Notes for Instructors
Karen Westcott's story contradicts the notion that people on social
assistance are passive victims who do nothing to change the world around
them. This piece may also have special relevance for learning disabled
students.
Many of the themes in this piece reflect the content of the Integrated
Unit GOVERNMENT AND LAW, pp. 38-5 5 in the ABE Level I Instructor's
Handbook. The discussion of minimum wage in the unit OCCUPATIONAL
KNOWLEDGE, p. 88 of the Handbook is also
relevant, as is the information under "Consumer Protection"
in the unit CONSUMER EDUCATION, pp. 69-70 in the Handbook.
The co-operative movement has been active in Newfoundland and Labrador
since the 1930s. For a history of this movement in the province, see
the article "Co-operatives" pp. 518-526 in the Encyclopedia
of Newfoundland and Labrador, Volume I. Many co-operative businesses
operate today, including Credit Unions and Co-op supermarkets, and fishermen's
co-ops on Fogo Island and in Petty Harbour. You may wish to include
a discussion of co-operative businesses when studying this piece.
Topics for Discussion
- Levels of government and what they do.
- The ways in which peaceful public pressure is used to change laws
in a democratic system.
- The right to freedom of expression in Canada.
- How people make their views known to government officials.
- Labour laws and how they affect working conditions.
- How people find out about their rights.
- Protection under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- The education of children with special needs.
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