The Great Library has a significant collection of secondary source material relating to the Charter and the 1982 Constitution Act which may serve as solid platforms for substantive research. Here are a few sources we have found most helpful in conducting Charter research:
Used independently or in tandem with the debates, this text complements the Minutes of Proceedings and Evidence of the Special Joint Committee of the Senate and of the House of Commons on the Constitution of Canada. It provides context to the debates by outlining the historic process of patriation in Canada and by breaking down and analyzing the major topics discussed.
A helpful guide to the many documents involved with the patriation of Canada, the Constitution Act of 1982 (Charter included) and the history of its amendments. Comprised of original documents, this item allows a chronological snapshot of the meetings, correspondence and drafts that were produced during the constitutional negotiation which spanned over two decades.
Not only does this text provide an annotation to the Charter, it also annotates other related legislation such as the Canadian Bill of Rights, the American Bill of Rights, and various international conventions. This text also provides a legislative history of the 1982 Constitution Act from its beginnings through to enactment.
This CPD series is produced annually by the Ontario Bar Association and explores essential updates concerning the Charter. More specifically, the Charter Conference series provides overviews of recent developments in Charter jurisprudence and practice.