Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The United Nations outline of the rights to which all human beings are entitled

Cultural Exceptionalism

The belief that human vaules vary by culture and that human rights should be interpreted according to ethnic, cultural, or religious traditions.

Rule of Law

The principle that laws apply to all members of society equally; no one is above the law

Canadian Bill of Rights

A bill passed in 1960 that outlined human rights for Canadians

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The bill identifying himan rights that are guarenteed to everyone in Canada; enacted in 1982 and embedded in the Constitution of Canada

Notwhistanding Clause

A clause in the Canadian Constitution that enables Parliament or the legislature of a province to allow and Act to stand even though it contravenes the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Democratic Rights

Charter rights to participate in a democratic society, including voting in elections, guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Language Rights

Charter rights to recieve government services in English or French and to be educated in either English or French

Fundamental Freedoms

Freedoms in the Charter that guarantee citiziens are free to worship and believe what they wish, to express their opinions freely, to associate with whomever they wish, and to gather together peacefully with others

Mobility Rights

Charter rights that guarantee people the ability to move aroun or in and out of the country

Equality Rights

Charter rights that guarantee people will not be discriminated against based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability

Affirmitive Action

Programs that are designed to help disadvantaged individuals or groups to achieve equity

Minority Rights

Legal rights to ensure that specific groups which are vulneranle or disadvantaged are protected and able to achieve equality

Legal Rights

Charter rights that guarantee people will be treated fairly by the legal system, including knowing why they were arrested, having access to a layer, and getting a fair and speedy trial

Amending Formula

A rule established in 1982 that states Canada's Constitution cannot be changed unless at least seven Canadian provinces, representing at least 50% of the population of Canada, approve

Employment Equality

Policies that ensure certain groups are given and advantage by employers, in particular women, people with disabilities, Aboriginal peoples, and visible minorities