Talk Rights

Talk Rights is a new online space for the Canadian public to learn about their rights and freedoms. Explore their collection of resources, and contribute your own ideas, stories and priorities to the conversation. Teachers check out their resources for elementary and secondary students.

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Alberta Impaired Driving Laws

This Alberta government webpage provides information on recent changes to Alberta’s alcohol- and drug-impaired driving offences and sanctions to align with new federal drug laws are now in effect. Information covered includes:

• zero tolerance for cannabis or illegal drugs in the blood stream of GDL drivers, in addition to alcohol
• immediate 90-day licence suspension for impaired drivers, followed by participation in a one-year ignition interlock program
• blood-drug concentration limits and criminal penalities

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Educational Tools - Youth Criminal Justice Act

The Youth Criminal Justice Act is Canada's law that applies to youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who have come into conflict with the law. This section includes information and resources to help you better understand the Act and the youth justice system. Resources available in Spanish, Inukilut, and Inuinnaqtun.

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The Judicial Structure: How the Courts are Organized

The federal and provincial and territorial governments are all responsible for the judicial system in Canada. Only the federal government can appoint and pay judges of the superior, or upper-level, courts in the provinces. Parliament can also establish a general court of appeal and other courts. It has created the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal, as well as the Tax Court. This Justice Canada webpage provides an outline of Canada's court system.

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Guide to the Canadian House of Commons

Canada's parliamentary system is open and democratic. It offers the opportunity for people to give their input and it is designed to make sure proposals for laws are carefully considered. Canada's Parliament consists of three parts: the King, the Senate and the House of Commons. They work together to make the laws for our country. This guide provides an overview of the following topics: The Canadian Parliament, Who's Who in the House, A Working Day in the Commons Chamber, Parliamentary Highlights, Making Canada's Laws,The Role of a Member of Parliament, and Being Part of Parliament.

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How Senate Bills Becomes Law

In Canada's Parliament, bills may originate in eith of its two houses - the Senate and the House of Commons. Most legislation begins in the House of Commons. Regardless of where a bill originates, it must be passed by both houses in identical form before it can receiv Royal Assent and become law. This guide provides an overview of the process of how a Senate Bill goes through Parliament.

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How a Government Bill becomes Law - Canada
The following guide will explain the process by which a typical government initiated bill becomes law. This guide provides an overview of the Federal Legislative Process. To beome law, a bill must first be introduced in either the Senate or the House of Commons. It must then pass through various stages in each House: first, second and third reading. Then it must receive Royal Assent.

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Guide for Lawyers Working with Indigenous Peoples

The Guide is meant to act as a resource for lawyers to learn about historical and cultural elements that provide context for the professional relationship between an Indigenous person and their lawyer. It also provides tools to help lawyers represent Indigenous clients as effectively as possible, and a number of resources to encourage lawyers to continue their education. The Advocates' Society, in partnership with the Indigenous Bar Association and the Law Society of Ontario, developed the guide.

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People without Lawyers

This webpage on the Provincial Court of Alberta website provides information on alternative to going to court (mediation, and dispute resolution services), where to get help, and what you need to know when going to court.

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Information for Self-Represented Litigants in Provincial Court - Adult Criminal Court

This booklet outlines some basic information you must be aware of if you plead not guilty to an offence and are planning to represent yourself without a lawyer at your trial. It also provides some advice on how to find a lawyer. The booklet explains what happens during the criminal trial process. The information will help you prepare for your trial if you don’t have a lawyer. If you choose to represent yourself, you are still subject to the law, including rules of procedure and the laws of evidence.

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