BA> I am not so sure what the Canadian constitution guarantees its 
 BA> citizens (or are the subjects, Canada being a monarchy?)
Dear Barry:
As a Canadian, I can tell you that the Canadian constitution and Charter 
of Rights and Freedoms guarantees its citizens the same basic human rights 
the American one does, such as:
- free press
- freedom of thought and expression
- freedom of religion
- rule of law
- right to equal treatment under the law for all
And so on.  There are a few that are different, such as the section on 
language rights.  The separation of powers is different as well, being 
balanced more toward a strong central government.  The American 
constitution is balanced more toward a weaker central government.
Canada is not a monarchy.  We've had an independent representative 
parliamentary democracy since 1867, when the British gave us our 
independance.  Our government is patterned after the British model 
(surprise!) and is not accountable to the U.K. It has an elected lower 
house and an appointed-for-life upper house.
The Queen is still the sovereign and there is a place in the government 
for a Governor-General who acts as the Crown's representative.  The 
position has no political power and is mostly ceremonial.  G-G's are 
decided by the goverment.
(Moderator, I'll stop being off-topic now.  I promise.)
See you,
Steve
... 668:  The Neighbour Of The Beast
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