Lesson Plan: Resolving Constitutional Issues

Lesson Plan

Introduction

More than 100 years after Confederation, Canada still struggles with many constitutional issues, from a formula for amending the constitution to the protection of regional and minority rights to the role of the monarchy in Canada's government.

The Task

The following constitutional issues are not yet resolved in Canada:

The "distinct society" claim of Quebec

A constitutional amending formula

The division of powers between federal and provincial governments

The future of the Canadian Senate

The status of aboriginal peoples in Canada

The protection of regional and minority rights

A constitutional veto

The Supreme Court's role in constitutional review

The impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The monarchy's role in Canada's governmental system

Assign or have students choose one of the above issues. Students should research the issue thoroughly, prepare a summary of the data, and include their views on the issue and how they think it could best be resolved. Using their information, students will draft several proposals for addressing the issue. Each group or student will then write a position statement explaining how its issue could be resolved by constitutional or other governmental/political reform.

The Process

Students can work individually or in small groups. They should begin their research by thoroughly reviewing the topic Canada's Constitutional Debate: What Makes a Nation? on the CBC Radio Digital Archives website. They can continue their research online or by using any other resources they find relevant. Students should note all resources consulted and cited.

Conclusion

Assemble all students to begin your classroom constitutional convention. Invite each group to present its issue and its recommendations for resolution, and to read its position statement about how to achieve the proposals. The rest of the students should consider and discuss what steps would be necessary in order for such constitutional or governmental reform to occur and be successful.