Responsibilities of citizens

Rights come with responsibilities. Canadian citizens are expected to obey the law, to take responsibility for themselves and their family, and to serve on a jury when called. They should vote in elections and help others in their community. They should also protect and enjoy Canada's heritage and environment. Some of these are legal duties. Others, like voting and volunteering, are things a good citizen chooses to do.

Canada is built on the rule of law. The same laws apply to everyone, including the Prime Minister, judges and the police. No person or group is above the law. Everyone in Canada must obey it, whether they are citizens or not. The law protects each person and society as a whole, and it can only be changed by a lawful process.

Getting a job, taking care of your family and working hard are seen as part of being a good citizen. Serving on a jury is different: it is a legal duty. If you are a citizen and you are called for jury service, you must serve unless the court excuses you. Juries of ordinary people help make the justice system fair.

Voting is both a right and a responsibility. Citizens elect the people who make decisions for them at three levels: federal, provincial or territorial, and local. To vote in a federal election you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 on election day, and registered. Permanent residents cannot vote in federal elections. Voting is not compulsory in Canada, and nobody is fined for staying at home.

Many Canadians volunteer, which means they give their time for free. They sort donations at a food bank, help at their children's school, or help newcomers settle in. Volunteering is also a good way to meet people and gain work experience. Citizens are expected to look after the environment too: avoid waste and pollution, and protect Canada's natural, cultural and architectural heritage for the future.