Chapter 1

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship

What the Oath of Citizenship means, the freedoms every Canadian has, and the duties that come with being a citizen.

The Oath of Citizenship

New citizens swear or affirm the oath at their citizenship ceremony.
You promise to be faithful and loyal to King Charles III, King of Canada, and his heirs and successors.
You promise to obey Canada's laws, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
You promise to fulfil your duties as a Canadian citizen.
Canadians pledge loyalty to a person who represents all Canadians (the Sovereign), not to a flag or a document. In Canada's constitutional monarchy, the Sovereign personifies Canada.

Canadian law has several sources: laws passed by Parliament and the provincial legislatures, English common law, the civil code of France, and an unwritten constitution inherited from Great Britain.
Rights come from Canada's history, are protected by law, and reflect shared traditions and values.
The Magna Carta (Great Charter of Freedoms) was signed in England in 1215. It began Canada's 800-year tradition of ordered liberty.
Habeas corpus, from English common law, is the right to challenge being held (detained) by the state without a lawful reason.

Freedom of conscience and religion.
Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of speech and of the press.
Freedom of peaceful assembly.
Freedom of association.

In 1982 the Constitution was changed to include the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed the amended Constitution in Ottawa.
The Charter begins by saying Canada is founded on principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law.
Mobility rights: live and work anywhere in Canada, enter and leave the country freely, and apply for a passport.
Aboriginal peoples' rights: the Charter does not take away any treaty or other rights of Aboriginal peoples.
Official language rights and minority language education rights: English and French have equal status in Parliament and throughout the government.
Multiculturalism is a fundamental part of Canadian heritage and identity. Canadians respect each other's differences and live together in harmony.

Women and men are equal under the law.
Canada does not accept spousal abuse, so-called 'honour killings', female genital mutilation, forced marriage or other gender-based violence. These are crimes and are severely punished.

Obeying the law. The rule of law means individuals and governments follow laws, not arbitrary actions. No one is above the law.
Taking responsibility for yourself and your family. Getting a job, caring for your family and working hard are important Canadian values. Work brings dignity and helps Canada prosper.
Serving on a jury when called. This is a legal requirement. Juries are made up of citizens and must be impartial.
Voting in elections: federal, provincial or territorial, and local. Citizens aged 18 or older can vote.
Helping others in the community. Millions of Canadians volunteer, for example at schools, food banks and charities, or by helping newcomers. Volunteering also builds skills and friendships.
Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment. Avoid waste and pollution, and protect Canada's natural, cultural and architectural heritage for future generations.

Canada has no compulsory military service.
Serving in the regular Canadian Forces (navy, army or air force) is a noble way to contribute and a good career.
You can serve part time in the reserves: the naval reserve, the militia (army) or the air reserve.
Young people can join the cadets to learn discipline, responsibility and skills.
You can also serve in the Coast Guard or in local emergency services such as police and fire departments.