The Constitution

2 The Constitution

Video Guide

1. Jane Churchill, Our Constitution: The Law of the Land (National Film Board of Canada, 1990), Documentary. https://www.nfb.ca/film/our_constitution_the_law_of_the_land

This educational documentary analyses the Canadian constitution, with historical references to the 1867 BNA act and the Charter of Rights and Freedom. It also discusses the significance and changes associated with the Constitution such as federalism, jurisdictional disputes, rights of citi- zens, and role of courts.

 How has Canada’s constitution progressed since 1867?

 Do you think that the changes associated with the Canadian Constitution have had a positive or negative impact in Canada? (Make specific references to democracy, rights and freedoms, and jurisdictional issues.)

2. Maurice Bulbulian, Dancing Around the Table, Part 1 (National Film Board of Canada, 1987), Doc- umentary. https://www.nfb.ca/film/dancing_around_the_table_1

One of the most challenging aspects affecting Aboriginal Canadians today is self-government. This video looks at dialogues between politicians (including Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau) and members of the Aboriginal committee at conferences on constitutional rights of Aboriginals in Canada. Some of the discussions center on equality, values, process, and principles of both cul- tures.

 What are some of the cultural challenges discussed that is impeding the progress of Aborigi- nal self-government in Canada?

 What are some of the major themes discussed in the video that specifically contribute to- wards the lack of progress between the three different Aboriginal groups in Canada?

Inside Canadian Politics © Oxford University Press Canada, 2016

3. Robert Duncan, The Road to Patriation (National Film Board of Canada, 1982), Documentary. https://www.nfb.ca/film/road_to_patriation

Duncan thoroughly documents the processes, challenges, and factors that led to the patriation of the Canadian Constitution in 1982.

 Why was it necessary to patriate the constitution?

 Why were former prime ministers (before Pierre Trudeau) unsuccessful in patriating the Constitution?

4. Fed Vid, “The Charter of Rights,” YouTube video, 20:20, posted May 2012, https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4tg_BbLqbw

The actual footage of the signing of the 1982 Constitution and a speech by the former Prime Minister of Canada)

 What were some of the new specifications of the Constitution Act of 1982?

5. The Agenda with Steve Paikin, “Premiers talk about the Meech Lake Accord’s Failure,” YouTube video, 1:19:00, posted June 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySMlaZJaYzU.

This vintage video looks at the failures of the Meech Lake Accord through the views of six premiers who were actually involved with the Accord. This is a great discussion that looks into the challenges and issues that led to the failure of the Accord, including public opinion polls, provincial grievances, and constitutional challenges.

 According to the premiers, why did the Meech Lake Accord fail?

6. The Agenda with Steve Paikin, “Three Amigos of the Constitution,” YouTube video, 55:07, posted April 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-15a773nqnQ.

Roundtable discussions of sorts moderated by Steven Paikin takes us back to the original three justice ministers who negotiated the Kitchen Accord, which included constitutional changes such as the amending formula and the notwithstanding clause.

 What was the connection between the failure of the Quebec referendum and the constitutional amendments?

 How did each of these Justice Ministers deal with issues of constitutional amendments?

7. Alanis Obomsawin, Trick or Treaty? (National Film Board of Canada, 2014), Documentary. https://www.nfb.ca/film/trick_or_treaty

Inside Canadian Politics © Oxford University Press Canada, 2016 This documentary profiles the plight of Aboriginals in Canada and their claim to land and re- sources. It also looks into treaties and negotiations between the government of Canada and Ab- original leaders with specific mention to fishing, hunting, and self-governing rights.

 What does Treaty 9 signify?

 How did the Indigenous leaders try to raise awareness on Aboriginal issues? Have they been successful?

8. Donald Brittain, The Champions, Part 3: The Final Battle (National Film Board of Canada, 1986), Documentary. https://www.nfb.ca/film/champions_part_3

This documentary is the last of a three-part series, but the most relevant to this chapter as it discusses the final stages of the patriation of the constitution with a more direct focus on René Lévesque’s and Pierre Trudeau’s leadership.

 What led to the demise of René Lévesque’s leadership?

 What led to the demise of Pierre Trudeau’s leadership?

 What eventually led to the patriation of the constitution in 1982?