In elections, candidates appeal to voters to try to win their votes.To vote, a person must be on the official voters list as well as being a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old on voting day. (Contact your local government offices if you have questions.) Voters on the voting list will receive a notice in the mail prior to the election telling them where they vote.*
Canada has three levels of government: federal, provincial or territorial, and municipal. Canada is a federation with a parliamentary system of government.Those serving in government at the federal and provincial level represent political parties that are voted into office by Canadians during elections. Municipal politicians are elected by voters and are not necessarily affiliated with political parties.*
Human rights laws protect the rights and freedoms of people living in Canada. These rights and freedoms are important and are highlighted on the next few pages. Human Rights Commissions help to protect human rights. Learn more*
Canada has ten provinces that differ significantly in size. Each has its own government and Premier. Two are island provinces: Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador—both on the east coast. Canada also has three territories in the North. Quebec is the largest province, and New Brunswick is the only official bilingual province.*
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees Canadians equal treatment under the law and equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination. It also guarantees them the right to participate in political activities, to vote, and to be elected to political office. Learn more*
Canada’s federal government is required by law to provide services throughout Canada in English and French.Today, there are 18 million Anglophones (people who speak English as a first language) and 7 million Francophones (people who speak French as their first language). New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in Canada.*
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees legal rights— the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, the right to have a lawyer represent you (and to be told that you have this right), and the right to an interpreter in court proceedings if you need one. Learn more*