Nov. 26, 2021

What We Are Learning This Week with Dr. Erica Rayment

We’re exploring courts and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Supreme Court Building

November 29, 2021 in POLI 321 Politics and Government in Canada                                 Dr. Erica Rayment is exploring courts and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

 

Can you tell us a little more about this topic?

The introduction of a constitutionally entrenched Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982 brought about significant changes to the role and position of the courts within the Canadian political system. This week in POLI 321 we think through the structure and operation of the judicial system and the details of the Charter. Then we dig into the details of how the Charter has shifted the relationship between courts and the policymaking process, between parliament and the courts, and between citizens and politics.

What else do you cover in your course?

POLI 321 gives students a broad introduction to Canadian political institutions and processes. We cover the constitution, federalism, elections, political parties, parliament, cabinets and the bureaucracy.

Erica Rayment

What do you love about teaching this course?

One of the best things about teaching POLI 321 is that there’s always something happening in Canadian politics that connects back to what we’re learning in the course. Making these connections between course content and the real world of politics helps to bring the topic to life. I try to encourage students to keep up with what’s happening in the news so we can use current events to help ground our discussions about how Canadian politics works. From the federal election in September, to the referendum on equalization and Senate ‘elections’ in October, to the return of parliament this week, there’s been lots to ground our conversations this semester!

Finally, what other courses would you recommend for students interested this topic?

There are lots of upper year courses in Canadian politics where students can delve into the details of some of the topics that we introduce in POLI 321. Whether you’re interested in Canadian political parties, federalism, electoral behaviour, or Indigenous politics there are lots of great options!

Our Thanks to Dr. Erica Rayment for sharing your course with us!

Follow Dr. Rayment on Twitter @EricaRayment