Rights and Responsibilities of Canadian Citizenship

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Rights and Responsibilities of Canadian Citizenship

All Canadian Citizen’s whether born or naturalized have Rights and Responsibilities accrued to them upon receipt of their citizenship. These rights and responsibilities must be maintained and are based on Canadian Laws and the shared values of the society. Many of these are defined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which is part of the Constitution of Canada. Certain of the rights and responsibilities are listed herewith and are tested as part of the Citizenship test.

Rights and Freedoms	Responsibilities
- legal rights; - equality rights; - mobility rights; - Aboriginal peoples’ rights; - freedom of thought; - freedom of speech; - freedom of religion; and - the right to peaceful assembly - apply for a passport, - run in elections, and - right to vote in elections	- understand and obey Canada’s laws; - express opinions freely while respecting the rights and freedoms of others; and - help others in the community; - care for and protect our heritage and environment; - eliminate discrimination and injustice. - vote in elections( municipal, provincial and federal) - support Canada’s ideals in building the country

Enforcing Your Rights & Freedom

If the rights of an individual have been violated by the federal or provincial governments, recourse may be taken in Court.

If the rights of an individual have been violated by a private individual, justice can be sought from the federal or provincial Human Rights Commissions or from the Ombudspersons, whose responsibility it is to hear, investigate, and resolve human rights violations.

If an individual requires legal assistance to enforce his or her right and cannot afford to pay for a lawyer, Legal Aid in the local community can be contacted for assistance.