Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is entrenched in the Constitution Act, 1982
, thus guaranteeing Canadians the rights and freedoms it sets forth. The Charter's many sections define the fundamental freedoms (such as freedom of expression) and rights of Canadians, including several relating to official languages.
The Charter specifically makes the institutions of Parliament and of the Government of Canada bilingual and confirms minority language educational rights. Furthermore, it paves the way for increased cooperation between the federal government and the provinces and territories to develop the two language communities in Canada.
Official languages are addressed specifically sections 16 to 23. For example, section 20 states that "any member of the public in Canada has the right to communicate with, and to receive available services from, any head or central office of an institution of the Parliament or government of Canada in English or French [...]"
For more information, please consult the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
