Besides the fundamental freedoms, which rights does the Charter also protect?
- Free housing, free cars and free travel
- Mobility rights, Aboriginal peoples’ rights and multiculturalism
- The right to avoid taxes and jury duty
- The right to vote at 16 and free university
Answer: Mobility rights, Aboriginal peoples’ rights and multiculturalism
Besides the fundamental freedoms, the Charter sets out other rights. These include mobility rights, Aboriginal peoples’ rights, official language rights, minority language educational rights and multiculturalism. Free housing or free university are not Charter rights.
Learn more: The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- The Constitution of Canada was amended in 1982 to entrench the Charter.
- It begins: “Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law.”
- This phrase underlines the importance of religious traditions to Canadian society and the dignity and worth of the human person.
- Mobility rights: Canadians can live and work anywhere in Canada, enter and leave the country freely, and apply for a passport.
- Aboriginal peoples’ rights: Charter rights will not adversely affect any treaty or other rights or freedoms of Aboriginal peoples.
- Official language rights: French and English have equal status in Parliament and throughout the government.
- The Charter also protects minority language educational rights.
- Multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage and identity. Canadians respect pluralism and try to live in harmony.