Introduction
WHAT KIND OF GOVERNMENT WILL THE NEW COUNTRY, CANADA HAVE?
Within a country's political system there are various orders of government. In Canada, different governments - local, provincial and national - are each responsible for the issues under their jurisdiction. This division of powers makes ours a federal system of government
Quebec Conference, 1867:
John A. McDonald leads debate on how the colonies( soon to be provinces) and the federal government( Canada) will divide and share responsibilities.
The BNA ( British North American Act) or Consitution Act of 1867:
Offically divdided the powers between the different levels of government.
***Your task is to uncover how this document continues to shape the lives of Canadians!
Task
Peter Mansbridge has invited you to be a part of his media panel titled " How does the Constituion Act( or BNA act) of 1867 effect 21st C Canadians?". It is your job to explain to Peter, and CBC viewers, how the decisions made in 1867 impact life in Canada today.
Each group is responsible for reporting on one current issue in the media.
Process
GROUP 1:
Your story: The Northern Gateway Pipeline:
For those in the oil business, the markets of Asia are an attractive final destination for Alberta's black crude. But the journey from Fort McMurray, Alberta to China involves building a pipeline hundreds of kilometers long through some of the most untouched land in Canada. Some of the land the pipeline would cross is unique wilderness that has been called " paradise" by the national geographic.
Your questions:
- Summarize, or briefly explain, the issue: What is it? Who wants to build the pipeline? Who is against the pipeline? Who is being left out of the conversation?
- What is the federal responsibility? ( what role does it play in the oil/ natural resource business?)
- What is the provincial responsibility? ( what role does it play in the oil/natural resource business?)
- How do you think this issue will affect you?
- How will this issue affect all Canadians?
Directions:
1. Visit the following website: http://www.torontosun.com/2013/12/19/federal-panel-approves-northern-gateway-pipeline and read the article
2. Visit: http://www.vancouverobserver.com/environment/protesting-proposed-enbrid…. Watch the video and read the article
3. Feel free to do additional research if needed( that's what good journalists do)
GROUP 2:
Your story: Ontario calorie count
Your questions:
- Summarize, or briefly explain, the story: What is happening? Who is involved?
- What level of government is responsible for health care? Do you think the federal government should be able to make decisions that could improve public health?
- How will this decision affect you?
- How will this decision affect all Canadians?
DIRECTIONS:
1. Visit the website below. Watch the video and read the article.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/ontario-law-to-force-calorie-count-on-fast-food-menus-1.2549382
2. Visit the website below. Read the article.
http://www.torontosun.com/2014/02/24/grits-introduce-menu-calorie-count-legislation
GROUP 3:
Your story: Canadian Firearms Registry
The long-gun registry of Canada was a list of firearms (guns) in Canada. The list was made to help police keep track of weapons. In 2011, a federal bill changed the Criminal Code and eliminated the long-gun registry. The gun records were ordered to be destroyed.
Your questions:
- Summarize, or briefly explain, the situation: who wanted to eliminate the registry? who is upset about its elimination? what is happening now?
-What level of government is responsible for establishing criminal law? ( i.e making murder, smuggling, and theft illegal)?
- How will this issue affect you?
- How will this issue affect all Canadians?
DIRECTIONS:
1. Go to the website below and read the article
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/11/21/supreme-court-agrees-to-hear-appea…
2. Go to the website below and watch the video
http://www.torontosun.com/videos/1238510366001#1617991662001
GROUP 4:
Your story: Quebec Separation
Sovereignty means freedom. Many people in Quebec want the province to leave Canada and become a free country of its own.
*** referendum on independence= province(Quebec)-wide vote on freedom from Canada***
Your questions:
- Summarize, or briefly explain, the issue: What is happening in Quebec? Who is the premier? Why is that important? How does the federal government feel about Quebec separation?
- Did the Constitution Act of 1867 give provinces the power to leave Canada?
- How will this issue affect you?
- How will this issue affect all Canadians?
Directions:
1. Visit the following website and watch the video: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/TV+Shows/The+National/Politics/ID/2439896…
2. Visit the following website and watch the video on the left called " Quebec heading to the poles" 2:04
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-votes-2014/quebec-electio…
3. Feel free to do additional research if needed( that's what good journalists do)
Conclusion
If you finish early please visit the website below and play this game on the different levels of government:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/about/parliament/senatoreugeneforsey/touchpoints/…