Graphics and learning resources

Infobites: Five things you may not know about the Charter

To save an infobite to your computer, click on one of the thumbnails, then right-click the larger version and select “save as”.

  • Fact 1 image described below

    Fact 1: The Charter has served as a model for human rights protections around the world. Among others, South Africa and New Zealand looked to the Charter when drafting their Bill of Rights.

  • Fact 2 image described below

    Fact 2: Section 15 of the Charter (equality rights) came into force 3 years after the Charter, so that governments had time to ensure their laws and policies respected everyone’s equality rights. – 1982 (Charter signed into law) to 1985 (Equality rights came into force)

  • Fact 3 image described below

    Fact 3: According to Statistics Canada, Canadians rank the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as our most important national symbol, beating out other symbols like hockey or the beaver.

  • Fact 4 image described below

    Fact 4: The Charter has been to outer space. Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau took a copy of the Charter with him on one of his missions.

  • Fact 5 image described below

    Fact 5: The Charter has been translated into 23 languages including Hindi, Japanese and Ukrainian. It’s also been published in English and French Braille.

Infographic: Five things you may not know about the Charter

To save an infographic to your computer, click on one of the thumbnails, then right-click the larger version and select “save as”.

Image of Infographic: Five things you may not know about the Charter

Infobites: Rights and freedoms

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  • Democratic Rights image described below

    Democratic Rights: The Charter protects rights that enable you to participate in the democratic process and have your voice heard in Parliament.

  • Equality Rights image described below

    Equality Rights: Everyone has the right not to be discriminated against by the government based on personal characteristics like race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age disability or sexual orientation.

  • Fundamental Freedoms image described below

    Fundamental Freedoms: The Charter protects the freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, opinion, expression, peaceful assembly, and association.

  • Official Languages Rights image described below

    Official Languages Rights: English and French both have equal status, rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and government of Canada.

  • Legal Rights image described below

    Legal Rights: The Charter provides a broad set of legal rights that protect us in our dealings with the justice system. It ensures that everyone is treated fairly during legal proceedings.

  • Minority Language Education Rights image described below

    Minority Language Education Rights: The Charter requires that provincial governments provide education to its citizens in the minority official language of the province where numbers warrant.

  • Mobility Rights image described below

    Mobility Rights: All Canadians have the right to enter, stay in and leave Canada. The Charter also guarantees that you can look for work or set up a business anywhere in Canada.

Infographic: Rights and freedoms

To save an infographic to your computer, click on one of the thumbnails, then right-click the larger version and select “save as”.

Image of Infographic: Rights and freedoms described below

Infobites: Because of the Charter

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  • Because of the Charter - Image 1 image described below

    Because of the Charter, everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty under the law.

  • Because of the Charter - Image 2 image described below

    Because of the Charter, no one can search me or access my information without clear legal reasons.

  • Because of the Charter - Image 3 image described below

    Because of the Charter, I am free to disagree with the government and peacefully protest in order to make my views known.

  • Because of the Charter - Image 4 image described below

    Because of the Charter, I’m free to be myself and love whomever I want.

  • Because of the Charter - Image 5 image described below

    Because of the Charter, I have the right to live or seek work anywhere in Canada.

  • Because of the Charter - Image 6 image described below

    Because of the Charter, I can use either English or French before Parliament and federal courts, and with many offices of federal institutions.

Get a copy of the Charter

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects a number of rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression and the right to equality. It forms part of our Constitution – the highest law in all of Canada. For that reason, it is essential that the Charter is accessible to Canadians in various formats.

Image of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms described below

Did you know?: The Charter is not only available in Canada’s official languages, but also various others, including Indigenous languages and Braille.

You can download a digital copy of the Charter in your preferred language to share on social media, or to print and display in your home or classroom.

If you prefer to receive a hard copy, you can order a copy of the Charter.

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