R. v. Big M Drug Mart Ltd.

Definition

R. v. Big M Drug Mart Ltd. is a landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision from 1985 that dealt with the constitutionality of the Lord's Day Act, which mandated Sunday as a day of rest and prohibited businesses from operating on that day. This case highlighted the importance of balancing majority societal values with the rights of minority groups, specifically religious minorities, in a pluralistic society. The ruling emphasized that laws should respect individual freedoms and not impose religious beliefs on those who do not adhere to them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled that the Lord's Day Act violated Section 2(a) of the Charter, which protects freedom of conscience and religion.
2. The decision emphasized that laws must be neutral and not favor any particular religion or belief system over others.
3. The case was significant in establishing a precedent for the protection of minority rights against majority rule in Canadian law.
4. The ruling reinforced the importance of individual freedoms in a multicultural society, showcasing the need for legal protections for diverse beliefs.
5. This case also highlighted the ongoing tension between secular laws and religious practices within Canadian society.

Review Questions

• How did R. v. Big M Drug Mart Ltd. establish a precedent for balancing minority rights against majority societal values?
  • R. v. Big M Drug Mart Ltd. set an important precedent by demonstrating that laws reflecting majority values cannot infringe upon the rights of minority groups. The Supreme Court ruled against the Lord's Day Act on the grounds that it imposed religious practices on those who do not subscribe to them, thus prioritizing individual freedoms over majoritarian preferences. This case paved the way for future legal challenges aimed at protecting minority rights within Canadian law.
• In what ways does the ruling in R. v. Big M Drug Mart Ltd. connect to the principles laid out in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
  • The ruling in R. v. Big M Drug Mart Ltd. directly relates to the principles in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, particularly regarding freedom of religion and conscience. The Supreme Court found that the Lord's Day Act violated Section 2(a) of the Charter by enforcing religious practices upon individuals who may not share those beliefs. This case underscored the necessity for laws to be consistent with constitutional protections, ensuring that legislation respects diverse religious views and maintains neutrality in a pluralistic society.
• Critically evaluate how R. v. Big M Drug Mart Ltd. impacts discussions surrounding secularism and legal frameworks in Canada today.
  • R. v. Big M Drug Mart Ltd. plays a crucial role in ongoing discussions about secularism within Canadian law by illustrating how legislation must avoid endorsing specific religious beliefs. The decision highlights the importance of creating a legal framework that respects individual rights while maintaining neutrality in matters of faith. As Canadian society continues to evolve with increasing diversity, this case serves as a benchmark for assessing how laws can balance secular principles with respect for various cultural practices, ensuring that all individuals feel included and protected under the law.

Related terms

Charter of Rights and Freedoms: A constitutional document that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all Canadians, including freedom of religion, expression, and assembly.

Secularism: The principle of separating religion from government institutions and ensuring that religious beliefs do not influence legislative processes.

Majoritarianism:

A political theory that holds that the majority's preferences should prevail in decision-making processes, often at the expense of minority rights.