Well Robert, the Charter had a disgusting birth. I was there, along with a small group of Canadians. We had one object in mind and that was to have Canadians involved with its birth.

But that was not to be. The Charter was sent to Committee with the proviso "By invitation only".  Ordinary Canadians were not allowed to even apply to appear before the Committee, the common practice. Two events add emphasis to the lack of ordinary Canadian participation.  One, at the same time, there was a Committee on Boxing touring the country. Any Canadian could apply to appear before the Boxing  committee.  Not the Charter. Two, there is a grievous error, namely there is no penalty for violating the Charter. This the Charter has in common with employer pension legislation where there is a grievous error and Canadians were not allowed to participate.   

I find it disturbing indeed that these facts were not picked up by the media. Instead, it praises the Charter.