Glossary · Rule layers and human rights
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Also known as: Canadian Charter, Charter of Rights and Freedoms
German: Kanadische Charta der Rechte und Freiheiten
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is Part I of Canada's Constitution Act, 1982; it guarantees fundamental freedoms, democratic, mobility, legal and equality rights subject to reasonable limits prescribed by law (section 1) and applies to Parliament, the provincial legislatures and governments (section 32).
- AI regulation
- Canada
In one sentence
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms binds Canadian legislatures and governments. What that means for AI rules and for AI providers.
Example
A federal agency that uses an automated system for administrative decisions acts under the Charter; a private chatbot provider is bound by Canadian privacy and consumer law, not directly by the Charter.
Explained in context
Context cards connect this term with others to answer one question. Also in British English and German.
How it applies
- Addressees: Under section 32, the Charter applies to Parliament and the government of Canada and to the legislature and government of each province. Private companies are bound by the laws those bodies make, not by the Charter itself.
- Limits: Section 1 allows reasonable limits prescribed by law that can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.
- AI law (as of October 12, 2026): Canada has no federal AI statute in force. The Artificial Intelligence and Data Act died on the order paper in January 2025. Bill C-36 (Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act), introduced on June 15, 2026, is at second reading in the House of Commons. Federal institutions follow the Directive on Automated Decision-Making; companies can sign the voluntary code of conduct.
- International: Canada is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and signed the Council of Europe Framework Convention on AI on February 11, 2025.