Rights and freedoms

Canadians are guaranteed basic human rights and freedoms under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The charter guarantees:

  • Freedom of speech, thought and religion (for example, the freedom of newspapers to write about anything; the freedom to gather with other people and discuss anything you wish).
  • Protection from discrimination based on race, country of origin, religion, sex, age and mental or physical disability. People who do not speak or understand English have a right to have an interpreter present at legal proceedings.
  • The right to be presumed innocent of a crime until proven guilty in court; the right to contact a lawyer if you are arrested; the right to a fair trial; and the right to protection against the police entering your home without legal justification.
  • Mobility rights, which include the right to travel, live and look for work anywhere in Canada.

If you feel your rights have been violated, talk to a lawyer or contact the Court Challenges Program of Canada (CCPC). The CCPC provides financial assistance for court cases that advance language and equality rights guaranteed under Canada's Constitution.

Both the Government of Canada (federal) and the Government of Alberta (provincial) have commissions that investigate complaints of discrimination.

The Canadian Human Rights Act

The Canadian Human Rights Act applies to federally regulated employers, unions and service providers who offer goods, services, facilities or accommodation to the public.

The Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, colour, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability and other factors.

For more information, see the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Alberta Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act

The Alberta Human Rights Act applies to provincially regulated employers and service providers. The Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, colour, family status, gender, marital status, race, religion, sexual orientation and many other factors.

For more information, see the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission website or call one of the Commission's offices:

Edmonton

800 Standard Life Centre
10405 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R7
Telephone: (780) 427-7661

To call toll-free from elsewhere in Alberta, dial 310-0000, then enter the area code and telephone number after the prompt.

Calgary

310, 525-11 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2R 0C9
Telephone: (403) 297-6571

To call toll-free from elsewhere in Alberta, dial 310-0000, then enter the area code and telephone number after the prompt.

TTY service for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing

  • Edmonton: (780) 427-1597
  • Calgary: (403) 297-5639
  • Toll-free: 1-800-232-7215

E-mail

humanrights@gov.ab.ca