Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
Sources of Canadian Law:
- Parliament & provincial legislatures.
- English common law.
- French civil code.
- Unwritten British constitution.
Based on 800+ years of ordered liberty, starting with Magna Carta (1215).
Magna Carta = Great Charter of Freedoms
Fundamental Freedoms
Freedom of conscience & religion.
Freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression.
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Includes freedom of speech and the press,
Freedom of peaceful assembly.
Freedom of association.
Habeas Corpus — right to challenge unlawful detention (From English Common Law).
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (amended in 1982)
Begins with: “Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law.”
Highlights:
- Mobility Rights - live/work anywhere, enter/leave Canada, apply for a passport.
- Aboriginal Peoples’ Rights.
- Language Rights - English and French are equal in Parliament and the government.
- Multiculturalism - core to Canadian identity; respect for pluralism and harmony.
Gender Equality
Men and women are equal under the law.
Barbaric practices not tolerated (under Criminal Laws), including:
- Spousal abuse.
- Honour killings.
- Female genital mutilation.
- Forced marriage.
Responsibilities of Citizenship
Obey the law - no person or group is above the law (rule of law).
Take responsibility for self and family - work, provide, and contribute.
Serve on a jury - a legal duty and civic privilege; ensures fair justice.
Vote in elections - federal, provincial/territorial, and local.
Help others in the community - volunteer, support charities, and aid newcomers.
Protect and enjoy heritage/environment.
Defending Canada (Optional but Honorable)
No mandatory military service
Service opportunities:
- Canadian Forces (full-time navy, army, air force)
- Militia & Air Reserves (part-time service near home)
- Cadets - for youth to gain skills and discipline
- Coast Guard & emergency services - police, fire, etc.
Contributes to safety and continues a legacy of national service.