Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Supreme Court of Canada: Role, History, and Operation

Feature by and Jay Makarenko || Jul 16, 2008

The modern Supreme Court of Canada plays a pivotal role in Canadian politics. As the highest court in the country, the decisions of the Supreme Court touch on a wide range of issues: criminal law, civil law, federalism, and individual rights and freedoms. Read More »

The Indian Act: Historical Overview

Feature by Jay Makarenko || Jun 2, 2008

The Indian Act is federal legislation that provides the basic legal status and entitlements of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. The Act deals with such things as the legal definition of who may claim Indian status in Canada, the rights and duties which accompany that status, the structure of Canada’s reserve system and the nature of Aboriginal self-government. Read More »

Official Bilingualism in Canada: History and Debates

Feature by Jay Makarenko || Jul 1, 2007

Language politics and the issue of official bilingualism have been a factor in Canadian politics since before Confederation. They have impacted not only the operation of federal institutions, but also the cultural and linguistic makeup of Canadian society. This article provides a historical and public policy overview of official bilingualism in Canada. Read More »