Rights and Responsibilities of Canadian Citizenship

Question-and-answer flashcards covering key rights, freedoms, responsibilities and related concepts from the Canadian citizenship study notes.

What are the four sources of Canadian law?

Laws passed by Parliament and provincial legislatures, English common law, the civil code of France, and the unwritten constitution inherited from Great Britain.

Which historic document from 1215 began Canada's tradition of ordered liberty?

Magna Carta, also known as the Great Charter of Freedoms.

Which freedom guarantees Canadians can practise any religion or none at all?

Freedom of conscience and religion.

Which freedom protects Canadians' right to voice opinions and publish in the press?

Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of speech and of the press.

What freedom allows Canadians to gather peacefully for demonstrations or meetings?

Freedom of peaceful assembly.

Which freedom lets Canadians join organizations such as unions or political parties?

Freedom of association.

What is habeas corpus?

The right to challenge unlawful detention by the state, originating in English common law.

In what year was the Canadian Constitution amended to include the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

1982.

What phrase begins the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

“Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law.”

What rights allow Canadians to live and work anywhere in the country and to obtain a passport?

Mobility Rights.

How does the Charter protect Aboriginal Peoples' rights?

It states that guaranteed rights will not adversely affect any treaty or other rights or freedoms of Aboriginal peoples.

Which Charter rights give French and English equal status in Parliament and federal institutions?

Official Language Rights and Minority Language Educational Rights.

What fundamental characteristic of Canadian identity encourages respect for pluralism and harmony?

Multiculturalism.

Does Canada have compulsory military service?

No, military service is voluntary.

Name the three branches of the regular Canadian Forces.

The navy, the army and the air force.

What youth program teaches discipline and responsibility through military-style training?

The cadets.

How are men and women regarded under Canadian law?

They are equal.

List two examples of "barbaric cultural practices" that are criminally punished in Canada.

Honour killings and female genital mutilation (also acceptable: spousal abuse or forced marriage).

What Canadian responsibility requires citizens to follow the rule of law?

Obeying the law.

Which civic duty makes the justice system work by requiring impartial citizens to decide cases?

Serving on a jury.

What responsibility accompanies the right to vote?

Voting in federal, provincial or territorial, and local elections.

Give two examples of volunteering that fulfil the responsibility of helping others in the community.

Examples include volunteering at a food bank, assisting at a child's school, helping newcomers integrate, etc.

Why is taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family important in Canada?

Working to support oneself and one's family contributes to personal dignity, self-respect and Canada’s prosperity.

What responsibility encourages Canadians to avoid waste and protect natural, cultural and architectural sites?

Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment.

Besides the military, name two services where Canadians can volunteer to help protect their community.

The Coast Guard and emergency services such as the police or fire department.