Rights & Responsibilities
Explore the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the responsibilities that come with citizenship.
Canadian citizens have rights and responsibilities. These come to us from our history, are secured by Canadian law, and reflect our shared traditions, identity and values.
Sources of Canadian Law
Canadian law has several sources, including laws passed by Parliament and the provincial legislatures, English common law, the civil code of France, and the unwritten constitution inherited from Great Britain.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Constitution of Canada was amended in 1982 to entrench the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Charter protects:
- •Fundamental Freedoms — conscience, expression, peaceful assembly, association
- •Democratic Rights — right to vote and run for office
- •Mobility Rights — right to enter, remain in, and leave Canada
- •Legal Rights — life, liberty, security of person; protection from unreasonable search and seizure
- •Equality Rights — equal protection under the law without discrimination
- •Official Language Rights — French and English equal status
- •Minority Language Educational Rights
- •Aboriginal Peoples' Rights
- •Multiculturalism — a fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage
The Equality of Women and Men
In Canada, men and women are equal under the law. Canada's openness and generosity do not extend to barbaric cultural practices that tolerate spousal abuse, 'honour killings,' female genital mutilation, forced marriage or other gender-based violence. Those guilty of these crimes are severely punished under Canada's criminal laws.
Responsibilities of Citizenship
In Canada, rights come with responsibilities. Citizens are expected to:
- •Obey Canada's laws
- •Take responsibility for oneself and one's family
- •Help others in the community
- •Vote in elections
- •Serve on a jury when called
- •Pay taxes
- •Protect and enjoy our heritage and environment
- •Defend Canada if needed
Defending Canada
There is no compulsory military service in Canada. However, serving in the Canadian Forces (navy, army and air force) is a noble way to contribute to Canada. You may also serve in the Coast Guard or emergency services such as police or fire departments.
🍁 Key Points to Remember
- •The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is part of the Constitution, enacted in 1982.
- •Canadians enjoy fundamental freedoms, democratic rights, mobility rights, and equality rights.
- •Habeas corpus — the right to challenge unlawful detention — comes from English common law.
- •Men and women are equal under Canadian law.
- •Responsibilities include obeying the law, voting, serving on juries, and paying taxes.