Quiz on Constitution - Canadian History - 2024-2025 Flashcards
(18 cards)
Patriate
To take control of a document from a former colonial government
Distinct society
A phrase that refers to the recognition of the unique nature of Quebec within Canada; it often has the sense that Quebec should have special powers and privileges to protect its language and culture.
Notwithstanding clause
A clause in the Canadian Constitution (Section 33[1]) that enables Parliament or the legislature of a province to allow an Act to stand even though it contravenes the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The premiers agreed to accept the Charter if an escape clause were added.
Canada Act
An Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed in 1982 at the request of the Canadian government to patriate Canada’s constitution.
Bloc Quebecois
A federal party dedicated to Quebec separation from Canada.
Formed in 1990 I think!
Meech Lake Accord
A package of constitutional amendments that would define Quebec as a distinct society with Canada.
1987.
Charlottetown Accord
The Charlottetown Accord of 1992 was a failed attempt by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and all 10 provincial premiers to amend the Canadian Constitution.
The Charlottetown Accord attempted to resolve long-standing disputes around the division of powers between federal and provincial jurisdiction.
It answered Québec’s conces in ways similar to the Meech Lake Accord, but it also advocated the principle of Aboriginal self government.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
A document–made in 1982–that protects the rights and freedoms of individuals and groups in Canada. It is ONE part of the Canadian Constitution.
Clarity Act (Bill C-20)
Legislation passed by the Chretien government requiring separatist referendums to pass with a “clear majority” rather than 50 percent plus 1 before Quebec could negotiate separation.
Passed in the year 2000.
Significance of the Meech Lake Accord
- Aboriginal peoples pointed out that they, too, had a distinct society that needed to be recognized.
- Other Canadians argued they hadn’t been given enough say on the issue.
Significance of the Charlottetown Accord
It answered Québec’s conces in ways similar to the Meech Lake Accord, but it also advocated the principle of Aboriginal self government.
In response to pressure from the Wester provinces, the Senate would become an elected body with equal representation from all parts of the country.
Charter of Rights and Freedoms Significance
- Gives people basic rights and freedoms
- Many provinces saw the Charter as taking away power from them, and transferring it to the courts.
- In Québec, Lévesque feared that the Charter could be used to override his language laws or any other legislation that might be passed to protect Québec’s distinct society.
Sovereignty-association meaning
Consequential criteria:
- Profundity
- Quantity
- Durability
- Fits Narrative
- Revealing
- Unity/Division
What did Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau hope for when he patriated Canada’s constitution
He hoped that a “made in Canada” constitution would make Quebec feel more comfortable about their position.
When and significance of the 2 main referendums we talked about in class:
- ## 1980 (Rene Levesque called for a referendum on sovereignty-association, he wanted Quebec to become plitically independent, BUT MAINTAIN CLOSE ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION WITH CANADA)
What is the “Kitchen Accord”?
A series of meetings failed to resolve the concerns that divided the provinces and the federal government. In a final attempt to reach an agree-ment, the prime minister and the premiers met in Ottawa on November 4,
1981. Over late-night meetings in the kitchen of the National Conference Centre, federal Justice Minister Jean Chrétien and the justice ministers from Saskatchewan and Ontario hammered out what came to be called the
“Kitchen Accord.” The provincial premiers were awakened in their rooms at the Château Laurier Hotel and asked to approve the deal.
– from textbook!
What did Conservative Prime Minister Brian Mulroney do different than Trudeau?
- He forged closer connections with the United States.
