A Nation's Chronicle: The Canada Gazette

The SARS Crisis and Irish Potato Famine:
Understanding How International Events Affect Canadian Legislation

(Ages 16 to 18)

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Introduction

In this unit, students will explore the effects of international events and Canadian legislation.

In order to protect the health and safety of Canadians, the government must regulate what or who is permitted or refused entry to the country. As the publisher of all major governing decisions of Canada, the Canada Gazette plays a key role in making such laws and regulations known.

Purpose

• To understand the present and historical links between international events and Canada, and their effects on Canadian legislation.
• To understand the government's role in preserving the health and safety of Canadians.

Concepts Students Will Encounter

• Canada as a safe haven
• Global connections
• Sovereignty
• Interdependence
• Change
• Immigration

Synopsis

Lesson 1:
Students will examine the 2003 SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) crisis to see how contemporary international events affect legislation in Canada. They will gain an understanding of the present role of government in preserving the health and safety of Canadians.

Lesson 2:
Students will explore the crisis that was created by the fevers carried by Irish immigrants fleeing the Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s. They will explore the link between the past and present roles of government in preserving the health and safety of Canadians.

Some "Big Ideas"

• Since before Confederation, Canada has dealt with issues and events that have occurred far outside its borders and that have affected its sovereignty, and the health and safety of Canadians.
• Issues and concerns have led to policies, laws and regulations that have been published in the Canada Gazette each week since 1841.
• Researchers use primary and secondary sources, including government documents, for information.

Unit Summary Chart

Downloadable Formats

Curriculum Connections

Suggested Learner Modifications

• Allow a student to dictate responses to a buddy or into a tape recorder to later expand into short notes or sentences.
• Set up a Word Wall with key vocabulary (e.g., quarantine, virus, infection, respiratory, legislation).
• Allow visual representation (drawing) along with written expression or as a mode of brainstorming to generate vocabulary.

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Further Research |  Copyright/Sources