The Charter of Rights and Freedoms Explained

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is part of the Constitution and was adopted in 1982. It guarantees rights and freedoms to everyone in Canada and protects several categories of rights.

What the Charter is

The Charter became part of Canada's Constitution in 1982. It sets out the basic rights and freedoms that governments must respect. Because it is part of the Constitution, it stands above ordinary laws.

The categories of rights

The Charter protects several categories of rights and freedoms that the test may ask you to recognize:

• Fundamental freedoms: conscience, religion, thought, and expression.
• Democratic rights: including the right to vote.
• Mobility rights: the right to live and work anywhere in Canada.
• Legal rights: protections when dealing with the justice system.
• Equality rights: protection from discrimination.
• Official language rights: English and French.

Who the Charter protects

The Charter guarantees rights to everyone in Canada. For a closer look at the first category, read our article on the fundamental freedoms in Canada.

Why this matters for the test

The test often asks what the Charter is and in which year it was adopted. Remember 1982 and the main categories of rights. For the wider picture, see the guide Canada Explained.

Reinforce these ideas with chapter quizzes in our learning section.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Charter of Rights and Freedoms adopted? The Charter was adopted in 1982, when it became part of Canada's Constitution.

What rights does the Charter protect? It protects fundamental freedoms, democratic rights, mobility rights, legal rights, equality rights, and official language rights.

Who does the Charter apply to? The Charter guarantees rights to everyone in Canada.