Human Rights Issues in Canadian Society
Nicholas Oppong
HSB 4U1
13 January 2015 Throughout Canadian history, Canada has developed into a well-respected nation, due to the changing dynamic of its culture, demography and socio-economic values and morals. Human rights within Canada has been recognized, protected and promoted by Government Institutions, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the policy of multiculturalism, provincial statues, the court of law and shared socio-political values and ideals (Miron, 2009). Since 1948, Canada has been a member of the United Nations and has partaken in many international events, convention and treaties created, to promote human rights, equality and dignity (Canada without Poverty, 2013). All these aspects…show more content… Many Aboriginals have been denied their rights through the Canadian legal system. For instance many Aboriginals make human rights claims, but are rarely address by the courts. Due to their human rights being misunderstood in court, and whether these rights are recognizable by Canadian courts and Constitution, limits the function of protected rights among Aboriginals. Beverley McLachlin, former Chief Justice stated “The majority failure to recognize the distinction between rights and contemporary form freeze aboriginal societies in their right to adapt to the society, they live in” (Borrow, 2002, p.64). The treatment and lack of legal rights of Aboriginals, reflects the little opportunity they have to build a protective jurisprudence in Canada (Borrow, 2002). In addition, Aboriginals experience discrimination in regards to obtaining essential resources and as such they continue to live in impoverish conditions on reserves. Many Aboriginals have been displaced by legal institutions public sectors, throughout much of the 20th century in reserve communities throughout the nation. “These relocations constituted discrimination against them by the government of Canada” (Dupius, 2002, p.69). Aboriginals experience, inadequate living conditions and lack…show more content… In addition, many racial minorities overtime have become looked upon as inferior and subordinate because of constant cases of mistreatment and institutionalized racism. For example, African Canadians are discriminated and stereotyped in classrooms by teachers and considered slow learners “not surprisingly, Canadian born blacks, like aboriginal peoples lag far behind euro- Canadians in educational attainment” (Kallen, 2010, p. 121). African Canadians continue to experience discrimination in the educational system and tend to become disadvantaged, and this form of discrimination should be changed (Kallen, 2010). There are some solutions to this issue of discrimination and inequality against racial minorities. First of all, the Federal Government should establish affirmative programs, to eliminate discrimination against people who work hard and possess work-related skills. The federal government should provide funding in more affirmative programs and social programs, which can meet the needs of people in racial communities (Galabuzi, 2012). Clearly, racial discrimination continues to impact many Canadians but can be reduced if resolved by legal institutions, government involvement and education of this