Roy Romanow, an architect of the the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (which turns 30 today), thinks the effects have not been altogether positive:
“When I teach today, I notice that these Charter kids think more individually. They have less of a historical connection to the notion of communitarian impulses. It’s almost like a different country now.
“They see Canada through an individual lens, whether it’s their gender rights or health rights. It’s worrisome because the answers are not always either/or.”
There are no doubt larger social forces at work here—increased diversity, changes in gender roles, etc.—which the Charter helped cement.
A little too late to do any good, but thanks, Mr. Romanow, for opening your eyes…