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Confederation
Confederation was the union of 3 British colonies. On July 1, 1867, Canada, British Columbia and Nova Scotia joined to form Canada -
Wartime elections Act
This act gave women the right to vote in federal elections. The act was repealed after the war -
Persons Case
In 1929 section 24 of the BNA the word "persons " was used in the description of who could be a senator. 5 women from Alberta went to the Supreme court of Canada to determine if "persons" included women. The Supreme court said no, but the higher British Privy council decided yes. -
Aboriginal voting rights
Aboriginals gained the right to vote without surrendering their indian status. American Aboriginals had this opportunity far earlier -
Bill of Rights
This Bill introduced by John Diefenbaker recognized individuald rights to life, liberty, security, and enjoyment. The bill protects equality and ensures protection of the law. -
official Languages Act
This Act declared both French and English as official languages of Canada, and that all federal institutions serve customers in their choice of English or French. The government introduced an amended Official laanguages act in 1987 to protect minorities. -
multiculturalism policy
Canada was the first country to introduce multiculturalism as a policy. This policy protects Aboriginals, french and english languages, and the rights of all minorities -
Immigration act
This act focused on who should be let into Canada rather than who should be kept out. Rather than discluding catagories of people (like the disabled) specific people who would be a burden on Canada were deinied access -
Citizenship act
This act defines citizen as a canadian citizen and explains what they are entitled to from the law. All citizens can vote when they reach the apprpriate age. -
Charter of rights and freedoms
The main of purpose of the charter is to protect people from the government, and protect minorities from majorities. The charter covers many rights such as equality rights, democratic rights, and more.