section 3-5 of the charter
Democratic Rights
(Democratic rights of citizens)3. 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.
(Maximum duration of legislative bodies)4.(1) No House of Commons and no legislative assembly shall continue for longer than five years from the date fixed for the return of the writs at a general election of its members.
(Continuation in special circumstances)(2) In time of real or apprehended war, invasion or insurrection, a House of Commons may be continued by Parliament and a legislative assembly may be continued by the legislature beyond five years if such continuation is not opposed by the votes of more than one-third of the members of the House of Commons or the legislative assembly, as the case may be.
(Annual sitting of legislative bodies)5. There shall be a sitting of Parliament and of each legislature at least once every twelve months.
(Democratic rights of citizens)3. 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.
(Maximum duration of legislative bodies)4.(1) No House of Commons and no legislative assembly shall continue for longer than five years from the date fixed for the return of the writs at a general election of its members.
(Continuation in special circumstances)(2) In time of real or apprehended war, invasion or insurrection, a House of Commons may be continued by Parliament and a legislative assembly may be continued by the legislature beyond five years if such continuation is not opposed by the votes of more than one-third of the members of the House of Commons or the legislative assembly, as the case may be.
(Annual sitting of legislative bodies)5. There shall be a sitting of Parliament and of each legislature at least once every twelve months.
Significance of democratic rights
Section 3 of the Charter is important because it protects the people's right to vote in Canada. The right to vote for your leader is important for people because Canada is a democracy and a democracy will only run if the people are allowed to make the choices for a better future. Also, it allows the people to have a voice and be heard. Being able to vote is allowing the people's opinions to be valued and feel important. Voting is a responsibility that is given to you because you need to choose a leader that will make sure yoru country and society are safe and you are provided with good health care, education and other things like that.
Case Study
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauv%C3%A9_v._Canada_(Chief_Electoral_Officer)
This case is about democratic rights. In this case, a man, Richard Suave, who was in jail fought for his right to be able to vote during the elections while he was in prison. The law that was going against section 3 of the Charter was s. 51(e) of the old Canada Elections Act which prohibited prisoners from voting. This law was then, deemed unconstitutional because it violated every Canadian's right to vote. The court could not use reasonable limits on this right. This decision was made by the Supreme Court of Canada after it being appealed from Federal Court of Appeal.
This case shows the significance of being able to vote because even though you may be in prison, you don't stop being a Canadian citizen. Section 3 specifically says "every citizen of Canada". This includes everyone in prison. Richard Suave not only fought for his right but for the rights of all the other prisoners. He brought a change in the laws and won against Canada.
This case is about democratic rights. In this case, a man, Richard Suave, who was in jail fought for his right to be able to vote during the elections while he was in prison. The law that was going against section 3 of the Charter was s. 51(e) of the old Canada Elections Act which prohibited prisoners from voting. This law was then, deemed unconstitutional because it violated every Canadian's right to vote. The court could not use reasonable limits on this right. This decision was made by the Supreme Court of Canada after it being appealed from Federal Court of Appeal.
This case shows the significance of being able to vote because even though you may be in prison, you don't stop being a Canadian citizen. Section 3 specifically says "every citizen of Canada". This includes everyone in prison. Richard Suave not only fought for his right but for the rights of all the other prisoners. He brought a change in the laws and won against Canada.