Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms

The Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms was voted by the National Assembly of Quebec in 1975. This framework law is part of the Quebec Statutes together with the Charter of the French Language.

Excerpt

Preamble.

WHEREAS every human being possesses intrinsic rights and freedoms designed to ensure his protection and development;

Whereas all human beings are equal in worth and dignity, and are entitled to equal protection of the law;

Whereas respect for the dignity of the human being and recognition of his rights and freedoms constitute the foundation of justice and peace;

Whereas the rights and freedoms of the human person are inseparable from the rights and freedoms of others and from the common well-being;

Whereas it is expedient to solemnly declare the fundamental human rights and freedoms in a Charter, so that they may be guaranteed by the collective will and better protected against any violation;

Therefore, Her Majesty, with the advice and consent of the National Assembly of Québec, enacts as follows:

PART I

HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

CHAPTER I

FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS AND RIGHTS

Right to life.

1. Every human being has a right to life, and to personal security, inviolability and freedom.

Juridical personality.

He also possesses juridical personality.

1975, c. 6, s. 1; 1982, c. 61, s. 1.

Right to assistance.

2. Every human being whose life is in peril has a right to assistance.

Aiding person whose life is in peril.

Every person must come to the aid of anyone whose life is in peril, either personally or calling for aid, by giving him the necessary and immediate physical assistance, unless it involves danger to himself or a third person, or he has another valid reason.

1975, c. 6, s. 2.

Fundamental freedoms.

3. Every person is the possessor of the fundamental freedoms, including freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, freedom of opinion, freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association.

1975, c. 6, s. 3.

Safeguard of dignity.

4. Every person has a right to the safeguard of his dignity, honour and reputation.

1975, c. 6, s. 4.

Respect for private life.

5. Every person has a right to respect for his private life.

1975, c. 6, s. 5.

Peaceful enjoyment of property.

6. Every person has a right to the peaceful enjoyment and free disposition of his property, except to the extent provided by law.

1975, c. 6, s. 6.

Home inviolable.

7. A person's home is inviolable.

1975, c. 6, s. 7.

Respect for private property.

8. No one may enter upon the property of another or take anything therefrom without his express or implied consent.

1975, c. 6, s. 8.

Right to secrecy.

9. Every person has a right to non-disclosure of confidential information.

Disclosure of confidential information.

No person bound to professional secrecy by law and no priest or other minister of religion may, even in judicial proceedings, disclose confidential information revealed to him by reason of his position or profession, unless he is authorized to do so by the person who confided such information to him or by an express provision of law.

Duty of tribunal.

The tribunal must, ex officio, ensure that professional secrecy is respected.

1975, c. 6, s. 9.

Exercise of rights and freedoms.

9.1. In exercising his fundamental freedoms and rights, a person shall maintain a proper regard for democratic values, public order and the general well-being of the citizens of Québec.

Scope fixed by law.

In this respect, the scope of the freedoms and rights, and limits to their exercise, may be fixed by law.

1982, c. 61, s. 2.

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Also in Wikipedia:

Quebec - National Assembly of Quebec - Charter of the French Language

External Links:

• Full Official Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms

• Quebec Statutes and Regulations