Rights and Freedoms

Before the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms passed in 1982, our country was a different place.

Lots of people spoke up to help the government create the Charter and protect Canadians’ rights and freedoms. It’s not perfect — many Indigenous people and French-speaking Quebecers see it differently — but, says a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court says, you’re lucky to have it.

A big test of the Charter came early, and it started with kids. Our comic highlights several more important cases, from hockey to a special knife.

Learn about why there are limits on our rights and freedoms and find out how sharp your eyes are when you try one of our games. It’s all in the February 2023 Kayak!