CITIZENSHIPstudyguide
canada

The Canadian Citizenship Practice Test

Canadian Laws

Canadian citizens have many rights and responsibilities that are protected by Canadian laws derived from many sources:

  • Laws passed by Paliament and provincial legistlatures
  • English common law
  • Civil code of France
  • Unwritten constitution inherited from Great Britain

Together these sources secure the rights and protect the liberties and freedoms of Canadian citizens.

Rights and Freedoms

There are two key documents that contain the basis on which Canadian rights and freedoms are secured:

1. The Magna Carta

Signed in England in 1215, the Magna Carta, is also known as the Great Charter of Freedoms and includes:

  • Freedom of conscience and religion
  • Freedom of expression (speech and press), thought, belief and opinion
  • Freedom of peaceful assembly
  • Freedom of association

    • 2. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

    Amended into the Constitution of Canada in 1982, this document further summarizes the fundamental freedoms (in addition to the Great Charter of Freedom) and sets out additional rights which include:

  • Mobility rights: Canadians can live and work anywhere in Canada
  • Aboriginal People's Rights: further guaranteeing Aboriginal rights and treaties
  • Official Language's Rights: that French and English will have equal status in Parliament and the government
  • Multiculturalism: respect pluralism, diversity and live in harmony. In Canada, men and women are equal under the law.

    • Responsibilities

    Rights come with responsibilities and they include:

  • Obeying the law
  • Serving on a jury
  • Voting in elections
  • Helping in the community
  • Protecting Canada's heritage and environment
  • Taking responsibility for oneself and family, as an example: getting a job, taking care of your family and working hard with one's abilities

    • There is no mandatory military service in Canada.