Your Rights

Voting 

All Canadian citizens who are 18 years or older have the right and responsibility to vote. Voting is the most important way that citizens can have their voices heard, whether at the municipal, provincial, or federal level. It is especially important that young Canadians vote so that their needs and concerns can be addressed by our elected officials.

The Right to Vote 

Even though all Canadian citizens have the right to vote today, there was a time when only a few people were allowed to vote - you had to be male, over the age of 21, and either own land or earn a certain annual income. Canadians fought for generations to build a democratic system that was inclusive of all citizens, and it is our responsibility to uphold our hard-fought right by voting.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Canadian citizens. Under the Charter, all Canadians have the right to vote; freedom of conscience and religion; freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press; freedom of peaceful assembly; and freedom of association. For more information visit http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-15.html (external link).