Charter of Rights

A publication of the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre.

The Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre is a Canadian non-governmental, non-profit organization affiliated with the University of Calgary which undertakes research on contemporary civil liberties and human rights issues that are of concern to Albertans. The projects are diverse – from proposals for reform of human rights legislation, to a report on citizen complaints about police conduct, to a manual for lawyers who represent mentally disabled clients. Staff and volunteers make presentations on a wide range of civil liberties and human rights topics.

The Research Centre undertakes research on contemporary civil liberties and human rights issues that are of concern to Albertans. The Centre responds to members of the public who call with questions about civil liberties and human rights. hey receive hundreds of calls every year, and provide information or refer callers to other resources.

The CCLA fights for the civil liberties, human rights, and democratic freedoms of all people across Canada. Founded in 1964, they are an independent, national, nongovernmental organization, working in the courts, before legislative committees, in the classrooms, and in the streets, protecting the rights and freedoms cherished by Canadians and entrenched in our Constitution.

The Commission’s business is to make the Canadian Human Rights Act work for the benefit of all Canadians. There are three main aspects to its work: To provide effective and timely means for resolving individual complaints; To promote knowledge of human rights in Canada and to encourage people to follow principles of equality; and to help reduce barriers to equality in employment and access to services. Their website includes sections with publications and frequently asked questions. The Commission provides dispute resolution services in cases of alleged discrimination by federally regulated organizations, including employers, unions and service providers. This online resource addresses issues such as alternative dispute resolution and the dispute resolution process.

These FAQs are provided by the Canadian Legal FAQs, a website of the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta. These FAQs provide information about constitutionally-protected French-language minority rights outside of Québec and are divided into 5 sections: General Information; Education Rights; Rights Regarding Government Services and Communications; Rights Regarding Access to Legislation and Government Publications; and Judicial Rights.

This guide provides key resources related to Impaired Driving Offences in Canada. It also includes materials dealing with non-criminal impaired driving offences within the legislation of the province of Alberta. Topics in this guide include:

• Defences
• Evidentiary issues
• Impaired driving devices
• Sentencing/Penalties

Family Mediation Services offers free information and assistance with: bringing applications in Provincial (Family) Court concerning custody, access and private guardianship of children; mediation services to assist families in resolving parenting issues, e.g. custody, access, private guardianship and child support; courses to improve parenting skills and communication between parents who are living apart; and other court-directed services intended to aid in resolving parenting disputes.

If you’re planning to demonstrate, be safe, be careful, and know your rights. Download this document prepared by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association that outlines your rights and responsibilities at protests in Canada.

This information sheet is provides Albertans with information on the legal rights of people with mental or physical disabilities.

This report was prepared by the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre discusses the rights of adults (persons who are 18 years or older) who have been accused or convicted of crimes and are either being held in custody in Alberta jails or correctional institutions or being supervised in the community by correctional authorities (for example, those released on bail, parole or other forms of conditional release).

Talk Rights is a new online space for the Canadian public to learn about their rights and freedoms. Explore their collection of resources, and you can contribute your own ideas, stories and priorities to the conversation. Teachers check out their resources for elementary and secondary students.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects a number of rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression and the right to equality. It forms part of our Constitution – the highest law in all of Canada – and is one of our country’s greatest accomplishments. Learn about the Charter, access learning resources and order a copy of the Charter.

The David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights is a centre within the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law devoted to advocacy, research and education in the areas of constitutional rights in Canada. The Centre aims to play a vital role in articulating Canada’s constitutional vision to the broader world. The cornerstone of the Centre is a legal clinic that brings together students, faculty and members of the bar to work on significant constitutional cases and advocacy initiatives

This online resource is published by the Human Rights Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Its aims are to increase understanding of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and to heighten awareness of its importance in our daily lives.

Produced by the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, this guide uses easy-reference language yet provides detailed explanations. It is suitable for students from Grade 7-12 and for newcomers wishing to learn more about the Charter. Available in English or French. (free download via Scribd, 48 pages)