The Rights of a Canadian Citizen

In 1982 Canada’s Constitution was revised to incorporate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This document begins:

“Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognise the supremacy of God and the rule of law.”

This shows us that Canada not only values its religious traditions but also human dignity and values.

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms sums up all the rights and freedoms Canadians have gathered from  their history and encompasses some new ones, including:

• Multiculturalism (Canadians should always respect those from cultures different to themselves and live harmoniously with others).
• Language rights (French and English have the same status in every branch of government).
• Rights of Aboriginal people (none of the rights granted to Canadians can have a negative impact on any treaties or other freedoms and rights for Canada’s aboriginal people).
• Mobility rights (Canadians are free to live and work anywhere in Canada they choose, be granted a passport, and allowed to travel abroad without hindrance).