Today marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Canadian Constitution and Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
“Forty years ago today, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was adopted with the signing of the Proclamation of the Constitution Act, 1982 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and my father, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement.
“The spirit of the Charter should inspire us all as we build a more equal and fairer country for everyone. As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we know there is still much work to do to help many Canadians overcome the barriers they face to social and economic participation. This includes confronting painful truths about our history and taking meaningful action to combat all forms of hatred and discrimination.”
🗓️ #OnThisDay – 40 years ago today, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was signed. #LawDay pic.twitter.com/kGXUvesG6z
— Canadian Bar Assoc. (@CBA_News) April 17, 2022
The signing of the Constitution on April 17, 1982 marked the moment Canada became an independant country, instead of a British dominion.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms is the first section within the Constitution Act, 1982.
Before the signing of the Constitution, Canada had the authority to act like an independant country due to the Statute of Westminster, 1931, which gave Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Irish Free State, and Newfoundland legal and equal standing with England.
Newfoundland did not join as a Canadian province until 1949, which is why it was included as part of the Statute of Westminster, 1931.
Now, on the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution, many are reflecting on the work that has been done in the country.
“But the work did not end 40 years ago. We are still, all of us, striving to create a truly equal country, one where diverse communities are treated with respect and understanding. Where we all have equal opportunities for success. Where we can all contribute to reconciliation, which is not one single piece of legislation, nor an undertaking with an end date,” said Mary Simon, Governor General in a statement.
“As we mark this important anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to acting and working together to create a more inclusive society and world, regardless of the challenges we may face.”
I’ll never forget what it felt like watching the adoption of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 40 years ago.
Today, 40 years later, I’m reflecting on the profound impact the Charter has had, protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of every single Canadian. pic.twitter.com/JwkMTBl2MV
— David Lametti (@DavidLametti) April 17, 2022
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year! 🎂
Learn more about its role in our society and the importance it has for all Canadians. 👉 https://t.co/H211N8qTSN pic.twitter.com/pQ9KzPxDlt
— Canadian Heritage (@CdnHeritage) April 17, 2022
Forty years ago, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was adopted with the signing of the Constitution Act.
The Charter unites us all around the values of equality, justice, and freedom – values which guide me every day as a Minister, a lawyer, and a proud Canadian. pic.twitter.com/0g2pEDva2y
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) April 17, 2022
Mark the anniversary of Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms & Bill C-31 by (re)discovering a key figure in First Nations women's rights in this #NFB Pause w/ Courtney Montour.
Look for MARY TWO-AXE EARLEY: I AM INDIAN AGAIN on June 21 on https://t.co/WP8hpIHY90! #EqualityDay pic.twitter.com/eNrRnN7FT9— National Film Board of Canada (@thenfb) April 17, 2022
Laura Brougham
