Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Essay Example

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms act, an act that has been established profusely to protect those basic rights and freedoms for all Canadians. The Charter is deemed mandatory in safeguarding Canada as a free and democratic country. The authorization of the written grant applies to all Canadian citizens and all governments of Canada, such as the federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal governments. The charter encourages fundamental freedoms and democratic rights. However, Canadians didn’t always have this privilege and because of this, when the charter was established in 1982, it brought long-lasting change, consequences, and significance along with it.  

In 1980, Canada began to campaign towards the signing of the constitution and encompass a Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Shortly after, on April 17, 1982, the charter was signed by Queen Elizabeth II of Canada. Along with the signing of the charter, the charter brought changes to the laws that rather discriminate against people because of personal qualities and preconceptions. This allows Canada to be a free country with equal rights and freedoms amongst all citizens. More specific and positive examples of what changes the charter acknowledged may be, limiting police capabilities, recognition of the LGBT community, and judicial activism to name a few. 

Consequently, Canada and its citizens no longer needed approval from Britain to change its constitution. As a result, Canada has gained complete sovereignty and independence as a country. This allowed citizens of Canada’s – at the time – 10 provinces and 2 territories to unite and nationalize the country. Upon the permit of the charter, Canada’s constitutional monarchy that we still see today was also reinforced – granted the charter, in Section 3 of the written constitution, it states that it guarantees all Canadian citizens the democratic right to vote in general federal and provincial elections. 

With the importance and attention the charter was able to grasp from Canadian citizens, its significance still stands today. The charter ensures that the government, or anyone acting upon its behalf, doesn’t disregard or impede on the rights or freedoms of the accord unreasonably. For instance, in today’s society, if the act of a law or government violates your rights or freedoms, you may request a court order to address and remit this matter. Moreover, the charter has helped Canada grow into being a safe and equitable place to call home – a place where not only what the law or government says matters, but the voices of the citizens are heard too. 

In conclusion, the changes, consequences, and significance of the charter has had a considerable amount of impact on Canada and has helped the country as a whole. All in all, since the signing of the dispensation in 1982, Canada has gained a new constitution, independence, and growth. Furthermore, the charter consists of 34 sections that preserve the fundamental freedoms and democratic rights that all Canadian citizens received, regardless of personal characteristics and prejudices. The charter of rights and freedoms is a symbol of the past, in which, without it, Canada would not be the same.