Keeping Tabs - Spring 2022

The Charter of Rights and
Freedoms – 40 Years On
Patrick MacDonald, City of Hamilton
On April 17, 1982, Queen Elizabeth II signed the Constitution Act, 1982 into law in
a rainy outdoor ceremony on Parliament Hill, which means that April 17, 2022
marked the 40 th anniversary of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
In honour of 40 years of the Charter, we present this little quiz to see
what you know about this important part of Canadian history!
1. Law Society of Upper Canada v. Skapinker was notable for what?
a. Striking down the Canadian Bill of Rights
b. It is the only time Section 14 of the Charter (interpreter rights) has been adjudicated
c. The Supreme Court finding that the Charter did not apply due to the facts of the case
occurring prior to 1982
d. It was the first Charter decision to reach the Supreme Court
2. Despite playing a key role in constitutional negotiations, which provincial premier was
defeated in a general election just nine days after the signing ceremony with the Queen?
a. Allan Blakeney (Saskatchewan)
b. Bill Davis (Ontario)
c. Brian Peckford (Newfoundland)
d. Robert Stanfield (Nova Scotia)
3. Quebec premier René Lévesque was notable for doing what at the signing ceremony
on April 17, 1982?
a. He wore a Quebec flag pin
b. He turned his back to the Queen
c. He boycotted it and did not attend
d. He signed with an X
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ANSWERS: 1. d. Decided by the SCC in 1984, 2. a. After 11 years in power, Blakeney’s NDP suffered a huge defeat to the provincial
Section 16.1 was added, 7. b. David Oakes was arrested for possession of 8 grams of hash oil and $619.45. That amount of cannabis