Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The Charter became part of the new Canadian constitution with the Constitution Act in 1982. The Charter guarantees the rights of all Canadian citizens.

Rights Protected by
the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Rights and Freedoms
 This means you can...
Fundamental Freedoms

  • worship as you like and believe what you want

  • express your opinions without fear

  • gather with others peacefully

  • associate with whom you please
Democratic Rights

  • vote in elections

  • run for elections
Mobility Rights

  • enter, remain in, or leave Canada

  • move to, live in, and work in any Canadian province or territory
Legal Rights

  • be assured of the right to life, liberty, and security of person

  • not be put into jail without a fair trial if you are accused of a crime

  • not be subjected to inhumane treatment or punishment
Equality Rights

  • be protected by the law regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion, gender, age, or mental or physical disability
Language Rights

  • use either English or French in any federal government office or in any federal court

  • have your children educated in either English or French where sufficient numbers of students are present
Enforcement

  • take the matter to court if any of the preceding rights and freedoms have been denied
* More information about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is available at Your Guide to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Please close this window to return to the page you were viewing.