| The Canadian Bill of Rights, signed by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, recognized the rights of individuals to freedom, personal security and the enjoyment of property. It protected the rights to equality before the law, ensured protection before the law and protected freedom of religion, speech, assembly, association and the press. Although the Bill applied only to federal law, since the consent of the provinces was not obtained, it was a pioneering step in safeguarding Canadians' civil liberties. RG 14, vol. 2485 |