The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects a number of rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression and the right to equality. It forms part of our Constitution – the highest law in all of Canada – and is one of our country’s greatest accomplishments.

Every year on April 17, we celebrate the anniversary of the Charter which was signed in 1982.

Learn about the Charter’s history, how it has shaped Canada, and how it protects your rights

Explore Charterpedia with summaries of each Charter section, its purpose, and how it was developed

Download your own copy of the Charter, which is available in PDF or Braille Ready Format, also available in HTML

Share our graphics, infobites for social media, posters and other resources for learning and to promote awareness of the Charter