The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The Canadian charter of rights and freedoms was introduced on April 17th 1982. Section 15 came into effect three years after the rest of the charter on April 17th 1985. As of 2010 there are 35 sections within the charter. The charter allows for Canadians to know their rights and if they were to believe their rights were infringed upon the charter would assist them while they are fighting in court. When one looks at the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms you can see that our government looks out for our best interests but at the same time keeps our country orderly and safe. There is a noticeable balance between the two. The charter was designed and adopted to guide and serve the Canadian community for the many years to come.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is important because it ensures the basic rights and freedoms that are principal to every human being no matter a persons background, religious beliefs etc. Under the Charter of Right and freedoms Canadians are free to live their life the way they want and free to think what they want. Many people in Canada do not appreciate their freedoms; confusing the terms freedom and right interchangeably. Freedom isn't always a right as there are some countries around the world that don't have the option to make the choices we take for granted. To this day the charter of human rights and freedoms continues to defend the principals of autonomy and dignity that define us as Canadians.

The two sections that I believe are most important in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is the section that describes Fundamental Freedoms (section 2) and Life, Liberty and Security of Person (section 7).

The section that discusses fundamental freedoms can and is applied to all Canadian citizens. The Fundamental Freedoms are freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of belief, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association. Without fundamental freedoms people wouldn't be able to follow their religion, to have their own beliefs and opinions, to express themselves, to gather themselves in peaceful groups, and to associate themselves with others. Although people are free to make their own choices it is important to respect the choices and freedoms of others. An example of this section being infringed upon is if a person were not allowed to express themselves or practice their beliefs in fear of harm coming to them. That's why I believe fundamental freedoms are one of the most important sections in the Charter.

Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects Canadians people rights to life, liberty and security of the person. An example of this section being infringed upon is if someone were to kill another person or make death threats.

In conclusion