Protect Charter For Free

You can download, save and print accessible PDF versions of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in various languages from the Open Government portal on Canada.ca.

These characteristics include race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability. These are referred to as "enumerated grounds" because they are explicitly listed in section 15.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms It applies to all government action, meaning to the provincial legislatures and Parliament, and to everything done under their authority. This means that governments must take the Charter into account in developing all laws and policies.

However, government action that harms these rights is not enough to violate the Charter. Section 7 is violated only when the government infringes these rights in a way that goes against the principles of fundamental justice.

The Charter protects everyone against unreasonable laws that could lead to imprisonment or harm their physical safety. The law may still comply with the Charter if it is consistent with a basic set of values. For example, there must be a rational link between the law's purpose and its effect on people's liberty.

Courts have the power to strike down and invalidate laws or government actions. They will do so if necessary to defend a protected right or freedom. If you think a provincial or federal law or action violates your Charter rights, you can ask a court to strike down the law or grant another remedy.

Lists what the Charter calls "fundamental freedoms" namely freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of belief, freedom of expression, freedom of the press and of other media of communication, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association.