Assignment Code: MPSE-009/ASST/TMA/2022-23

Course Code: MPSE-009

Assignment Name: Canada: Politics and Society

Year: 2022-2023

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

SECTION –I

1. Explain nature and feature of gender movement in Canada.

Ans) In the past, the progressive French society that had been constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries—as well as the special position that women had held within it—had been endangered by the British Conquest of Canada. The "protestant-Victorian' concept that a woman's proper place was in the home and enforced limits and limitations on women's life were brought with the British sellers. A rule that prohibited women from holding elective office in both upper and lower Canada was also passed in 1849. Women gradually lost all of their freedom. According to the conditions of the confederation, women were expected to remain "real women" by remaining only inside the confines of the home and engaging in traditionally feminine activities like childrearing and housework. The only "real women's" occupations available to those who worked outside the home were teaching, nursing, and domestic work.

Women in Canada started speaking up for their rights in the last quarter of the 20th century. Three significant turning points occurred during the first phase of the women's movement in Canada: industrialization, World War I, and World War II. Missionary societies founded Canada's first independent female association. The first female missionary organisation was established in Nova Scotia in 1870 by the Baptist Women, who were motivated by Hannah Morris. The Women's Foreign Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, the Women's Baptists Missionary Union, and other organisations did not have explicitly feminist goals, but they allowed women the ability to become self-assured and act independently of men. They contributed their own money. which were under the sole supervision of women.

In the 1870s and 1880s, women were inspired to create secular organisations by the success of the female missionary societies. In St. John's, the first YMCA branch in Canada was established in 1870. The Girls' Friendly Society was founded in 1882, and the Dominion Order of the King's Daughter, which was inspired by America, was established in 1886. The Women's Christian Temperance Union , founded in Ontario in 1874, was the biggest and maybe most significant organisation for women. These organisations ran adult education classes for women, recreation centres, girls' clubs, creches for infants of working moms, etc. in addition to safeguarding and assisting young immigrant girls. They did not support any radical reforms to the social or economic system.

National level associations began to emerge as communication links expanded. In the early stages of the movement, Canadian women's organisations focused on issues like male intemperance, the sale of alcohol, prostitution, and gambling before moving on to subjects like education and suffrage. Canada had significant reforms between 1870 and 1920. Through her organisation, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, Letitia Youmans helped establish the "prohibition of booze" movement. Emuly Stowe, who was denied admittance to the medical programme, turned activist and promoted women's access to the programme and to the medical field through her organisation, the Dominion Women's Enfranchisement Association.

Between 1870 and 1920, a significant number of legislation protecting women were enacted. Women were granted the freedom to own property and manage their own finances by the Ontario Statute in 1872. The Married Women's Property Act of 1884, which prohibited husbands from selling property without the wife's approval, the Federal Divorce Law of 1925, which allowed women to divorce on the same grounds as men, the Ontario statute of 1892, which allowed women to study and practise law, the Factory Acts for improving working conditions for women, and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council's 1929 declaration that women were legally "persons," were some of the successors of the act.

2. Assess the policy of multiculturalism in Canada.

Ans) The Canadian federal government first adopted the multiculturalism policy in 1971. As stated in the original declaration, the goal of the programme was to increase Canadian society's integration by giving the country's many ethnic minority groups a feeling of identity. Its primary goal was to give ethnic minority groups public acknowledgement of their identities through identity incorporation. With the mainstream accepting their ethnic diversity as a part of the Canadian identity, the policy allowed them an opportunity to strengthen their identity within a Canadian framework. On October 8, 1971, the Prime Minister of Canada stated in the Canadian Parliament that "a policy of multiculturalism inside a bilingual framework commends itself to the government as the most suited means of ensuring the cultural freedom of Canadians." A policy like that ought to aid in eradicating prejudice and cultural resentment. If national unity is to have any meaning in a profoundly personal sense, it must be based on confidence in one's own unique identity. From this respect for others' identities might arise, as well as a readiness to exchange ideas, attitudes, and presumptions.

Multiculturalism is a term used to describe a political framework that supports and legitimises a number of government activities aimed at managing ethno-racial diversity. The cultural diversity strategy during the Second World War encouraged citizenship that was first connected to patriotism and thereafter to naturalisation. Midway through the 1950s, policy began to shift its emphasis to promoting the preservation of ethnic identities and communities as well as favourable integrative relationships between ethnic groups. Despite the rhetoric supporting integration, assimilation was prioritised over ethnic variety in actuality. Aiming to ensure that "all individuals have equal opportunities to participate regardless of race or ethnic origin," "individuals and communities are assisted in the elimination of any barrier to their equitable participation in society," and "institutions in Canada be both respectful of and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character," multiculturalism's mission changed in the 1970s.

With the passage of the Canadian Citizenship Act in 1947 and the Canadian Bill of Rights in 1960, the framework for diversity in Canada has evolved. the passing of the Official Languages Act in 1969 and the Multicultural Policy's passage in 1971. The next phase occurred when the Canadian government established the Canadian Human Rights Commission in 1978. The majority of provinces previously had organisations like this to handle complaints of discrimination in the workplace and to support anti-discrimination training initiatives, but the new commission bridged several gaps in federal jurisdiction. A further development was the incorporation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms into the Constitution Act in 1982, which offered protection from discrimination by the federal and provincial governments through the equality rights provision. Visible minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and Aboriginal people were listed as groups that could profit from affirmative action programmes with regard to hiring in the public sector by the Employment Equity Act of 1986.

The Act required "reasonable accommodation" efforts and equal representation of minorities in hiring, but it did not impose any hiring requirements for minorities. In order to implement the Act, it relied on private firms' voluntarily participating. Additionally, a handful of provinces introduced their own equity legislation. While individuals who were left out protested about reverse discrimination, some ethnic leaders criticised the Act for not having clear objectives and deadlines. Last but not least, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, 1988 strengthened the legal foundation for multiculturalism by codifying existing policies and practises and providing more thorough policy pronouncements. In 1991, the government established a new Department of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.

3. What are the powers and function of the Canadian Prime minister?

Ans) With the exception of "subjects allocated exclusively to the legislatures of the provinces," the national Parliament has the authority to "create legislation for the peace, order, and good governance of Canada". The powers of the provinces in the Canadian federation have been listed in the Constitution, and what is left is granted to the national Parliament. The provincial legislatures have authority over natural resources, prisons, charitable institutions, hospitals, municipal institutions, licences for provincial and municipal revenue purposes, local works and undertakings, incorporation of provincial companies, solemnization of marriage, property and civil rights in the provinces, establishment of courts and the administration of justice, fines and penalties for breaking the law. A provincial legislature cannot usurp the authority of the Parliament of Canada; instead, they are restricted to the powers expressly granted to them by the written constitution.

The Constitution did, however, grant the national parliament specific exclusive powers, including control over taxation, both direct and indirect, regulation of trade and commerce, 'the public debt and property,' post offices, the census, and statistics, in addition to the general authority to pass laws for the "peace, order, and good government of Canada". In addition to giving the Parliament sole authority over unemployment insurance, the 1940 amendment included a special section authorising the establishment of courts "for the better administration of Canadian law." As a result, the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada might be established by the Parliament.

The national parliament also has the authority to amend the Constitution with regard to the executive branch of government of Canada, the Senate, and the House of Commons, with the exception of amendments pertaining to the Queen, the Governor General, or any Senate or Supreme Court of Canada provisions that have been established by amending formulas. The administration of a federal act may be delegated to the provincial agencies, and the administration of a provincial act may be delegated by a provincial legislature to a federal agency, even though the Parliament cannot transfer any of its powers to a provincial legislature or a provincial legislature any of its powers to the Parliament. This "administrative delegation" is a crucial component of the Canadian constitution's adaptability.

If there is a conflict between the powers of the national parliament and the provinces over immigration, pensions for the elderly, disabled, and survivors, or agriculture, the national parliament's authority will take precedence. According to the Constitution Act of 1867, the National Parliament is in charge of everything that isn't specifically listed as falling under the purview of the province legislatures. A very broad range of industries, including banking, broadcasting, air navigation, atomic energy, shipping, inter-provincial and international railroads, telephone, telegraph, and pipeline companies, as well as works declared by Parliament for the general advantage of Canada or of two or more provinces, have been covered by the courts' interpretation of provincial powers, particularly the "property and civil rights." By giving grants to the provinces, the national parliament has similarly constructed a nationwide system of hospital insurance and medical treatment.

In addition to passing laws, the Parliament also fulfils a variety of essential duties for political democracy, including vetting government performance, representing constituencies, debating issues, and legitimising the political system.  There are many possibilities to look into, question, and criticise the government while the parliament is in session. The Speech from the Throne debate, the presentation of a new budget, the opposition day, where the opposition parties choose the topic of discussion, and daily question periods are a few examples. Legislative oversight of government performance and action is also possible through committee hearings and specialised parliamentary task teams.

SECTION-II

Write a short note on each part of the question in about 250 words.

4. a) Role of NGOs in social movements in Canada

Ans) The non-governmental and community-based organisations in Canada are frequently consulted by the Canadian government. These organisations are crucial in educating the public and representing a variety of viewpoints on topics related to sustainable development. All of these significant organisations and governments work to address particular sustainable development priorities while pursuing consensus-based methods to problem solutions. For instance, Communities and the provincial and federal governments work together in the Action Plans for the Great Lakes, Fraser River, St. Lawrence River, and Atlantic Canada to address issues like environmental preservation and conservation. Regional environmental councils exist in Quebec and serve to connect various NGOs. An additional illustration is the 1994 Whitehorse Mining Initiative Leadership Council Accord, which was the outcome of discussions between governments, Aboriginal people, business, labour, and environmental NGOs.

Many NGOs are attempting to raise public awareness and safeguard the environment. Green Peace is mobilising a sizable portion of the populace to demand that polluters in both the public and private sectors start moving away from fossil fuels as a source of energy. In order to organise, inform, and mobilise the public, run effective media events, carry out wildlife research programmes, and ensure adequate forest management planning, Earth Roots has employed its grass roots knowledge. Each year, it gives thousands of Canadians the power to promote improved environmental protection. Earth Save Canada, Environmental Deface Canada, Festive Earth Society, Green Peace Canada, Go for Green, and Sierra Club - Canada are some additional significant environmental NGOs. Almost 2,000 environmental NGOs across Canada are part of the Canadian Environmental Network. Its objective is to facilitate communication between the groups and the government while also coordinating the activities of the NGO networks across Canada.

b) Canadian policy towards Aboriginal self –government

Ans) The Canadian Constitution identifies and upholds the rights and treaties of Canada's indigenous peoples. But it wasn't implemented until the 1980s.

Constitution Act of 1982

The Indian movement in Canada specifically made advantage of the global network of indigenous peoples to put more pressure on their own government. The political developments in Canada were the ones that set the example for the others starting in the 1970s. To advance their cause globally, delegations were sent to continental Europe and Great Britain. Being a signatory to the majority of international treaties, it was expected that Canada would be required to defend the rights of its own citizens. Canada even expressed its support for the creation of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in 1982 and asserted that Aboriginal and Treaty rights had been given constitutional protection by the 1982 Constitution Act and would soon be able to be upheld.

Treaty Rights: The Constitution Act of 1982's Section 35 strengthened the legal protections for treaties in Canada. The existing treaty and Aboriginal rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada were "acknowledged and affirmed7." It designated the Indian, Inuit, and Mhtis peoples of Canada as the "Aboriginal peoples of Canada." To be clearer, "treaty rights" in subsection (1) encompassed rights that already existed as a result of land claims agreements or could be gained in this way, and equal treaty rights were awarded to men and women. However, Treaty rights are not exempt from legal disputes.

Aboriginal Rights: Aboriginal rights were essentially nonexistent under Canadian law, even if Treaty rights weren't always protected. Any level of government could impose restrictions on them. In addition to Aboriginal title, Aboriginal rights may also involve other kinds of linguistic, religious, and customary activities. A sizable portion of British Columbia, as well as Quebec and the Territories, still recognises Aboriginal title. The basis of unextinguished Aboriginal title has been used in many of the recent land claims settlement negotiations. In general, the New Constitution of 1982 acknowledged pre-existing rights but did not specify them.

5. a) Quite Revolution and the emergence of Quebec nationalism

Ans) Quite Revolution: Following the world wars, urbanisation and industrialization gave rise to new cultural characteristics. The beginning of cultural reformation in the 1960s, led by the intelligentsia of the labour union and modernised urbanisation of the church, led to the transformation of the previously existing cultural nationalism into political nationalism. First, the twenty-three-year rule of the Union National government in Quebec came to an end in 1960 following the passing of Duplessis while in office and his appointed successor in early 1960. With this, the way was opened for a revival of the Liberal party as a force for the modernization and revitalization of Quebec's economy and culture. The "Quiet Revolution," which brought about significant changes cantering on the modernization of education, government planning of economic development, and voluntary secularisation of society, began with the victory of Jean Lesage's Liberals in 1960. Things must change was the catchphrase of the time, which also expressed Quebecers' desire for moderation.

Quebec Nationalism: Sub-nationalism, which was being strengthened by liberal democracy and growing capitalism, underwent a drastic change after the 1950s. It was primarily made worse by the economic stratification based on race. This pre-existing sub-nationalism, whose slogans expressed the desire for changes as well as dominance over Quebec, received new direction from the new labour leaders and the urban, modernised church priests. They criticised the traditional and conservative viewpoints that had given the federal government sole authority over economic policy. The new social and political leadership placed the province's control over external affairs, social welfare, and economic development, which strengthened the French-Quebec nationality and identity despite adopting a more contemporary approach. Since then, a number of constitutional and political demands have pushed Canadian federalism to its breaking point. The demand for provincial takeover of English-owned private company Hydro Quebec is a new component of it. Another strategy was for the provincial government of Quebec, which is independent of the federal government of Canada, to forge direct connections with foreign nations in an effort to gain recognition for Quebecers as a distinctive cultural group.

b) Canada trade and economic relations with China

Ans) Canada is a vital partner in gaining access to the regional trade and investment market due to its long-standing presence in the Japanese market. Canada continues to believe that Japan is essential to any long-term success in China and other vibrant Asian nations.

Canada and China have enduring and close ties. More than a million Canadians of Chinese heritage exist today. Their relationship is fostered by close educational links, and it is boosted by the personal travelogues of Canadian tourists who have visited China, as well as by the more than 100,000 Chinese visitors who came to Canada in 2004. Canada intends to enhance its official relations with China through both current and new routes. A Strategic Working Group encourages improved communication and cooperation on more general matters of shared concern as well as regular bilateral dialogue on significant political and economic topics. High-level occasions like the Canada Trade Mission to Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong in January 2005, which was led by the international trade minister, also boost Canada's profile and allow for significant progress on bilateral issues and the signing of business deals by Canadian companies with Chinese partners.

More than 1,900 Canadian businesses are already operating in China, 400 of which have local offices there. In collaboration with the Canada-China Business Council, the government provides them with more trade officials than in any other single market save the United States. To strengthen the environment for Canadian businesses, Canada has also reopened talks with China on an accord to promote and safeguard foreign investment. By 2010, they hope to quadruple Canada's trade and investment with China through this and other efforts.