Cheat sheet
Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
The rights and freedoms Canadians enjoy, and the responsibilities every citizen is expected to uphold.
The facts to remember, in one place. Drill them with mock exams and spaced repetition in Canadian Citizenship Test 2026.
Download on theApp StoreRights and freedoms in Canada
- ◆ The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) guarantees fundamental freedoms, democratic rights, legal rights, and equality rights.
- ◆ Voting and running for office are democratic rights granted to Canadian citizens.
- ◆ Responsibilities include obeying Canadian laws, paying taxes, serving on a jury when called, and voting in elections.
- ◆ Canada's legal system has roots in both English common law (most provinces) and French civil law (Quebec).
- ◆ Equality rights protect every individual from discrimination based on race, national origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or disability.
Becoming a Canadian citizen
- ◆ Applicants aged 18--54 must pass the citizenship knowledge test.
- ◆ Applicants must meet residency requirements and have adequate knowledge of English or French.
- ◆ The knowledge test is based on the official "Discover Canada" study guide.
- ◆ New citizens take the Oath of Citizenship at a citizenship ceremony.
- ◆ Canada has one of the highest naturalisation rates in the world.
The Oath of Citizenship
- ◆ New citizens swear or affirm allegiance to the Sovereign (the King or Queen of Canada).
- ◆ They pledge to faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution.
- ◆ The Oath includes a commitment to recognise and affirm the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
- ◆ The Oath is taken at a citizenship ceremony, often led by a citizenship judge.
- ◆ Taking the Oath completes the process of becoming a Canadian citizen.
Canadian values
- ◆ Equality of women and men is a fundamental Canadian value.
- ◆ Canadians believe in the rule of law -- everyone is subject to it.
- ◆ Canada respects individual freedom and human dignity.
- ◆ Canada values its cultural diversity and the dignity of every person.
- ◆ Hard work, fairness, and helping others are reflected in Canadian society.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- ◆ The Charter became part of the Constitution in 1982.
- ◆ It guarantees fundamental freedoms: conscience, religion, thought, expression, assembly, and association.
- ◆ It protects democratic rights, mobility rights, legal rights, and equality rights.
- ◆ It also protects official language rights and the rights of Aboriginal peoples.
- ◆ Queen Elizabeth II signed the Charter into law on April 17, 1982.
The fundamental freedoms
- ◆ Freedom of conscience and religion.
- ◆ Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press.
- ◆ Freedom of peaceful assembly.
- ◆ Freedom of association.
- ◆ These freedoms protect individuals in a free and democratic society.
Multiculturalism and immigration
- ◆ Canada is home to people from many cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
- ◆ Multiculturalism is recognised and protected under the Charter.
- ◆ Immigration has shaped Canada throughout its history.
- ◆ Canadians are expected to respect the dignity and equality of every person.
- ◆ Diversity is considered a source of strength and pride in Canada.