Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship

Canadian citizens have the right to vote in federal, provincial or territorial, and municipal elections, and the right to run for public office. Citizens also have the right to enter, remain in, and leave Canada, and the right to earn a living and reside in any province or territory.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which is part of the Constitution, was enacted in 1982. It sets out the rights and freedoms that Canadians believe are necessary in a free and democratic society. These include:

Fundamental freedoms (freedom of conscience and religion; freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression, including freedom of the press and other media; freedom of peaceful assembly; and freedom of association).

Democratic rights (every citizen has the right to vote in elections and to run for public office).

Mobility rights (Canadians can live and work anywhere in Canada, and can enter, remain in, and leave the country).

Legal rights (the right to life, liberty, and security of the person; freedom from unreasonable search and seizure; the right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned; the right to legal counsel and the guarantee of habeas corpus; the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty; and the right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment).

Equality rights (the right to equal treatment before and under the law, equal protection, and equal benefit of the law without discrimination).

Language rights (English and French have equal status in Parliament and throughout the Government of Canada).

Canadian citizens have responsibilities as well as rights. These include:

Obeying the law - One of Canada's founding principles is the rule of law. Individuals and governments are regulated by laws and not by arbitrary actions. No person or group is above the law.

Taking responsibility for oneself and one's family - Getting a job, taking care of one's family, and working hard in keeping with one's abilities are important Canadian values. Work contributes to personal dignity and self-respect, and to Canada's prosperity.

Serving on a jury - When called to do so, you are legally required to serve. Serving on a jury is a privilege that makes the justice system work, as it depends on impartial juries made up of citizens.

Voting in elections - It is important that Canadian citizens exercise their right to vote. Voting in federal, provincial or territorial, and municipal elections is one of the most important ways to participate in Canada's democracy.

Helping others in the community - Millions of volunteers donate their time to help others without pay. Volunteering is an excellent way to gain useful skills and develop friends and contacts.

Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment - Every citizen has a role to play in avoiding waste and pollution while guarding Canada's natural, cultural, and architectural heritage for future generations.

There is no compulsory military service in Canada. However, serving in the regular Canadian Forces (navy, army, and air force) is a noble way to contribute to Canada and an excellent career choice. You can serve in your local variously named reserve force in your community on a part-time basis.

In times of crisis, many Canadians have joined the military to defend the country and its values. Canada has fought in a number of wars, including the First World War (1914-1918), Second World War (1939-1945), and the Korean War (1950-1953).

On November 11, Canadians observe Remembrance Day. We remember the men and women who served Canada in times of war, military conflict, and peace. The red poppy is worn to remember the sacrifice of Canadians who have served or died in wars and military missions.