CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is one part of the Canadian Constitution. The Constitution is a set of laws
containing the basic rules about how our country operates. For example, it contains the powers of the federal government and
those of the provincial governments in Canada.
The Charter sets out those rights and freedoms that Canadians believe are necessary in a free and democratic society. Some
of the rights and freedoms contained in the Charter are:
- freedom of expression the right to a democratic government
- the right to live and to seek employment anywhere in Canada
- legal rights of persons accused of crimes
Aboriginal peoples' rights
- the right to equality, including the equality of men and women
- the right to use either of Canada's official languages
- the right of French and English linguistic minorities to an education in their language
- the protection of Canada's multicultural heritage.
How do you enforce your rights?
If your rights have been violated by the federal or provincial governments, you can challenge that action in court.
If your rights have been violated by a private individual, you can seek justice from federal or provincial Human Rights
Commissions or Ombudspersons, whose jobs it is to hear, investigate, and resolve human rights violations.
If you require legal assistance to enforce your rights, but cannot afford to pay for a lawyer, you may be eligible for
free or low-cost Legal Aid in your local community.
Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada
