The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Part of the Constitution Act, 1982
- Guarantees fundamental freedoms to everyone in Canada
- Key rights: freedom of conscience and religion, freedom of thought and expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of association
- Mobility rights: Canadians can live and work anywhere in Canada
- Equality rights: All are equal regardless of race, sex, disability, etc.
- Language rights: English and French are Canada's two official languages
⚠️ TRAP: The Charter protects everyone in Canada, not just citizens. But voting and running for office are rights reserved for citizens.
Magna Carta (1215)
- Established that no one is above the law, not even the King
- Foundation of Canadian constitutional heritage
- Led to concepts of habeas corpus (protection from arbitrary detention)
Habeas Corpus
- Latin for "you must have the body"
- Right not to be held in prison without being charged with a specific crime
- Protects against arbitrary arrest and detention
Six Responsibilities of Citizenship
- Obeying the law, Everyone must follow Canadian laws
- Taking responsibility for oneself and one's family, Getting a job, caring for family
- Serving on a jury when called, Legal obligation when summoned
- Voting in elections, Civic responsibility (not legally mandatory)
- Helping others in the community, Volunteering, helping neighbours
- Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment
🧠 MEMORY HOOK, "OLD VHP": Obey law, Look after family, Duty (jury), Vote, Help community, Protect environment
The Citizenship Oath
Applicants swear or affirm the Oath of Citizenship at the ceremony. It pledges allegiance to the Sovereign (currently King Charles III) and promises to observe the laws and fulfil the duties of a Canadian citizen.
Gender Equality
- Canada's law does not allow practices such as forced marriage, "honour" killings, female genital mutilation, or other gender-based violence
- Women and men are equal under Canadian law
- Women have full voting rights (since 1918 for federal elections; Quebec was last province, 1940)
The Famous Five
- Five Alberta women who fought for women's right to be appointed to the Senate
- Persons Case (1929): The British Privy Council ruled women are "persons" under the law
- Names: Emily Murphy, Irene Parlby, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Henrietta Muir Edwards