What are my rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen?

Canadian citizens have certain rights and responsibilities.

What are my rights as a citizen?

If you are a Canadian citizen, your rights include:

Democratic rights (for example, the right to vote)
Language rights
Equality rights
Legal rights
Mobility rights
Freedom of religion
Freedom of expression
Freedom of assembly and association

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms gives you these rights. In Ontario, the Ontario Human Rights Code also gives you rights.

Citizens also have the right to apply for a Canadian passport. A Canadian passport allows you to return to Canada at any time after travelling or living abroad.

Do I have responsibilities as a citizen?

As a Canadian citizen, you also have responsibilities:

To respect the rights and freedoms of others
To obey Canada's laws
To participate in the democratic process
To respect Canada's 2 official languages and multicultural heritage

You can read Rights and Responsibilities in Canada to find out more about your rights in Canada, and your rights as a Canadian citizen.

For More Information

Canadian Heritage - This website promotes understanding of Canadian citizenship values. Provides information on multiculturalism, our official languages and Canadian sports, arts and heritage.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Offices Abroad - This is a listing compiled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada of missions abroad that process immigration applications.
Canoo - As a new Canadian citizen, you can use this pass to visit many cultural institutions in your region for free. This program is through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.
Dual Citizenship - Information on dual citizenship. From Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).