A Canadian's rights and responsibilities flow from history, are secured by Canadian law, and reflect shared traditions, identity, and values. They rest on an 800-year tradition of ordered liberty dating back to Magna Carta (1215), and citizenship carries real duties in return.
FoundationsWhere our rights come from
Canadian law draws on several sources: laws passed by Parliament and the provincial legislatures, English common law, the civil code of France, and the unwritten constitution inherited from Great Britain. Together these secure an 800-year-old tradition of ordered liberty.
Magna Carta — also called the Great Charter of Freedoms — is signed in England, marking the start of the tradition of ordered liberty.
Habeas corpus, the right to challenge unlawful detention by the state, comes from English common law.
CharterFundamental freedoms
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees a set of fundamental freedoms that every Canadian enjoys.
Remember this
- Freedom of conscience and religion
- Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of speech and of the press
- Freedom of peaceful assembly
- Freedom of association
1982The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Constitution of Canada was amended in 1982 to entrench the Charter. It begins, "Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law."
Mobility Rights let Canadians live and work anywhere they choose in Canada, enter and leave the country freely, and apply for a passport. Official Language Rights give French and English equal status in Parliament and throughout the government, and multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of Canada's heritage and identity. Under Aboriginal Peoples' Rights, Charter rights will not adversely affect any treaty or other rights or freedoms of Aboriginal peoples.
EqualityEquality 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 such as spousal abuse, "honour killings," female genital mutilation, forced marriage, or other gender-based violence; those guilty of such crimes are severely punished under Canada's criminal laws.
DutiesResponsibilities of citizenship
With its rights, citizenship carries responsibilities. One of Canada's founding principles is the rule of law — no person or group is above the law.
Remember this
- Obeying the law
- Taking responsibility for yourself and your family
- Serving on a jury when called — you are legally required to serve
- Voting in federal, provincial/territorial and local elections
- Helping others in the community through volunteering
- Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment
ServiceDefending Canada
There is no compulsory military service in Canada. Serving in the regular Canadian Forces — navy, army and air force — is a noble way to contribute and an excellent career choice.
You can also serve part-time in the navy, militia and air reserves, and young people can join the cadets. Other ways to serve include the Coast Guard or community emergency services such as a police force or fire department.
Now put it to the test
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