Quebec Nationalism & National Unity
Students examine the sovereignty movement in Quebec, the 1980 and 1995 referendums, and the broader question of national unity in a diverse federation.
Key Questions
- Analyze the factors that drove the Quebec sovereignty movement.
- Evaluate how close Canada came to breaking apart in 1995.
- Explain how the relationship between Quebec and the rest of Canada has evolved.
Ontario Curriculum Expectations
About This Topic
This topic traces the journey of a bill through the House of Commons and the Senate, highlighting the deliberate and often slow nature of the legislative process. Students examine the roles of the three branches of Parliament: the Monarch (represented by the GG), the House of Commons, and the Senate. Special attention is paid to the committee stage, where detailed scrutiny and public input occur, and the Senate's role as a chamber of 'sober second thought.'
Grade 12 students analyze the effectiveness of the Senate, debating whether it should be elected, abolished, or remain an appointed body. They also explore how party discipline affects the voting behavior of MPs. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the legislative process, moving a 'bill' through various stages and negotiating amendments in a mock committee setting.
Active Learning Ideas
Simulation Game: Mock Committee Hearing
Students act as a Parliamentary Committee reviewing a bill on 'Digital Privacy.' They must interview 'witnesses' (played by other students representing tech companies, civil liberties groups, and citizens) and propose specific amendments to the bill.
Formal Debate: Senate Reform
The class is divided into three groups: Abolish, Elect, or Maintain the Senate. They must research their position and participate in a formal debate, focusing on how their proposal would impact regional representation and democratic accountability.
Inquiry Circle: Tracing a Bill
Small groups choose a recently passed law (e.g., the Cannabis Act or Online Streaming Act) and use the LEGISinfo website to track its timeline, identifying where it faced the most opposition and what changes were made during its passage.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionThe Senate is just a 'rubber stamp' for the House of Commons.
What to Teach Instead
While the Senate rarely defeats a bill, it frequently proposes amendments and conducts in-depth studies that improve legislation. Using a 'before and after' comparison of a bill amended by the Senate helps students see its actual impact.
Common MisconceptionIndividual MPs spend most of their time debating in the House.
What to Teach Instead
Most of an MP's legislative work happens in committees or in their constituency. A 'Day in the Life of an MP' station rotation can help students understand the varied responsibilities beyond the televised Question Period.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the stages of a bill becoming a law?
Why does the Senate exist if it isn't elected?
What is a 'Private Member's Bill'?
What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching the legislative process?
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