Canadian law has several sources, including laws passed by Parliament and the provincial legislatures, English common law, the civil code of France, and the unwritten constitution inherited from Great Britain. Canadians are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which is part of the Constitution.
Canadian Rights and Freedoms
Canadian rights and freedoms are rooted in an 800-year-old tradition that reaches back to Magna Carta (1215) in England, the foundation of English common law. Among the freedoms passed down from this tradition is the right of habeas corpus — the right to challenge unlawful detention by the state.
The Charter guarantees fundamental freedoms including:
- Freedom of conscience and religion
- Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of speech and of the press
- Freedom of peaceful assembly
- Freedom of association
Other rights include mobility rights (to live and work anywhere in Canada, to enter and leave the country freely, and to apply for a passport), Aboriginal peoples' rights, official language rights, minority language educational rights, multiculturalism, and the equality of men and women.
Equality of Men and Women
In Canada, men and women are equal under the law. Canada's openness and generosity do not extend to barbaric cultural practices that tolerate spousal abuse, "honour killings," female genital mutilation, forced marriage, or other gender-based violence. Those guilty of these crimes are severely punished under Canada's criminal laws.
Responsibilities of Citizenship
Canadian citizens have responsibilities as well as rights. These include:
- Obeying the law — one of Canada's founding principles is the rule of law
- Taking responsibility for oneself and one's family
- Serving on a jury when called to do so
- Voting in elections
- Helping others in the community
- Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment
Defending Canada
There is no compulsory military service in Canada. However, serving in the regular Canadian Forces (navy, army, and air force) is a noble way to contribute to Canada and an excellent career choice.