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Defending Canada
There is no compulsory military service in Canada. However, serving in the regular
Canadian Forces
(navy, army and air force) is a noble way to contribute to Canada and an excellent career choice
(www.forces.ca). You can serve in your local part-time navy, militia and air reserves and gain valuable
experience, skills and contacts. Young people can learn discipline, responsibility and skills by getting
involved in the cadets (www.cadets.ca).
You may also serve in the Coast Guard or emergency services in your community such as a police force or
fire department. By helping to protect your community, you follow in the footsteps of Canadians before
you who made sacrifices in the service of our country.
The Equality of Women and Men
In Canada, men and women are equal under the law. Canada’s openness and generosity do not extend
to barbaric cultural practices that tolerate spousal abuse, “honour killings,” female genital mutilation,
forced marriage or other gender-based violence. Those guilty of these crimes are severely punished under
Canada’s criminal laws.
Citizenship Responsibilities
In Canada, rights come with responsibilities.
These include:
•
Obeying the law
— One of Canada’s founding
principles is the rule of law. Individuals and
governments are regulated by laws and not by
arbitrary actions. No person or group is above
the law.
•
Taking responsibility for oneself and one’s
family
— Getting a job, taking care of one’s
family and working hard in keeping with one’s
abilities are important Canadian values. Work
contributes to personal dignity and self-
respect, and to Canada’s prosperity.
•
Serving on a jury
— When called to do so, you
are legally required to serve. Serving on a jury is a
privilege that makes the justice systemwork as it
depends on impartial juries made up of citizens.
•
Voting in elections
— The right to vote comes
with a responsibility to vote in federal,
provincial or territorial and local elections.
•
Helping others in the community
— Millions
of volunteers freely donate their time to help
others without pay—helping people in need,
assisting at your child’s school, volunteering
at a food bank or other charity, or encouraging
newcomers to integrate. Volunteering is an
excellent way to gain useful skills and develop
friends and contacts.
•
Protecting and enjoying our heritage and
environment
— Every citizen has a role to
play in avoiding waste and pollution while
protecting Canada’s natural, cultural and
architectural heritage for future generations.
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