When did the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms become part of the Canadian Constitution?
Quick answer: 1982. In our practice tests 60% of 94 answers were correct, and the most common mistake is choosing “1867”.
Why is this the correct answer?
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms became part of the Constitution in 1982 when Canada patriated its Constitution from Britain. It was signed by Queen Elizabeth II on April 17, 1982.
Study Tip
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was introduced as part of a significant constitutional change in the 1980s. This change had a profound impact on Canada's legal landscape.
What should you know about this topic?
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms became part of the Constitution of Canada in 1982. That year the Constitution was patriated, or brought home, from the United Kingdom, which meant that Canada could change its own Constitution without approval from the British Parliament. The Constitution Act, 1982 included the Charter, and it was proclaimed by Queen Elizabeth II on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
The Charter begins with the words: Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law. It protects fundamental freedoms, including freedom of conscience and religion, freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression (including freedom of speech and of the press), freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association. It also protects mobility rights, Aboriginal peoples' rights, official language rights, minority language education rights, democratic rights and equality rights. The Charter added to rights and freedoms that already existed in Canada through English common law and earlier laws.
It is important not to confuse 1982 with 1867. In 1867, the British North America Act created the Dominion of Canada at Confederation. In 1982, the Constitution was patriated and the Charter was added. Related test topics include fundamental freedoms, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and Confederation. The Charter also lists responsibilities and limits. Rights can be limited only in ways that are reasonable in a free and democratic society. Learning these freedoms helps you answer several test questions.
Why are the other answers wrong?
- 1867: This is the year of Confederation, when the British North America Act created Canada. The Charter did not exist yet.
- 1878: This year has no connection to the Charter. It is not a key date for Canada's Constitution in Discover Canada.
- 1905: This is the year Alberta and Saskatchewan joined Confederation as provinces.
What is the most common mistake?
Many learners pick 1867 because it is the most famous date in Canadian history. 1867 is Confederation; the Charter came 115 years later, in 1982.
How can you remember the answer?
Charter in '82: the Constitution came home and brought the Charter with it.
Original data
How many people get this question right?
60% of 94 practice answers from about 67 people were correct. The most common wrong answer is "1867", chosen 35% of the time. The data covers practice tests on BecomeACitizen.ca from March 31, 2026 to September 30, 2026.
How hard is this question compared with others?
It is the 17th hardest of the 167 questions we have enough data to rank. The average for the Canada's History chapter is 68% correct, and the average across all questions is 75%. You need 75% to pass the real test.
These are practice questions written from the official Discover Canada guide. IRCC does not publish the real test questions. See the full ranking in the 20 most-missed citizenship test questions or browse more Canada's History questions.
Practice This Chapter
Test yourself with questions from Canada's History. Timed mock tests, instant scoring, and detailed explanations.
Which part of Discover Canada is this question from?
This question is from the Canada's History section of the Canadian citizenship test. The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official Discover Canada study guide. You need to score at least 75% (15 out of 20 correct) to pass.
This chapter has 61 questions in our database. Studying chapter by chapter is one of the most effective ways to prepare, as it helps you build deep understanding of each topic before moving to the next.
How should you study for the citizenship test?
Start by reading the complete how-to-pass guide, then work through each chapter in the study mode. When you feel ready, take a full exam simulation with the real 45-minute time limit.