Canadian history · Drawing 40 of 43
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
1982
In 1982, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms became part of Canada’s Constitution, the country’s most important law. It protects the rights and freedoms of people in Canada, like the right to equality.
Look together
In the circle, who is speaking and who is listening?
An idea to try
Make up the rules of a game together: each person suggests one rule, then check together that it is fair for everyone.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
The Charter came into force on April 17, 1982, with the Constitution Act, 1982, which Queen Elizabeth II signed that day in Ottawa. It protects fundamental freedoms, such as religion and expression, as well as democratic rights, mobility, legal rights, equality rights, official languages and minority-language education, without diminishing the rights of Indigenous peoples. It applies to everyone in Canada, although some rights are for citizens only. The equality section took effect in 1985. Because the 1982 constitutional deal was negotiated without Québec’s agreement, Québec’s government has never signed it, although the Charter applies there.
With your child, talk about what it means to be treated equally and why rules must protect everyone.
Sources and illustration notes (2)
An imagined 1982 class meeting; the children drawn do not represent anyone in particular.
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. References identify the institution and the related lesson; some linked pages are in French.
- Canadian Heritage — Guide to the Canadian Charter of Rights and FreedomsIn force on April 17, 1982; section 15 in effect on April 17, 1985; any person in Canada has the Charter’s rights, some being for citizens only; fundamental freedoms, democratic, mobility, legal and equality rights, official languages, minority-language education, multicultural heritage, Indigenous peoples’ rights.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia — Canadian Charter of Rights and FreedomsQueen Elizabeth II signing the patriated Constitution in Ottawa on 17 April 1982; the Québec government has never signed the Constitution Act, 1982, but Québec laws must respect the Charter; section 25 protects Indigenous and treaty rights.
Page prepared on September 24, 2026. Illustrations simplify places and scenes; they are not historical documents.
This drawing is from the book Canada’s Great Moments to Colour
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