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
Several sources feed Canadian law: the unwritten constitution inherited from Great Britain, English common law, the civil code of France, and laws passed by Parliament and the provincial legislatures. Between them they 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.
From English common law comes habeas corpus, the right to challenge unlawful detention by the state.
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 — speech and the press included
- 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 allow Canadians to live and work anywhere in the country they choose, to come and go freely, and to hold a passport. Official Language Rights put French and English on an equal footing in Parliament and across the government, and multiculturalism stands as a fundamental characteristic of Canada's heritage and identity. Aboriginal Peoples' Rights ensure that Charter rights do not adversely affect treaty or other rights and freedoms of Aboriginal peoples.
EqualityEquality of women and men
Men and women are equal under the law in Canada. The country's openness and generosity stop short of barbaric cultural practices — spousal abuse, "honour killings," female genital mutilation, forced marriage and other gender-based violence. Anyone guilty of such crimes faces severe punishment 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
Canada has no compulsory military service. Serving in the regular Canadian Forces — the navy, the army, the air force — is a noble contribution and an excellent career besides.
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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