Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: citizenship test guide
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms became part of Canada's Constitution in 1982. It protects fundamental freedoms, such as religion and expression, and democratic, mobility, legal, equality and language rights. For the test, learn the year, these groups of rights and the responsibilities that go with them.
This guide follows the Discover Canada chapter Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, with the Charter's own text on the Justice Laws website where it helps. igotcitizenship is an independent study app and is not affiliated with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and nothing here is legal advice.
The Charter in brief
- When: the Constitution of Canada was amended in 1982 to entrench the Charter.
- Its opening words: "Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law."
- What it does: it sets out fundamental freedoms and adds further rights. Section 1 says these rights can be subject only to reasonable limits prescribed by law.
- Where rights come from: the guide traces Canadian freedoms back to Magna Carta, signed in England in 1215, and to English common law, which gives us habeas corpus, the right to challenge unlawful detention by the state.
The rights it protects
| Group | What it protects | Charter section |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamental freedoms | Conscience and religion; thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press; peaceful assembly; association | 2 |
| Democratic rights | Every citizen can vote in federal and provincial elections and run for office | 3 |
| Mobility rights | Citizens can enter, remain in and leave Canada, and live and work in any province | 6 |
| Legal rights | Life, liberty and security of the person, and fair treatment by the justice system | 7 to 14 |
| Equality rights | Equality before and under the law, without discrimination | 15 |
| Official languages | English and French have equal status in Parliament and the Government of Canada | 16 to 22 |
| Minority language education | The right, in certain cases, to education in the minority official language | 23 |
| Aboriginal peoples' rights | The Charter does not reduce treaty or other rights of Aboriginal peoples | 25 |
| Multiculturalism | The Charter is read in a way that preserves Canada's multicultural heritage | 27 |
| Equality of women and men | Charter rights are guaranteed equally to men and women | 28 |
Source: Constitution Act, 1982, Part I.
The rights the guide highlights
Discover Canada singles out four as among the most important: mobility rights, Aboriginal peoples' rights, official language rights and minority language educational rights, and multiculturalism. If you remember one list from this chapter, make it that one.
Equality of women and men
The guide is direct on this point: in Canada, men and women are equal under the law, and gender-based violence such as spousal abuse, forced marriage and so-called honour killings is severely punished under criminal law.
Rights come with responsibilities
The guide lists the responsibilities of citizenship next to the rights:
- Obeying the law. No person or group is above the law.
- Taking responsibility for oneself and one's family. Work and caring for family are core values.
- Serving on a jury. When called, you are legally required to serve.
- Voting in elections. Federal, provincial or territorial, and local.
- Helping others in the community. For example, by volunteering.
- Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment. Avoiding waste and pollution.
There is no compulsory military service in Canada, but serving in the Canadian Forces, the reserves or emergency services is described as a noble way to contribute.
Traps to watch for
- 1982, not 1867. Confederation was 1867. The Charter came with the 1982 amendment of the Constitution.
- Voting is a right and a responsibility. Questions may treat it as either.
- Jury duty is required when called. It is not optional.
- Mobility rights include leaving and returning. Not only moving between provinces.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms created?
In 1982, when the Constitution of Canada was amended to entrench it.
What are the fundamental freedoms?
Freedom of conscience and religion; of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including the press; of peaceful assembly; and of association.
What are mobility rights?
The right of citizens to live and work anywhere in Canada, to enter and leave the country freely, and to apply for a passport.
Is voting compulsory in Canada?
No law forces you to vote, but the guide describes voting as a responsibility of citizenship as well as a right.
Where does habeas corpus come from?
From English common law.
For more on the government side, read how Canadians govern themselves. Then test yourself with a free practice test.