Expert: Adam McDonald - 9/29/2010

Question
Dear Adam,

I am a British High School student who has been selected to represent the Canadian Human Rights Committee. I was wondering whether you would be able to shed some light on Canada's views regarding the following topics:

1.) The question of children's rights in religious organizations.

2.) The question of sentences of judicial caning.

3.) The question of working conditions in factories in Newly Industrialising Countries.

Thank you for your time, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards

Lucy Green

Answer
Dear Lucy,

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry about the length of time it took to reply.

The first thing to note is that Canadians don't necessarily feel the same way about everything. In fact, we're such a big country that it can be difficult to pinpoint our views as a nation; many regions disagree about important subjects every day.

That said, I think it would be safe to say that the Canadian government believes the following things:

1) Children are our most important asset, and because of that, as a society we must ensure their safety. Religious beliefs are the right of a parent to pass down to their child, but if those beliefs ultimately endanger the children, the state must step in.

2) Judicial caning is not permitted in Canada. As a country, we find the practice abhorrent.

3) Also abhorrent, and many Canadians will not consume products that have come from those factories.

I hope this helps. If you'd like further clarity, please let me know.

Adam