Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
What is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms sets out those rights and freedoms that Canadians believe are necessary in a free and democratic society.
The Charter is one part of the Canadian Constitution. The Constitution is a set of laws containing the basic rules about how our country operates. For example, it states the powers of the federal, and provincial and territorial governments in Canada.
Who does the Charter protect and what rights are protected?
Any person in Canada – whether they are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a newcomer – has the rights and freedoms contained in the Charter.
Where can I get more information?
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is publicly available on the Government of Canada website at: