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*
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*
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*
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.*
Canadian law secures the right to a secret ballot. This means that no one can watch you vote and no one should look at how you voted.You may choose to discuss how you voted with others, but no one, including family members, your employer or union representative, has the right to insist that you tell them how you voted.*
Municipal governments hold elections usually every 3–4 years. Candidates usually do not represent political parties. The head of a municipal government is called the Mayor or Reeve. Councillors are elected to sit with the Mayor on the municipal Council to govern. Municipal governments provide most local services such as water, sewage, snowplowing, fire, police, and public transit.*
The head of the federal government—the Prime Minister—is the leader of the political party that wins the most seats in a federal election.To win a “majority,” a political party needs to win 50% of the 308 federal “seats.” Since there are more than two parties, a “minority” government is possible. Learn more See page 210 for the Government of Canada web site.*