Canada is governed by an organized system of laws. These laws are created by governments which are chosen freely by the people. The law in Canada applies to everyone, including the police, judges, politicians, and members of the government. The main purposes of our laws are to provide order in society, to provide a peaceful way to settle disputes, and to express the values and beliefs of Canadian society. Everyone in Canada, whether a citizen or a permanent resident, has equal access to the justice system.

 Police

The police are there to keep people safe and enforce the law. You can ask the police for help in all kinds of situations -- if there's been an accident, if someone has stolen something from you, if you are a victim of assault, if you see a crime taking place, if someone you know has gone missing, etc.

There are different types of police in Canada, including provincial police departments and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who enforce federal laws. Remember, the police are there to help you. Don't hesitate to call 911 or 0 for the operator to contact your local police force in an emergency.

If for some reason you are questioned by the police or arrested, do not resist. Remember, in Canada, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Communicate as clearly as possible and look directly at the officer. Be ready to show some kind of identification. If you are taken into custody you have the right to know why and to have a lawyer and a translator, if needed. Under Canadian law, it is a serious crime to try to bribe the police by offering money, gifts or services in exchange for special treatment.

 Legal services

If you need a lawyer to protect your interests in court, then you can hire one, for a fee. You may also be entitled to free legal services, or "legal aid," depending on your income. You will find the numbers for provincial legal aid in the booklet called Key Information Sources in the back pocket of this guide. An immigrant-serving organization will also be able to tell you where and how to obtain these services.

 
Children's rights

Parents in Canada have a legal duty to provide their children with the necessities of life until they reach age 16. It is illegal in Canada to abuse your children, either physically, psychologically, or sexually. All forms of child abuse are serious crimes. Abuse can include spanking children enough to cause bruises, terrorizing or humiliating them, any kind of sexual contact, and neglect. Police, doctors, teachers and children's aid workers will take action if they think children are being harmed. In serious cases, children can be taken away from their parents. Some cultural practices are not acceptable in Canada. For instance, all forms of female genital mutilation (FGM) are prohibited under Canadian law.

 
Women's rights

In Canada, men and women are equal. They have the same rights, as outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Discrimination against women and violence towards women are both against the law. Women who are abused by their husbands can seek help for themselves and their children in community shelters. They are also entitled to legal protection to keep them safe.

There are a number of organizations in Canada which work to safeguard and promote the rights of women, and some of these organizations work to help immigrant women in particular. Your local immigrant-serving agency will be able to provide you with the names of these organizations. Information on legal rights and shelters can be found near the front of your telephone book under "Distress Centres," "Child Abuse," or "Sexual Assault."