Laws and PoliciesLaws and PoliciesHow do the individual and collective rights of Canadians influence immigration laws and policies?

How do the individual and collective rights of Canadians influence immigration laws and policies?

What should we know at the end of this lesson?What should we know at the end of this lesson?• Percentage of Economic Immigrants

knowledge of French and English• An example of Supreme Court decision

regarding individual rights and refugees.• The perspective of First Nations and

immigration policies.• Issues that face Francophone's in Alberta

about this issue of immigration

What language do economic immigrants to Canada speak?

What language do economic immigrants to Canada speak? 5%

53%

33%

9%

French English Neither Both

THE BIG FIVE THE BIG FIVE The top 5 first languages of immigrants 2006

1. Mandarin

2. English

3. Arabic

4. Punjabi

5. Spanish

Why might this information

create issues for Canada’s

official language groups?

Singh Decision (1985)Singh Decision (1985)

• THE FACTS (1985) • http://csc.lexum.umontreal.ca/en/1985/1985rcs1-177/1985rcs1-177.html

– Satnam Singh came to Canada from India seeking refugee status

– 1972’s Immigration Act, did not hear his case– This action violated Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and

Freedoms “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.”

– The Supreme Court said “everyone means everyone, anyone physically present in Canada.”

Singh Decision (1985)Singh Decision (1985)

• THE RESULTS– Consequently, on April 4th every year, Canada celebrates

Refugee Rights Day to honour this landmark ruling and to raise awareness about the rights of refugees and challenges to the refugee claimant system.

– Now, refugees have the right to a quick and fair hearing which they can attend in person

– The government will also provides the “neccessities of life”

to people while they wait for their hearing.

How does immigration involve the collective rights of Aboriginal

peoples?

How does immigration involve the collective rights of Aboriginal

peoples?

CRITICAL THINKING CHALLEGE

What impact do the rights of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples have on the way Canada sets immigration, and other laws and polices?

First Nations ConcernFirst Nations ConcernResolution no. 49 Special Chiefs Assembly - Resolution no. 49/2005

• October 31, November 1 & 2, 2005, Regina, SK

• Subject: Immigration Entering Canada Vs. Addressing Third World Conditions In First Nation

• WHEREAS the Immigration Minister, Joe Volpe, stated that Canada hopes to be taking in as many as 300,000 immigrants a year within five (5) years, and will start by raising its target for next year to between 225,000 and 255,000.  Canada is on track to accept 245,000 this year, the very high end of last year’s target; and

• WHEREAS Canada is known as one of the world’s richest countries, yet fails to address the needs of First Nation communities, such as Kashechewan Reserve, James Bay, Ontario

• WHEREAS Canada fails to consult with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) leadership on immigration policies and legislation.

• THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AFN call on the federal government at the November 2005 First Ministers Meeting to freeze all immigration coming into Canada until the federal government addresses, commits, and delivers resources to First Nations to improve the housing conditions, education, health and employment in First Nations communities and that the federal government acknowledge and agree they are bringing immigrants into our lands and using our resources without our consent;

• http://www.afn.ca/article.asp?id=1946

SPOT AND RESPONDSPOT AND RESPONDCompare the statement of Citizenship and

Immigration on page 168 with the

resolution of the Assembly of First

Nations on this page. What issues arise

from this comparison?

Compare the statement of Citizenship and

Immigration on page 168 with the

resolution of the Assembly of First

Nations on this page. What issues arise

from this comparison?

Franco–Albertan CommunitiesFranco–Albertan Communities

Read the opinions and comments on pg. 185.

Looking for EvidenceIdentify and explain one connection between the chart

on page 180 and the perspectives of McMahon and Mulatris on this page.

How does organizing a symposium demonstrate active citizenship?

ReviewReview

• What are the percentages of people immigrating into Canada that have a knowledge of both English and French?

• What was the Singh decision? How did it change the rights of the immigrant?

• What is the First Nations perspective on immigration?

• What challenges does immigration pose to Franco-Albertans?