Rights and responsibilities
Chapter 1 of 10 in the official guide, Discover Canada (“Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship”). This summary is ours: it does not replace the guide.
Citizenship brings rights and responsibilities. This chapter explains where Canadians' freedoms come from and what the law expects of every citizen.
Where rights come from
- Canadians' freedoms go back to Magna Carta, the Great Charter of Freedoms, signed in England in 1215.
- The legal system rests on laws passed by Parliament and the provinces, English common law, the civil code of France and the unwritten constitution inherited from Great Britain.
- Since 1982, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has been part of the Constitution.
Freedoms to know
- The fundamental freedoms: conscience and religion; thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press; peaceful assembly; association.
- Habeas corpus: the right to challenge unlawful detention by the state before a court.
- Mobility rights: live and work anywhere in Canada, enter and leave the country freely, apply for a passport.
- Women and men are equal under the law. Forced marriage, spousal abuse and “honour killings” are crimes.
A citizen's responsibilities
- Obey the law, and take responsibility for yourself and your family.
- Serve on a jury when called, and vote in elections.
- Help others in your community, and protect our heritage and environment.
- There is no compulsory military service; serving in the Canadian Armed Forces is a noble way to contribute.
- The Oath of Citizenship is sworn to King Charles III, King of Canada, his heirs and successors.
2 free questions to test yourself
Question 1 of 2
Rights and responsibilities
Which document, added to the Constitution in 1982, protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of Canadians?
In 1982, the Constitution was amended to entrench the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Magna Carta dates from 1215; the British North America Act, from 1867.
Show the answer
A. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms In 1982, the Constitution was amended to entrench the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Magna Carta dates from 1215; the British North America Act, from 1867.
Question 2 of 2
Rights and responsibilities
Which of these is a responsibility of Canadian citizens?
Serving on a jury is a responsibility of citizenship, like obeying the law and voting. Voting is not compulsory in Canada, and there is no compulsory military service.
Show the answer
D. Serving on a jury when called to do so Serving on a jury is a responsibility of citizenship, like obeying the law and voting. Voting is not compulsory in Canada, and there is no compulsory military service.