Canadian law has several sources, including laws passed by Parliament and provincial legislatures, English common law, the civil code of France, and the unwritten constitution inherited from Great Britain.
Fundamental Freedoms (800-year tradition from Magna Carta 1215):
- • Freedom of conscience and religion
- • Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression
- • Freedom of peaceful assembly
- • Freedom of association
"Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law."
Mobility Rights
Canadians can live and work anywhere in Canada, enter and leave freely, and apply for a passport.
Aboriginal Peoples' Rights
Rights guaranteed in the Charter will not adversely affect treaty or other Aboriginal rights.
Official Language Rights
French and English have equal status in Parliament and throughout government.
Multiculturalism
A fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage and identity.
In Canada, men and women are equal under the law. Canada's openness and generosity do not extend to barbaric cultural practices that tolerate:
- • Spousal abuse
- • "Honour killings"
- • Female genital mutilation
- • Forced marriage
- • Other gender-based violence
Those guilty of these crimes are severely punished under Canada's criminal laws.
In Canada, rights come with responsibilities:
Obeying the Law
One of Canada's founding principles is the rule of law. No person or group is above the law.
Taking Responsibility
Getting a job, taking care of family, and working hard are important Canadian values.
Serving on a Jury
When called, you are legally required to serve. This makes the justice system work.
Voting in Elections
The right to vote comes with responsibility to vote in federal, provincial, and local elections.
Helping Others
Millions volunteer freely - helping people in need, schools, food banks, and newcomers.
Protecting Heritage
Every citizen has a role in avoiding waste and protecting Canada's natural and cultural heritage.
To understand what it means to be Canadian, it is important to know about our three founding peoples: Aboriginal, French, and British.
Aboriginal Peoples
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis - the original inhabitants with diverse cultures rooted in spiritual beliefs.
French
7 million Francophones, mostly in Quebec. Acadians are descendants of French colonists from 1604.
British
18 million Anglophones. English, Welsh, Scottish, and Irish settlers established the basic way of life.
Canada is often referred to as a land of immigrants. Over the past 200 years, millions of newcomers have helped build and defend our way of life.
Largest Groups:
English, French, Scottish, Irish, German, Italian, Chinese, Aboriginal, Ukrainian, Dutch, South Asian, and Scandinavian.
Religious Diversity:
Majority identify as Christians (Catholic largest, followed by Protestant churches). Growing numbers of Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, and others.
LGBTQ+ Rights:
Gay and lesbian Canadians enjoy full protection and equal treatment under the law, including access to civil marriage.
- • Know the four fundamental freedoms
- • Understand Charter rights (mobility, language, etc.)
- • Remember the six citizenship responsibilities
- • Learn about the three founding peoples
- • Understand equality principles
- • Know about Canadian diversity