Social Studies 1211

Individual Rights and the Common Good

Outcome 14

Everyone has a responsibility to recognize, respect and defend other people’s rights. If their rights are taken away, that means yours can be too.

The common good is considered to be positive for all or most members of society.

When government is working for the common good, it means they are trying to create laws and policies that are beneficial to the community as a whole.

HOW DO INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS RELATE TO THE COMMON GOOD?

In Canada we have a taxation system that makes those that have more, pay more. We ask Canadians that are wealthier to give up a greater percentage of their income to pay for programs and services like health care, which benefits everyone, including those that are poor and underprivileged.

Q1. Why is standing up for the rights of just one person in everyone’s best interest?

Q2. How does protecting individual rights help to ensure stability in our communities?

The Common Good is Not Fair All The Time…

As Canadians we often make sacrifices for the common good. But there can be disagreement about how we should balance individual rights and the common good. What do you think?

The Common Good and Individual Sacrifice

According to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, all of our rights have some limits. For example, our rights may be limited if they negatively affect the rights of others or the general well-being of Canadians.

HOW TO BALANCE INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND THE COMMON GOOD

It can be difficult to balance the rights of groups or individuals. The Supreme Court has made it clear that there is no hierarchy of rights. For example, we cannot say free speech is always more important that freedom of conscience.

Are some rights more important than others?

Citizens decide…

The rights that Canadians enjoy reflect how the majority of Canadians think we should treat each other and live together.

Citizens can influence what legal rights we have by:

• Electing politicians who reflect their beliefs and values.

• Speaking out, protesting, or taking action when they see injustice – forcing politicians to respond to their concerns.

• Initiating legal action and challenges through the courts.

WHO DECIDES HOW RIGHTS ARE BALANCED?

Politicians decide…

The elected representatives (like MPs), pass the laws that define what legal rights Canadians enjoy. Because they are elected, politicians need to reflect the beliefs of not only the parties they represent but also the citizens that elected them. The politicians make laws on Canadian citizens behalf.

Judges decide…

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms is used by judges to protect those whose rights have been denied. Judges and the legal system are important players in deciding how to balance rights and the common good. Judges in Canada are appointed, not elected, so they can make decisions to protect the legal rights of a single person, regardless of how powerful the opponent might be.

WHO DECIDES HOW RIGHTS ARE BALANCED?

WHO STANDS UP FOR RIGHTS?

Human rights are monitored by the United Nations, as well as by non-governmental organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Legal rights are defined and protected through laws and the legal system.

HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO RIGHTS ABUSE?

You can hold yourself and others to account by…

HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO RIGHTS ABUSE?

You can hold foreign governments to account by…

You can hold Canadian governments to account by…