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Home » Citizenship » How to Become a Canadian Citizen

Rights and Responsibilities in Canada

Everyone in Canada has rights and responsibilities. These are based on Canadian laws and shared values. Many of these rights are defined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

You will need to know about the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen when you take your citizenship test.

Rights and Responsibilities

Rights and Freedoms

Some rights and freedoms are:

legal rights;
equality rights;
mobility rights;
Aboriginal peoples’ rights;
freedom of thought;
freedom of speech;
freedom of religion; and
the right to peaceful assembly

Responsibilities

Some responsibilities are:

to obey Canada’s laws;
to express opinions freely while respecting the rights and freedoms of others;
to help others in the community;
to care for and protect our heritage and environment; and
to eliminate discrimination and injustice.

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship

When you become a Canadian citizen, you will have new rights and responsibilities.

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship

Citizens have all the rights listed above and the right to:

apply for a passport;
run in elections; and
vote in elections.

Citizens have all the responsibilities listed above and the responsibility to:

vote in elections.

For more information on your rights and responsibilities read the study guide A Look at Canada.


	Last Updated: 2003-03-24		Important Notices