Rights and Freedoms
Individual rights and freedoms in Newfoundland and Labrador are defined and protected by the The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Charter was introduced to protect people from discrimination based on race, sex, age, skin colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation.
The Charter came into effect in April 17, 1982, and it continues to shape Canadian judicial decisions. Among other items, the Charter guarantees:
- freedom of expression
- the right to a democratic government
- the right to live and seek employment anywhere in Canada
- the right to equality, including the equality of men and women
- the protection of Canada's multicultural heritage
Newcomers are protected by law from being discriminated against or harassed. Citizens, immigrants and refugees all have the right to equal access to the laws and to justice. The Legal Aid Commission in Newfoundland and Labrador exists to ensure that even people with limited financial resources can receive legal assistance as required.
Here are some websites you can visit to learn more about rights and freedoms in Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Department of Justice, Human Rights Code
- Government of Canada – Human Rights Program
- Law Society of Newfoundland
- Newfoundland-Labrador Human Rights Association
- Elections Newfoundland and Labrador
Voting
In order to vote you must be (1) a Canadian Citizen; (2) 18 years of age; (3) ordinarily resident in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and resident in an Electoral District. For more information, please visit Elections Newfoundland and Labrador .
