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Rights of citizens
- Canadian citizens have democratic rights, including the right to vote and run for elected office.
- The Charter protects fundamental freedoms such as expression, religion, peaceful assembly, and association.
- Equality before and under the law is an important Canadian principle.
- Mobility rights allow Canadians to live and work anywhere in Canada, leave and enter the country, and apply for a Canadian passport.
- Official language rights recognize the equal status of English and French in Parliament and the federal government.
Responsibilities of citizens
- Citizens are expected to obey the law, vote in elections, serve on a jury when called, and help others in the community.
- Respecting the rights and freedoms of others is part of responsible citizenship.
- Protecting Canada's heritage, environment, and democratic institutions supports the common good.
- Taking responsibility for yourself and your family, working according to your abilities, and contributing to society are presented as important Canadian values.
- Volunteering helps people in need, supports communities, and can help newcomers build skills, contacts, and belonging.
Law, equality, and service
- Canadian legal traditions include laws passed by Parliament and legislatures, English common law, French civil law, and constitutional traditions inherited from Britain.
- The Charter was entrenched in the Constitution in 1982 and reflects principles such as the supremacy of law and the dignity of the person.
- Men and women are equal under the law, and gender-based violence, forced marriage, and similar abuses are criminal matters.
- Canada has no compulsory military service, but citizens may serve through the Canadian Forces, reserves, Coast Guard, police, fire, emergency services, or community service.
Important rights to recognize
- Fundamental freedoms include conscience and religion, thought and belief, opinion and expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
- Habeas corpus is the right to challenge unlawful detention by the state, an important legal protection from English common law.
- Aboriginal and treaty rights are protected, and Charter rights must not reduce those existing rights and freedoms.
- Minority language education rights protect access to schooling in English or French in certain circumstances.
Responsibilities in daily life
- Obeying the law includes respecting public rules, court decisions, and the rights of other people.
- Taking care of yourself and your family is described as part of personal responsibility and dignity.
- Protecting the environment can include avoiding waste, reducing pollution, and respecting natural and cultural heritage.
- Community service can include helping schools, food banks, charities, newcomers, neighbours, or local emergency efforts.
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Sample Questions
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Question 1 of 5
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Which is a responsibility of Canadian citizenship?