The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms stands as one of our country’s greatest accomplishments and a moment in our history Canadians can be proud of. It is a document rooted in our Constitution that defines our values and traditions and protects a number of our rights and freedoms. It is a symbol of Canadian democracy that entrenches our right to vote and hold public office.
Today, the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Democratic Institutions, met with grade 10 and 11 students at Harbord Collegiate Institute to mark the upcoming 35th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Minister Gould was joined by the Honourable Laura Albanese, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. Minister Gould took the time to highlight the important role the Charter plays in protecting rights that enable Canadians to participate in the democratic process and have their voice heard in Parliament.
The Minister encouraged young Canadians to become active in Canada’s democracy as of today and to take advantage of the many opportunities that exist to help shape their community as engagement now is likely to develop in life-long habit.
Quotes
“The Charter of Rights and Freedoms embodies Canada’s democratic values. It is foundational to our democracy and represents who we are as Canadians. Marking the 35th anniversary of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is an opportunity to reflect on the work we can all do to improve, strengthen and protect our democratic institutions.”
‑ Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Democratic Institutions
The 35th anniversary of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms serves as an important reminder that we must never take our rights, freedoms and responsibilities for granted. The Charter epitomizes the core values of fairness, respect and tolerance that form the basis of our society and make Ontario and Canada a welcoming place for people seeking new beginnings and opportunities, no matter what part of the world they come from.”
– Honourable Laura Albanese, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Quick Facts
- Embraced by Canadian citizens and seen as a shining example by democracies around the world, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms stands as one of our country’s greatest accomplishments.
- Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Charter protect the democratic rights of Canadian citizens. In particular, Section 3 protects the right of every citizen to vote in an election of members of the House of Commons or a legislative assembly and also guarantees the right of citizens to run for office.
- The Government has introduced Bill C-33 in the House of Commons. If passed, the legislation would break down barriers to voting, increase integrity in the voting system, and expand the franchise to over 1 million Canadian citizens living abroad.
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