Laws and the legal system

Canada's legal system is based for the most part on the British legal system (laws in the Province of Quebec are based on the Napoleonic Code). Living in the Province of Alberta means that you enjoy certain rights under Canadian law, but it also means that you are expected to live up to your legal responsibilities in Canadian society.

As a newcomer to Alberta, it will be useful for you to have some general knowledge of the Canada's laws and legal system, including the following:

• Legal conditions or justifications for deportation.
• Family law.
• Your individual human rights and responsibilities.
• Police procedures and lawyers' services.
• Laws surrounding Canadian citizenship, including those pertaining to sponsorship.

As a resident of Alberta, you may have rights and freedoms that you did not have before. However, you also have a responsibility to learn and obey the laws here.

If you break a law, you cannot use language problems or ignorance of the law as an acceptable defense.

Date Updated: Jan 05, 2009
RDP-539