Newcomers to Canada assume responsibilities under Canadian law alongside the rights they acquire. Understanding legal obligations—from following criminal and civil laws to meeting immigration requirements to fulfilling civic duties—enables newcomers to comply with expectations and avoid consequences of non-compliance. While Canadian law may differ from that in countries of origin, ignorance does not excuse violations.
Criminal Law Obligations
Criminal law in Canada prohibits conduct defined as crimes by the Criminal Code and other federal statutes. These prohibitions apply to everyone in Canada regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Criminal convictions carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment and can have severe immigration consequences for non-citizens.
Offences may differ from those in countries of origin. Some conduct legal elsewhere is criminal in Canada; some conduct criminal elsewhere is legal here. Understanding Canadian criminal law rather than assuming similarity to home country law prevents inadvertent violations.
Examples of criminal conduct that may differ across jurisdictions include certain forms of discipline of children (corporal punishment beyond reasonable correction is criminal), spousal relationships (forced marriage involves criminal offences), driving offences (impaired driving is treated very seriously), and fraud (various forms of misrepresentation carry criminal penalties). Newcomers should understand Canadian norms in areas that may differ from prior experience.
Immigration consequences of criminal convictions can be severe. Permanent residents convicted of serious crimes can lose status and be deported. Temporary residents face removal for any criminal conviction. Even charges without conviction can trigger immigration consequences. Understanding these elevated stakes should inform behaviour and response to any criminal allegations.
Civil Law Obligations
Civil law governs relationships between private parties rather than conduct prohibited by the state. Contracts, torts (civil wrongs like negligence), property, and family relationships are governed by civil law. Non-compliance creates liability to other parties rather than criminal penalties.
Contract obligations require fulfilling agreements made with others. Lease agreements, employment contracts, service agreements, and other binding arrangements create enforceable obligations. Understanding what contracts commit one to before signing enables informed decisions.
Financial obligations include repaying debts, paying taxes, and meeting support obligations to family members. Failure to pay debts can result in collection actions, damaged credit, and potentially wage garnishment. Tax obligations exist regardless of citizenship, with serious penalties for non-compliance.
Family law obligations include supporting dependents, following custody arrangements, and maintaining relationships as ordered by courts. Support obligations determined by courts are enforceable, and failure to comply can result in enforcement measures including contempt proceedings.
Immigration Obligations
Maintaining immigration status requires ongoing compliance with status conditions. Permanent residents must meet residency obligations—generally being in Canada for at least 730 days in any five-year period. Temporary residents must comply with permit conditions—studying if on study permits, working only for authorized employers if on employer-specific work permits.
Reporting obligations exist for some status holders. Changes of address must be reported to immigration authorities. Some temporary residents must report to immigration at specified intervals. Failure to comply with reporting requirements can affect status.
Truthful dealing with immigration authorities is legally required. Misrepresentation in immigration applications—providing false information or withholding material facts—constitutes grounds for finding inadmissible to Canada and can result in status loss and removal, even years after initial entry based on misrepresentation.
Civic Responsibilities
Tax obligations apply to Canadian residents regardless of citizenship. Filing tax returns, paying taxes owing, and complying with tax laws represent legal requirements. While newcomers may receive refunds or credits rather than owing taxes, filing obligations still exist.
Jury duty applies to Canadian citizens who may be called to serve on juries. While not applying to permanent residents or temporary residents, those who naturalize assume this civic responsibility. Jury summons must be responded to, though exemptions may be available for specified reasons.
Respecting others' rights represents a general obligation underlying legal requirements. While not always specified in particular laws, the principle that one's freedom ends where others' rights begin guides conduct. Discrimination, harassment, and interference with others' peaceful enjoyment of rights violate legal and social norms.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Criminal penalties for criminal law violations include fines, probation, and imprisonment depending on offence severity. Non-citizens face additional immigration consequences that may far exceed criminal penalties—permanent residents can lose status and face deportation; temporary residents face removal.
Civil liability means paying damages to those harmed by civil wrongs. Court judgments can require payment, with enforcement through wage garnishment, property seizure, or other collection mechanisms. Civil debts can follow individuals for extended periods.
Immigration consequences of various non-compliance include status loss, deportation orders, and inadmissibility preventing future entry. These consequences can be permanent and devastate individuals and families who have built lives in Canada.
Getting Help Understanding Obligations
Settlement organizations provide orientation to Canadian law and obligations. While not providing legal advice, settlement workers can explain general expectations and connect newcomers with legal resources for specific questions.
Legal clinics and lawyers assist with understanding specific obligations and responding to alleged violations. Early legal advice when facing potential consequences enables better outcomes than waiting until situations become critical.
Understanding responsibilities enables newcomers to avoid consequences that could derail integration. Canadian law differs from many countries' legal systems, and assumptions based on prior experience may be incorrect. Proactive learning about Canadian legal expectations supports successful long-term settlement.