Citizen Rights and Responsibilities 

Information that is displayed here is from a booklet from Citizenship and Immigration Canada called A Look At Canada.

All rights that a citizen of Canada have are based on Canadian Laws traditions and shared values. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is part of the Canadian Constitution that legally protects the basic rights and freedoms of all Canadians. Such rights include:

• democratic rights (voting)
• legal rights (right to fair trial)
• equality rights (protection against discrimination)
• mobility rights (right to live and work in Canada)
• basic freedoms such as freedom of thought, speech, peaceful assembly)
• Some rights are defined in Canadian laws, such as the right to be considered first (given preference) for jobs in the federal government
  

You can read the Canadian Charter by clicking here. The Charter came into force on April 17, 1982.

Having these rights brings responsibilities such as respecting the rights of others. Neither individual or the Canadian government can ignore any right that has been defined in Canadian law. Where conflicts arise the Canadian courts must interpret the Charter to find a fair solution.

Other rights include:

Supreme Court of Canada - Ottawa Photograph © 1999 Richard McGuire

• eligibility to be a Candidate in any federal, provincial/territorial election
• learn in either official language (English or French)
• apply for a Canadian passport
• enter and leave Canada freely

 Other Responsibilities include:

• obey Canadian laws
• work to help others in the community
• express opinions freely while respecting the rights and freedoms of others.
• eliminates discrimination and injustice
• care for Canadian heritage

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