The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms clearly spells out the principles upon which our country was founded... namely, that our customs as a nation and as individuals are governed by the rule of law, and that freedom of conscience and religion are fundamental rights for all citizens.
Canada is a free and democratic country based on tolerance and respect for human rights of all people.
As Canadians we have the freedom to choose our governments, to speak our minds, to practice our religions and to preserve our ancestral traditions.
We welcome into our country, and into our citizenship, people from all parts of the world and we share with them our rights and freedoms.
We regard people of all nations as our friends; we send our troops to foreign lands to preserve peace and to restore freedom and human rights to oppressed people.
Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms we enjoy equal rights and benefits under the law, without any discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, gender, age, or mental or physical disability.
Because we are blessed in being permitted to live in Canada, it is our duty and privilege to extend to others those rights which we have come to enjoy.
Whether I was born in Canada or chose this land as my country, I can say with a clear mind and a joyous heart that:
