Civics Culminating Task

______________________________________________________________________________

Jeremy Ippolito

Prepared for Mr. Spitzer

CHV20
 Table of Contents
Part A: Informed Citizenship

Personal Values

Key rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship 1

Canada’s Political System

Identify two specific party platforms that are valuable 3

Identify two specific party platforms that are weak, and would I vote 4

Part B: Purposeful Citizenship

Civic Role Model Biography: Gord Downie 5

Part C: Active Citizenship

My citizenship, How I will make a difference and 7

Significant lessons or ideas about citizenship from this course

Bibliography 8
 Part A: Informed Citizenship

Personal Values

Identify what you see as the five key rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship.
Rank them from most to least important.

1. Freedom of expression

Freedom of expression in Canada directly proves why Canada is a free country. According to the Canadian
Charter of Rights and Freedoms, everyone has the following fundamental freedoms of thought, belief,
opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication. These things
are often forgotten by Canadians, as legally we are entitled to free speech (certain exceptions regarding
hate speech), choice of beliefs (certain exceptions), expression (some examples regard sexual orientation,
professions, clothing etc.) and opinion. These rights are necessary for a functioning democracy. It
provokes truth, identity and respect for citizens all across Canada. No matter where you are from, where
you work, who you love, or what your beliefs are, you are entitled to your own thoughts and opinions.
You have the ability to do what you want, and represent yourself as you are not promoting hate or
breaking any other laws. I believe this section of rights is most important as it correlates with many other
Canadian rights and freedoms. Whether it is equality, legal rights, language rights or many more, freedom
of expression directly relates to those things. Freedom of expression is very important to a Canadian
citizens’ identity.

2. Legal Rights

Legal rights in Canada are crucial when leading an ethical justice system. These rights ensure that
Canadians are treated properly in certain legal circumstances. Some of these include being in custody,
being the subject of an investigation, as well as partaking in a legal procedure. The Canadian Charter of
Rights and Freedoms states that 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. This
basically states that all Canadians have the right to the basic means of survival whether in custody, or any
other legal procedure. Just as mentioned above, everyone has the right to life, liberty and security which
is morally proper according to our legal system. Everyone also has the right to be secure against
unreasonable search or seizure. If police or law enforcement does not provide the reasoning behind
searching or seizing someone as well as their belongings is a breach of legal rights in Canada. There are
many other parts to this section of rights, yet these two sections are just some of many more that
Canadians are entitled to. These legal rights are designed to ensure that our legal system is working
ethically, and subjects are provided proper treatment.

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3. Democratic Rights

Democratic rights in Canada are a great example Canadian citizenship. The Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedoms states that every citizen of Canada has the right to vote in an election of members of the House
of Commons or of a legislative assembly and to be qualified for membership therein. Giving citizens of
legal age the right to vote is necessary in a democratic society. Dictatorships, monarchies and communist
governments often have none, or barely any forms of democracy. This is something that we often take for
granted, as Canada is a free and democratic country. A democracy is when everyone in the given group
has a say/vote in whatever argument or discussion is in place. This right gives Canadians the ability to vote
who they believe should be eligible to lead our country. (ensuring you are of legal age and citizenship)

4. Mobility Rights

Mobility rights in Canada are often taken for granted, and they are very substantial for how we are able to
travel, and work throughout Canada. In the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, it is mentioned that every
citizen of Canada has the right to enter, remain in and leave Canada. This is something we often forget
about, yet many residents of other countries cannot leave their home country. North Korea for example is
a dictatorship that legally mentions that their residents cannot leave the country. This is very important as
there are often many circumstances that are crucial for travel. Whether it is visiting family, vacationing or
business, having the ability to leave the country is something that we need to appreciate. The charter also
mentions that every citizen of Canada and every person who has the status of a permanent resident of
Canada has the right to move to and take up residence in any province; and to pursue the gaining of a
livelihood in any province.

5. Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment

This responsibility is crucial for functioning in a diverse, and an eco-friendly environment. The Canadian
government states in their citizen responsibilities that every citizen has to play a role in avoiding waste
and pollution while protecting Canada’s natural, cultural and architectural heritage for future generations.
Canada is comprised of many different cultures through the indigenous communities, European
backgrounds and many more. This responsibility expects Canadians to ensure that these cultural aspects
to Canadian history as well as immigrants are protected. This needs to be done to ensure Canada can stay
as a diverse nation that respects all ethnicities. Also, this responsibility focuses greatly on preserving
Canada’s environment. Canada is made up of a lot of natural landscapes whether it is the Rockies, great
lakes, or the snowy atmosphere in the northern territories. Small things such as reducing the amount our
calls idle, or not littering in public places are just some ways Canadians can fulfil this responsibility.

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 Canada’s Political System

Federal Liberal Government

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Identify two specific party platforms or beliefs that you believe are valuable to the
Canadian democratic system.

“We will give families more money to help with the high cost of raising their kids”

The federal Liberal Government lead by current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had implemented plans in
2014 prior to the federal election to cancel tax breaks and benefits including the Universal Child Care
Benefit. They also planned on introducing a new Canada Child Benefit to give Canadian families more
money to raise their kids. This is great, as the average cost of houses in places such as Toronto, Hamilton,
Montreal and Vancouver continue to increase. The Canada Child Benefit gives nine out of ten Canadian
families more than former Prime Minister Stephan Harper. It is also a more consistent and organized
system of child benefit programs. For the average middle class family of four, most are eligible for an
additional $25,00 in help that is tax free each year. This is something I believe in, as taxes are way too high
for lower to middle class families. If a household is making at least $200,000 per year, it is pretty clear to
say that they most likely have the ability to pay their taxes. The hardworking people who make less
deserve help to ensure they can pay their taxes, and have the means to take care of their family. This is
estimated to lift over 300,000 Canadian children out of poverty.

“We will legalize, regulate, and restrict access to marijuana.”

I am totally in favour of the decriminalization, and later legalization (as well as regulation) of marijuana in
Canada. I am not one that would partake in this activity, but there are many aspects to this plan that will
better Canada in many ways. The current prohibition of Marijuana in Canada is not working. It is not
stopping young people from smoking this drug, and many Canadians end up with criminal records for the
non-violent offence of possession. Arresting, processing and prosecuting these offences is a lengthy,
expensive process that wastes a lot of important police resources. The illegal drug trade is directly
associated with other forms of organized crime that form a much greater threat to public safety. Some
examples include human trafficking, gang activity, corruption, murder and much more. The Liberal
government plans to regulate and restrict the access of what would later be legal weed. This will ensure
the profits are out of the hands of criminals, and into taxes that can better our country. A task force is also
planned to be formed prior to the estimated July 2018 legalization date that would work with public
health, substance abuse and law enforcement professionals. There are many examples above of how this
plan will be a strong positive impact to Canadian society. This will lower crime rates, and bring in more
funds to places such as our educational system. It is time to end the stigma of Marijuana in Canada.

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 Identify two specific party platforms or beliefs that you believe are weak to the
Canadian democratic system.

“We will include an equal number of women and men in our Cabinet”

This statement and decision made by the Federal Liberal government was a unique one for me. I believe
men and women should have the exact same opportunity for any job, or profession if they were to have
equal credentials. The idea of having more women in Canadian cabinet doesn’t bother me. I would rather
be assured that the people with the best credentials have the best opportunity for the given position. It
shouldn’t be about gender. I definitely believe there are many forms of gender bias, and gender
discrimination in different workplaces. If the government just says that they will form an equal caucus
prior to seeing who the options are for the position, that isn’t right. At the end of the day, as long as
women have the same opportunity as men to obtain a certain position (cabinet), then I believe that it is a
more effective. The best possible people deserved to be hired for the best possible position.

“We will welcome more refugees from Syria to Canada”

With this platform, I am quite torn. I am all for supporting Syrian refugees and it’s not the idea of it that
I’m opposed to. It’s the timing, and the poverty in our country that affects my judgement. There are many
many all across Canada (Hamilton particularly) that suffer from poverty. Whether it is homelessness, not
enough food to eat or addiction, there are many things that need to be resolved involving the lower class.
I believe that we need to help the poorer people in our country before we bring in 25,000+ refugees to
Canada. I love the idea, just not yet. We need to ensure that the poorer people in our community get
some help financially, and help build futures for the many that struggle. I believe that there should be
some kind of incentive that drives this policy. Let’s say that if the unemployment rate and homelessness
rate goes down a specific amount in Canada, then we can consider bringing in Syrian refugees. We need
to help our own people before we take on a large number of refugees.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Would you vote for this party?

If I was asked this question prior to the 2015 election, my answer would be easy. Majority of their party
platforms were ones I were interested in that seemed to gravitate with young Canadians. The legalization
of Marijuana was a risky idea, but the facts to back why it was a good idea was explained. The new tax
plans that were presented seemed to make sense for Canadians. Justin Trudeau was a perfect
representation to show an innovating and evolving Canada. With him and his party being in power for
almost three years, I have had my doubts. Trudeau has had a few controversies regarding his trips around
the world. Whether it was his questionable money exchanges during his vacation, or his botched
excursion in India, things have been odd. Trudeau’s public speaking skills have been questionable too. His
outline for supporting veterans has also been organized. At the end of the day, I still have faith with the
party. Once the next election platforms are announced for each party I can examine the other parties
much closer. There are many things that should change, but the Liberals have a lot of deciding factors
going forward. If the party can stick to their deadline on Marijuana legalization, my sense of trust with the
party will increase. By assessing the Liberal government’s pros and cons above, I can state that I would
vote for this party.

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 Part B: Purposeful Citizenship

Gord Downie

February 6th 1964 – October 17th 2017

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Four aspects of his personal life

Childhood and Student Years

Gord Downie was born on February 6, 1964, in Amherstview, Ontario which is just slightly west of
Kingston to his parents Lorna and Edgar. Gord was the fourth of five children. Growing up, he played
goalie for Amherstview’s hockey team, which was a major passion for him. His godfather was Harry
Sinden, who went on to become the Stanley Cup-winning coach of the Boston Bruins and lead Team
Canada to victory in the 1972 Summit Series. Downie attended Kingston Collegiate Vocational Institute, a
school with incredible graduates such as John A. Macdonald, Robertson Davies, and Don Cherry.
Throughout high school, he noticed that poetry and music were something he was very interested in. He
met new people and began what was a very successful music career.

Music

In grade 13, Gord joined a punk band called the Slinks. Their rival was a group called the Rodents,
featuring bassist Gord Sinclair and guitarist Robbie Baker. Those three were apart of Tragically Hip’s first
gig in November 1984, in a small room at the Kingston Artists Association. In the band’s first three years,
they played many ’60s covers, and old classics. Downie’s on-stage improvisations were a crucial part of
the band’s success from day one. Songs like “Bobcaygeon,” “Ahead by a Century” and “New Orleans is
Sinking” lead the group to countless MMVAs, Junos and an induction in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Gord Downie’s music career was incredible.

Environmental Passion

From a young age, Gord Downie was very passionate with the environment. When he was little, he loved
fishing and boating in the Niagara area. Many of his songs were inspired by his love for nature, “New
Orleans is Sinking” being one of those. The song was inspired by the environmental issues the city faced in
the late 80s, and was controversial during Hurricane Katrina back in 2005. Downie played at many charity
events, as he was also the spokesperson for the charity Lake Ontario Waterkeeper. Just prior to his death
during his final performances, he often wore clothing reflecting Indigenous beliefs to “Mother Earth. Gord
Downie Cared greatly for the environment.

Family

Gord Downie was known for his strong love for his family, and the support he had during his battle with
terminal brain cancer. His brothers Mike and Patrick Downie played a big part in touring with him,
attending his chemo treatments and overall just being there for him. Growing up, his brothers had many
memories of playing hockey, and sharing good music. His father Edgar often travelled which gave them
lots of time to hang out. After high school, he met who would then be his wife Laura Leigh Usher in
Toronto. She beat her own battle of cancer back in 2012. In an interview, Gord mentioned how cancer
taught him and his wife to be a “stronger team.” Gord’s family impacted his life.

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 Four important contributions he has made to Canada

Appointed to Order of Canada for work on Indigenous issues

Gord Downie was honoured by Gov. Gen. David Johnston for his work with Indigenous issues. He wore his
signature feathered hat and weathered denim jacket as he embraced Johnston before being inducted as a
member of the Order of Canada at the Rideau Hall ceremony. The singer and social activist was diagnosed
with an incurable form of brain cancer a year prior to this event taking place. He was recognized for his
efforts to raise awareness to the history of residential schools and to increase reconciliation. Prime
Minister Justin Trudeau was among the dignitaries in attendance and applauded as Indigenous activist
Sylvia Maracle was named an officer of the order.

Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

Prior to his death, Gord Downie released what was his last solo album by the name of Secret Path. This
album was mainly dedicated to the life and death of Chanie Wenjack. He was a First Nations boy who left
a residential school in northern Ontario in 1966, only to die of hunger and cold exposure while trying to
find his way home. The album was accompanied by the release of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack
Fund. This was meant to “jumpstart reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples.” The
fund offers grants up to $10,000 to grassroots projects working to further Indigenous rights.

Lake Ontario Waterkeeper

Gord Downie contributed a lot of his life to better the treatment of wildlife across Canada, while balancing
his music career. Downie was an avid fisherman and spokesperson for the charity Lake Ontario
Waterkeeper. He often contributed to MacLean’s magazine to share the group’s activity to protect the
Great Lakes. He often donated a lot of money to this foundation, as well as promoting the negative
aspects to polluting our waters.

Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital

Shortly after his cancer diagnosis, Downie and his representatives announced the Gord Downie Fund for
Brain Cancer Research. This will give Sunnybrook hospital the tools to help beat brain cancers that
are currently incurable. Currently, new drugs are being tested, as well as alternative surgical techniques
and genetic therapies. The funding helped to aid new ultrasound to help drugs reach tumours that
couldn't be reached before. This fund continues to help discover ground-breaking research that benefits
patients not only at Sunnybrook, but across Canada and around the world.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Two Significant Quotes

“Music brings people together. So my function in anything I do is to help bring people closer in”
“I love this country. I love my idea of this country
_____________________________________________________________________________________________.

Two important skills he has shown that displays civic responsibility: Empathy and Initiative

Whether his fight with cancer, Indigenous work or charities formed, Gord Downie has shown empathy
and initiative. He has shown reconciliation for the indigenous community (residential schools) and taken
the initiative to form funds. These are just some examples.

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 Part C: Active Citizenship

Explain how you are going to become an active, informed, and purposeful citizen.

There are many things that I would need to do to be an active, informed and purposeful citizen. I believe
that following politics and current events is a good start. I currently cannot vote, but just being aware is
important at my age. Knowing new policies, laws or bills that may be voted in is important. When I am
eligible to vote, I will. It is important that young people begin to vote as we are the future generation.
Voting is crucial, and once I’m eighteen I definitely will. Just staying informed and building my political
identity is the next step for me and my citizenship. I also want to be more involved with the NGOs in my
community. I believe that doing so helps people in the local area, as well as around the world. I fill like I
would have a stronger purpose. Those are just some of the ways I want to become an active, informed
and purposeful citizen.

How are you going to make a difference in your community, Canada and the world?

My main goals to make a difference in my community, Canada and the world revolve around raising
awareness for political involvement for young people. We are the future. Teens and young adults should
be aware of the constant changes that are taking place politically. I want to encourage the young people
around me to form opinions and speak up for the injustices that take place. A great example of this
revolves around the subject of gun control. People around the world supported victims of gun violence, as
if we were all unified. Us young people need to fight together, and make a difference in our community.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Identify the three most significant lessons or ideas about citizenship that you will take away
from this course.

1. Knowing my rights and responsibilities

Prior to having this course, I did not know all my rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen. If
something were to happen to me or someone I know, I would want to make sure I know my rights. Since I
want to be a lawyer, it is also important to know these things. This ensures that the legal system is
working ethically, and I am an active citizen.

2. Knowing which level of government manages what, and who to contact

Prior to this course, I knew a little bit about which level of government handles what kind of issues. It is
now great that I know these things. For example, I did not know that the provincial government handled
healthcare and education. If I ever had concerns, I would now know to call my local MPP not my local MP
or city councilor. This is a very important skill that I have learned from this course. Knowing who to
contact is crucial.

3. Knowing how a bill becomes law

Before I took this course, I did not know how bills are passed and laws are formed. I also did not know the
people that are involved during the process. Now that I know the process and people a apart of
developing new laws, I feel more knowledgable. Since I would like to be a lawyer, this is something I
would definitely need to know. Maybe if I do politics as well. This is a very important thing to know.

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 Bibliography

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freedoms/freedom-of-expression-2/.

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exclaim.ca/music/article/gord_downies_family_plots_public_memorial.

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to the Environment.” National Post, 13 Oct. 2015, nationalpost.com/news/politics/everything-you-
need-to-know-about-the-parties-platforms.

“Reflections on Gord Downie's Green Legacy.” Reflections on Gord Downie's Green Legacy | Canadian
Environmental Law Association, www.cela.ca/blog/2017-10-23/reflections-gord-downies-green-
legacy.

“Remembering the Life and Legacy of Gord Downie (1964 – 2017).” Macleans.ca, www.macleans.ca/gord-
downie-obituary.

“What Are My Rights and Responsibilities as a Canadian Citizen?” Settlement.Org | Information

Newcomers Can Trust, settlement.org/ontario/immigration-citizenship/citizenship/rights-and-
responsibilities-of-citizenship/what-are-my-rights-and-responsibilities-as-a-canadian-citizen/.