YCJA!

Two important aspects of the new YCJA:

1.) One aspect of the Youth Criminal Justice Act is it's focus is more on rehabilitation rather than on punishment.

2.)Also, the identities of the youth are protected with a "publicity ban."

My opinion on the "new balance" in the law:

I really like the balance in the new legislation. I think that it is important than young offenders are treated their age, but they still are forced to understand the rules of society and that they must learn how to follow them. I like how the new legislation has introduced "rehabilitation". It's critical for youth to NOT be involved with older adults in jail. When you are young and make "dumb" mistakes, you should still have a chance to change yourself. Young offenders are often mostly influenced by people their age and are pressured into doing things. If you are an adult criminal, that is not likely what will influence you to commit a crime. Still, at the same time, the balance protects the identity of young criminals. Which is also good because it respects their reputation.

"Quebecois are a nation within Canada."

I disagree with this statement. I think Quebec has always been a part of Canada, and should continue to remain a part of Canada. If they seperate and become their own nation, it will destroy Canada's historic unity. Canada is its own country. You cannot seperate from it and claim that you are still a Canadian citizen or part of Canada's heritage. Also, if Quebec seperates, other citizens in Canada will feel they are different and should have the right to seperate as well. Such as the Native culture. And something that we cannot forget: there are French speaking Canadians in other parts of Canada, and there is also English speaking Canadians in Quebec. Does this mean that those English speaking people have to leave Quebec? Or become part of their culture? Something is wrong with this picture.

Left Wing, Centre, Or Right Wing Idealogy?

1.) Do you support Left Wing, Right Wing, or Centre ideology?
*I support Centre politics. Because I agree with some ideas of the left wing, but I also agree with some ideas of the right wing. The points I support on the NDP's side are: improving change with social conditions, that society should NOT be bound by tradition, the government has an obligation to take care of the needy persons, government should aim at equality, and the right of individuals are important. The points I support on the Conservative's side are: everyone should have an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, lower taxes, and that law and order are important priorities. Therefore I am in the Centre because I agree with points on both sides. I think that free trade with the United States is Canada's best hope, and that Native people in Canada are unreasonable with their land claims. I also think that the prison system is too easy on criminals. These are points I support for the right wing. I think it is VERY important that the government provides day care, and that abortion is a matter between the woman and her doctor. I also think that Canada does not need an expensive military system, and I am very supportive of the preserving the environment.

Governor General: Main Jobs, Abolish?

What are the three main jobs of the governal general?

1) Signing bills
2) Entertaining foreign guests
3) Opening Parliament sittings with a Throne Speech

Should we abolish her position in Canada? Why or why not?

No, I do not think we should abolish her from her position. Although the amount of money invested in her Hall and transportation etc may seem ridiculous, she does host and transport many foreign people and how well she does this represents Canada. Also, the money put into this is a very small amount compared to the amount of money the government spends. The Governor General is also part of Canada's royal history and it would be a shame to abolish her from the system.

Legislature Tour: Virtual or real?

I think a tour of the Legislature would be better in real life rather than online BECAUSE..

1.) You get the 'real' experience of a legislature.
2.) You see it with your own eyes, rather than pictures.
3.) It is more fun because you are doing more 'active learning' rather than just reading about it.

Types Of Non-Violent Protest

My favourite type of non-violent protest:
Presentations (group proposals)

I think presenting and displaying your concern is the most effective way to pressure people for change. It is not illegal, and can catch the attention of the minds you want to change. Going directly to the government and showing your concern by talking about the key points and providing them with a solution, is a non-violent way of making a difference.

Rick Thorpe's Method of Pressure:
Talking (face-to-face) with the government

Rick Thorpe believes that this is the most effective way of creating change and pressuring the government because you get the facts directly from the protester. He also says that if someone comes in and talks about the issue, they should provide a solution, not just the problem.

Colombo Plan: What is it? Canada's Involvement?

The Colombo Plan is a plan for cooperative economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific. The purposes (taken from colombo-plan.org) of this plan are:

(a) To promote interest in and support for the economic and social development of Asia and the Pacific;

(b) To promote technical co-operation and assist in the sharing and transfer of technology among member countries;

(c) To keep under review relevant information on technical co-operation between the member governments, multilateral and other agencies with a view to accelerating development through co-operative effort;

(d) To facilitate transfer and sharing of the developmental experiences among member countries within the region with emphasis on the concept of South-South Co-operation;

(e) To assist the Least Developed Countries (LDC's) of the Colombo Plan region in their effort of economic development through dissemination of technical and industrial know-how by comparatively advanced countries.

Canada's Involvement: Initial Canadian involvement was cautious, with a 1951-52 contribution of only $25 million. But today, Canada is no longer a member of the Colombo Plan.