The Charter of Rights and Freedoms in Canada

3 credits · Undergraduate

This course examines the development of Canada's Constitutional Charter of Rights and Freedoms and how its entrenchment and invocation have changed the political opportunity structure in Canada. The Charter has been controversial since it was first proposed and debated and continues to be a source of controversy. At the same time, the Charter has become increasingly significant in the way social movements organize, frame, and pursue their claims for social change. This course considers the politics of Indigenous rights, group rights and social movements under the Charter. Students also explore how the Charter of Rights and Freedoms has changed democracy in Canada and whether this change has been for the better. Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours or permission of the instructor