FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND ASSOCIATION FREE

It makes clear that the English-speaking and French-speaking communities of New Brunswick have equal rights, and that the Government of New Brunswick has a duty to protect and promote those rights.īefore the Charter came into effect, other Canadian laws protected many of the rights and freedoms that are now included in it. Section 16.1 was added to the Charter in 1993. One section of the Charter, section 15, came into effect three years after the rest of the Charter, on April 17, 1985, to give governments time to bring their laws into line with the equality rights guaranteed in section 15. The Charter came into force on April 17, 1982. For example, the Charter gives some rights only to Canadian citizens – such as the right to vote ( section 3) and the right “to enter, remain in and leave Canada” ( section 6).

Who does the Charter protect and what rights are protected?Īny person in Canada – whether they are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a newcomer – has the rights and freedoms contained in the Charter.

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND ASSOCIATION FREE

Section 1 of the Charter says that Charter rights can be limited by law so long as those limits can be shown to be reasonable in a free and democratic society. For example, freedom of expression may be limited by laws against hate propaganda or child pornography. They can be limited to protect other rights or important national values. However, the rights and freedoms in the Charter are not absolute. Since the Charter is part of the Constitution, it is the most important law we have in Canada. The Constitution is the supreme law of Canada all other laws must be consistent with the rules set out in it. How does the Charter work with other Canadian laws? For example, it states the powers of the federal, and provincial and territorial governments in Canada. The Constitution is a set of laws containing the basic rules about how our country operates. The Charter is one part of the Canadian Constitution. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms sets out those rights and freedoms that Canadians believe are necessary in a free and democratic society. What is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms? Who does the Charter protect and what rights are protected?.How does the Charter work with other Canadian laws?.What is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?.The legal text of the Charter is published online as Constitution Act, 1982. This content is not legal advice and should not be taken as legal interpretation of the provisions of the Charter. This guide explains the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter) and its importance in the daily lives of Canadians.

Freedom of expression and association