The Minister of Justice prepares a "Charter Statement" to help inform public and Parliamentary debate on a government bill. One of the Minister of Justice's most important responsibilities is to examine legislation for consistency with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms ["the Charter"]. By tabling a Charter Statement, the Minister identifies Charter rights and freedoms that may be potentially engaged by a bill and provides a brief explanation of the nature of any engagement, in light of the measures being proposed.
A Charter Statement Aso identifies potential justifications for any limits a bill may impose on Charter rights and freedoms.
A Charter Statement is intended to provide legal information to the public and Parliament. it is NOT intended to be a comprehensive overview of all conceivable Charter Considerations. A Statement is NOT a legal opinion on the constitutionality of a bill.