What is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, known as the Charter, is a far-reaching document contained in the Constitution Act, 1982. It guarantees to all Canadians rights to liberty, equality under the law, and freedom of religion, expression, association and peaceful assembly among other things. It is the supreme law of the land. This means that it, normally, takes precedence over any federal or provincial law. That is, if any legislation, either provincial or federal, conflicts with the rights guaranteed in the Charter, it must be amended appropriately or it is likely to be struck down by the courts.

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December 1996

see also:

• More Charter FAQs

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