Government

Democracy preserves people’s rights

Canadians value their right to vote and to decide who will govern their country. Canada is a democracy. This means Canadian citizens have many rights—and the power to change laws and the way governments at all levels work.

Canadians do this by electing people to act for them at the federal, provincial and territorial, and municipal levels. These people, called representatives, form the government and must respect the laws of the country.

With rights come responsibilities

To preserve their rights, Canadians must also live up to certain responsibilities, such as to obey laws and to respect the rights and freedoms of others. It is also an important responsibility to support Canada’s democratic system by voting in elections.

Learn more about:

• Federal government
• Provincial and territorial governments
• Municipal governments