Know Your Rights (Legal Information for Indigenous People)

Government authorities

Think before you speak

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the “Charter”) is part of the Constitution Act, 1982 of Canada. Sections 7 to 14 of the Charter set out rights that protect Canadians when dealing with the justice system. They ensure that individuals who are involved in proceedings are treated fairly, especially those charged with a criminal offence. These sections are where your legal rights come from: right to silence, right to a lawyer, right against unreasonable searches, etc.

What do the RCMP, the MCFD, and ICBC all have in common?
They are all government agencies who investigate situations where there may be fault or liability or safety concerns. They all have jobs to do. However, with each of these agencies you are well advised to know your rights before you speak.

You are always allowed to say, “I want to speak with a lawyer before I speak with you.”

This is not an admission of guilt or fault, just a way to make sure you are safeguarding your rights. Get legal advice to learn about your rights and responsibilities when you are being confronted by government agencies.

Knowing what each authority does is helpful so you can know why they might be contacting you and how much information you may want to give or when you may want to get legal advice first.

A judge of the superior courts of British Columbia, being the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

A person licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction by that jurisdiction's law society. See "barrister and solicitor."