips believes that the Canadian ideology puts importance of white European cultures and values over any other race including but not limited to: Native and African. Examples used to disclose the inequality amongst cultures and preference toward white supremacy are Canada’s…

    • 381 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
    Read More

Related Topics

Ready To Get Started?
Discover
Company
Follow
©2023 Cram.com
Privacy Policy |  About Ads |  Site Map |  Advertise  | 
  • Cookie Settings