A Look at Canada

Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities

All Canadians have certain rights and responsibilities. They are based on Canadian laws, traditions and shared values.

About the citizenship test You will be asked questions about the rights and responsibilities of being a Canadian citizen.

Many of these rights are defined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which is part of Canada’s Constitution. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms legally protects the basic rights and freedoms of everyone in Canada. Some of these rights and freedoms are

• legal rights, such as the right to a fair trial;
• equality rights, such as the right to protection against discrimination;
• mobility rights, such as the right to live and work anywhere in Canada;
• Aboriginal peoples’ rights; and
• basic freedoms, such as freedom of thought, speech, religion and peaceful assembly.

As Canadians, our rights are defined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. ~~~~~ Voting in elections is both a right and a responsibility.

Some citizenship rights are defined in Canadian laws. One such right is the right to be given preference for jobs in the federal government.

Many of these rights and freedoms existed in earlier laws. However, with the creation of the Charter in 1982, they became better defined and better protected.

With these rights come responsibilities for everyone in Canada. Individual Canadians and all levels of Canadian government have the responsibility to respect the rights and freedoms of all Canadians. However, it is important to realize that the rights of a single Canadian or a group of Canadians cannot interfere with the rights of any other. For this reason, courts must interpret the Charter from time to time to make sure that it is applied fairly in all situations.

Citizenship rights

Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadian citizens have the right to

• be candidates in federal, provincial and territorial elections;
• be educated in either official language;
• apply for a Canadian passport;
• vote in federal and provincial or territorial elections; and
• enter and leave Canada freely.

Citizenship also brings responsibilities. For example, voting in elections is both a right and a responsibility. Before you read the next section, review the list of rights and try to think of the responsibilities that come with them.

Citizenship responsibilities

All Canadian citizens have the responsibility to

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

Getting involved in Canada

Being a Canadian citizen is more than voting and obeying laws. Being a citizen also means getting involved in your community and your country. Everyone has something to give to make Canada a better place. Here are some ways to participate:

• join a community group such as an environmental group;
• volunteer to work on an election campaign for a candidate of your choice;
• help your neighbours;
• work with others to solve problems in your community; and
• become a candidate in an election.

Oath of Citizenship

To become a Canadian citizen you will be required to repeat the Oath after the presiding officer.