Rights and Responsibilities
Canadian Rights and Freedoms
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and the Ontario Human Rights Code protect people in Ontario from discrimination and harassment. The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario looks into discrimination claims.
The Human Rights Code and justice system are an important part of protecting our rights and freedoms. Getting involved in civic affairs and political process lead to the well-being of ourselves and our communities.
Finding the time to get involved can be hard, especially when you are new to Canada, but you can:
- Vote if you are a Canadian citizen
- Get involved in local politics and government
- Join a group working to improve your neighbourhood and community
- Join an advocacy group or political organization
- Learn about the impact of civic decisions
- Share your knowledge and experience with others
Parenting in Canada
All families in Ontario have one thing in common. They are made up of people who care for one another and are often raising children, because of choice, birth, adoption, or placement.
There are different types of families including:
- Two parent families
- Single parent families
- Extended families of parents, children, and others who are related to one another
- Families where adults are living together but are not married
- Same-sex couples (some have children).
In Ontario, unmarried couples who have lived together for a certain amount of time have legal status as “common-law” couples.
Couples refer to one another in different ways. Some refer to one another as husband or wife, or their partner. But spouse, refers to your legal husband or wife.
In many Ontario families, both parents share household chores and look after their children.
Family Law
The legal system holds adults responsible for the well-being of their children, and for the way they treat others in the family. For example, it is against the law to hit your spouse or children in the home or in public. Parents must also protect their children from abuse, neglect (lack of care), and exploitation (taking advantage of them or making them do things they should not have to do).
The legal system and child protection services in Ontario protect children who are at risk, and will take action when parents abuse or neglect their children.
A husband or wife can ask for a divorce or end their part in a family for a number of reasons. The justice system helps settle things fairly when a couple separates, or when one partner is mistreating the other.
CLEO Net has more information on family law.
Youth Law
The legal system holds young people responsible for their actions as they grow up. Youth are not considered adults by the justice system because they may not fully understand what will happen to them if they do certain things.
The Government of Ontario has more information on Youth, Laws and Rights.
Family Counselling
Conflict in families and couples often happens because of anxiety and stress. There are people and groups in Waterloo Region that can help you work through hard times, or help if you just need to talk to someone.
To get help or find out more, visit:
For more information…