The Real Top Issues Facing Canadians: Human and civil rights

Human and civil rights are basic and a starting point for any society. Government leaders can talk and talk and talk, we all know it's actions that speak louder than words.

Mahatma Ghandi said:

“The best test of a civilised society is the way in which it treats its most vulnerable and weakest members."

I believe you can also tell a lot about the darkness of a government leaders heart and soul by how they ignore and erode the human and civil rights of its’ own citizens and betray the trust and sovereignty of their nation.

Many citizens in Canada are completely ignored by the federal and provincial governments and their most basic human rights to shelter, food, safety and health care are being denied by our governments. I don’t know about you, but I want our Canada to value and take care of everyone, not just the rich, the greedy and the corrupt. We have more than enough to take care of our own and to help our global village as well. It is a matter of conscience, priority, commitment, will and humanity.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states the following:

LIFE, LIBERTY AND SECURITY OF PERSON.
7. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.
TREATMENT OR PUNISHMENT.
12. Everyone has the right not to be subjected to any cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.

EQUALITY BEFORE AND UNDER LAW AND EQUAL PROTECTION AND BENEFIT OF LAW / Affirmative action programs.
15. (1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.

In the past, Canada was seen as a world leader and has signed many United Nations conventions declaring human rights for all citizens. Equity, human rights and dignity for Aboriginal and immigrant children, youth and families, as well as many working class, poor, persons with disabilities, homeless and single parent families are not something we, as Canadians, can count on. We believe that we need a government that will actually take action to improve things, not just talk about things they will do. Or, do yet another research study, or parliamentary dog and pony show, which results in nothing than another report collecting dust.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:
Article 25
Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.

Read Pivot Legal Society’s submission to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights about the conditions of life and human rights of citizens in Vancouver here.

Read more about what Canada can do to improve the lives of Aboriginal citizens from the Institute for Research on Public Policy

Promoting Equity and Dignity for Aboriginal Children in Canada

Read more about the experiences of Immigrant Children and Youth in Canada

Immigrant Youth in Canada: Introduction

The Local Scene:BC & Human Rights

Things have gotten so bad that the BC government has taken away the human and civil rights of homeless citizens to vote in the next provincial election by amending the Election Act of BC. If you don’t have a home, or identification, you can no longer participate in electing the government. In a supposedly democratic nation this is shameful and illegal law makes a mockery of the Rights and Freedoms of the citizens who need them most. This is happening in Canada.

Article 21
1. Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
2. Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
3. The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

Election Bill Pared Back: Bill 42: Oppal retreats halfway on ad ban, leaves ID rules untouched.

ID requirement kept
The other part of the bill that has drawn heavy criticism is the requirement for greater proof from potential voters of their identification and address. The changes are similar to ones made by the federal [Conservative]government last year that are already being challenged in court.

Jim Quail, a lawyer and the executive director of the B.C. Public Interest Advocacy Centre:

"What they don't understand is voting is a right not a privilege in this country," he said. "It's a right not a privilege and the government has no right to interfere with our right to elect, or unelect, them."

Election Amendment Act (2008), aka the BC Liberal’s Gag Law. BC Liberals Suck Monday, July 21, 2008.

ARISTOTLE:

If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost.