According to both the
Criminal Code of Canada
, and Alberta's
Family Law Act
, parents
must
provide their children with necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. This is true at least until the child is 16.
Education
Parents are required by law to provide their children with an education once they are six years old. The education they must provide must meet acceptable standards. For most people, this means sending their children to a school provided by a school board, though more parents these days are opting for alternatives such as home schooling.
Supervision
Parents have the responsibility to take reasonable steps to see that their children do not come to harm or harm others.
Discipline
One of the jobs involved in being a parent is raising your child in such a way that he or she can fit into society in a productive manner. Often this process involves disciplining the child. Section 43 of the
Criminal Code
gives parents the right to discipline their children (and this includes the use of force),
but only in ways society considers reasonable
. Excessive punishment, physical or emotional, can get a parent charged under the
Criminal Code.
As well, the child may be taken from the home under the authority of Alberta's
Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.