Envision the desperate choices faced by families in war-torn countries or those in search of better opportunities, drawing them to consider Canada as a refuge or a land of prospects. Section 7 of Canada's Charter demonstrates a commitment to humanitarianism, attracting global immigrants and refugees. However, this type of hospitality has its complexities. Analyze the motivations behind immigration, the effects on existing residents, and how to respond to international crises. Examine the delicate balance in Canadian immigration policies: when do they offer a welcoming gateway for new beginnings, and when do they inadvertently create barriers that divide?

Knowing how we're governed and why can ensure a high quality of life for all citizens. Explore the delicate balance between rules and individual freedom in governance. Laws are crucial for societal order, but who should wield the power to make them? Investigate this through the lens of Orwell's Animal Farm, where power shifts from the many to the few, and corruption results. Let’s see how Canada's parliamentary system compares to this dystopian narrative, drawing wisdom from scripture to find our God’s heart for good government.

Examine the depth of your entitlements and responsibilities, and how they align with your identity in Christ, a foundation for serving others. This inquiry centers on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, questioning its effectiveness in protecting the individual rights of Canadians. Reflect on the rights you consider inherent to your humanity, ranging from basic needs like food and housing to broader concepts like respect, safety, and freedom of conscience. Consider what to do when individual rights conflict: like your right to religion and another’s right to use free speech against you. Assess how well the Charter upholds or falls short in safeguarding these rights, equipping you with knowledge to advocate for future improvements.

Teenage years bring a challenging balance between seeking independence and respecting authority, and this tension existed even in Romeo and Juliet’s time of forbidden love. This period tests teens’ ability to make thoughtful decisions amidst the pressure to mature. It highlights the importance of patience and restraint, reflecting Christian love, and the consequences of impulsivity when strong emotions drive choices. Let’s study a shortened version of Shakespeare’s timeless play to learn that self-control is crucial, as teens navigate intense emotions like love, anger, and frustration.

Confront the growing reality of youth violence and the complex challenge of delivering equitable justice. In a society where restitution for victims is crucial, there's also a pressing need to humanely address young offenders, offering them a chance for redemption. This exploration considers the fragile balance of justice and mercy, a balance that the Christian ethic deeply emphasizes through forgiveness and grace, as exemplified by Christ. Engage in the delicate task of determining fair sentences for real and fictional cases, understanding the intricacies of judicial decisions, and then, through the film study of Hugo's Les Miserables, experience the profound impact of grace and mercy in transforming lives.

Reflect on the nature of bravery through the lens of Corrie ten Boom's daunting challenge against the Nazi occupation of Holland during World War II. Her story of facing overwhelming odds prompts us to question our own capacity for courage in the face of adversity. True courage and conviction, as desired by God, are forged in the crucible of challenges and risks. By leaning into Christ for strength, we can, as the Apostle Paul proclaims, become 'more than conquerors through Him who loved us' (Romans 8:37). This unit offers a deep dive into the development of courage, conviction, and strength, learning from those who have bravely faced their darkest moments.

Envision yourself as your household's financial manager, tasked with fairly distributing income to satisfy your family's varied needs and desires. This role demands careful consideration of different preferences and needs, similar to the challenges in the broader field of economics. Understanding how various economic systems, from socialism to capitalism, cater to societal needs is crucial, just like in your family, where your parents will likely value different things than you do. Canada's mixed economy embodies this complexity of competing values, influencing its citizens' quality of life.

Reflect on the adage 'Money doesn't buy happiness' in the context of our consumer-driven society. Bombarded with advertisements daily, it's important to assess our spending habits and their impact on our quality of life. The relentless pursuit of more possessions often leads to cluttered homes, overflowing landfills, and unfulfilled desires, fostering habits of overspending, poor health, and envy. Yet, there is power in making intentional consumer choices, aligning with the biblical principles of contentment and resisting greed. Explore ways to find fulfillment and happiness with less, embracing a lifestyle that values contentment over material accumulation.

Navigate the challenges posed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, understanding its role in balancing individual and collective rights. The Charter, while foundational, is not flawless, especially in its interpretation of collective rights grounded in unique historical treaties with Canada’s First Nations peoples. Canadians are faced with reconciling past governmental mistakes while promoting national unity. This scenario calls for thoughtful responses from current governments and young citizens to address these issues, fostering not only truth and reconciliation in our diverse nation, but forgiveness and Christ-like love for all.

Imagine embarking on an arduous journey like Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition, reliant on hundred-year-old navigational tools, your 27 crewmen, and human resolve. In an era dominated by technology and instant solutions, consider the resilience required to endure extreme challenges without modern conveniences. This experience asks if you possess the necessary perseverance, faith in God, and trust in your team to survive in dire circumstances. It highlights the human spirit's capacity to thrive under pressure, growing in courage and wisdom through shared hardship. Such experiences remind us that overcoming obstacles is essential for progress, not just scientifically, but also personally and spiritually.