Citizenship and Immigration Canada
www.cic.gc.ca
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Welcome to Canada: What you should know
Getting to know Canada
The Canadian way of life
Canada is an immense country. To understand what it means to be Canadian, it is important to know about our three founding peoples: Aboriginal, French and British. Aboriginal peoples’ ancestors were well established here long before explorers from Europe first came to North America. Today, Canadian society stems largely from the English-speaking and French-speaking Christian civilizations that were brought here from Europe by settlers.
Most day-to-day life is conducted in English or French. Canada is home to people of many different backgrounds, religions, ethnicities and cultures. But Canadians share core values. These values guide and shape our everyday life. We are proud of our identity, our history and our achievements.
We have inherited legal and democratic institutions that date back to the Middle Ages in France and England. These are living traditions today in Parliament and our provincial legislatures. Our laws and our governments ensure that we treat all people equally and that there is equal opportunity for all. Our laws also protect minorities. Together, we work hard to maintain a secure, peaceful and prosperous society.
Canadian residence and citizenship entail both rights and responsibilities
Canadian rights and responsibilities arose from our history. Our laws, our traditions, our identities and our shared values reflect those rights and responsibilities.
Living in Canada means that you have many of the same rights and responsibilities as Canadian citizens. If you become a Canadian citizen, you will share all the rights that every Canadian enjoys and all the responsibilities.
Thanks to the sacrifices and the work of people in the past, as a resident of Canada today, you have the right to:
- express your opinions freely, including through a free press;
- live anywhere in the country;
- practice any religion, or no religion;
- associate with anyone you like and gather peacefully with other people;
- be protected from unlawful or unjustified arrest or detention by the state (the government); and
- receive services from the federal government in either French or English.
As a resident of Canada, your responsibilities include:
- obeying the law;
- learning English or French;
- working, to take care of yourself and your family;
- helping others; and
- protecting our heritage and natural environment.
Canadian citizens also have the right to:
- vote in municipal, provincial and federal elections;
- apply for a Canadian passport, and enter and leave the country freely; and
- stand for election.
As a Canadian citizen, you have the responsibility to:
- serve on a jury when called;
- testify in court, if required; and
- vote in free and democratic elections.
Canadians expect fairness and respect for ourselves, our children and our families. In turn, we strive to treat others the same way. We believe in equality between women and men and we do not tolerate unjust discrimination based on race, age, sexual orientation or physical and mental disability. The dignity of individuals is well established in our laws and traditions.
Parents are prohibited from forcing their daughters or sons into marriages against their will. Polygamy is illegal under the Criminal Code and as such, multiple marriages are not recognized under Canada’s immigration legislation. Those convicted of polygamy are liable to have their permanent residency revoked.
