Resources | Path to Somewhere Foundation

Email Templates

Ready-to-edit letters for contacting MPs, MPPs, school boards, and service providers.

Use directly on this site. No login required.

Where to Speak Up

Clear guidance on which office to contact and what they can help with.

This section helps make the process visible and usable.

Conversation Scripts

Gentle scripts for schools, clinicians, agencies, media, or family.

Plain language. Trauma-informed.

Posters & Infographics

Visual explainers for rights, systems, and care.

Printable and shareable.

Know Your Rights (Canada)

Plain language. Real examples. Click a topic to open it.

These rights protect people from unfair government action. They do not remove all consequences, override criminal law, or guarantee protection from workplace or social outcomes.

Freedom of expression (you can criticize government)

What it means: You are allowed to say “this policy is wrong.”

Examples: Posting concerns online, speaking at council, emailing your MP or MPP.

Source: Charter section 2(b).

Limits on rights (what they do not protect)

Important to know: Rights in Canada are not unlimited.

Freedom of expression does not protect:

Hate speech or incitement to violence
Harassment or targeted abuse
Defamation (knowingly spreading false claims about someone)

The Charter also does not guarantee protection from consequences at work.

Example: Public figures and employees can still lose jobs for statements that violate workplace policies or professional standards. Free expression limits government punishment, not employer decisions.

Rights may be limited under Charter section 1 if limits are reasonable and justified in a free and democratic society.

Peaceful protest (you can show up)

What it means: You can gather peacefully in public places.

Examples: Rallies, vigils, holding signs, attending public meetings.

Source: Charter section 2(c).

Freedom of religion (and freedom from religion)

What it means: You can practice a faith, or none.

Examples: You cannot be forced into religious activity at school or work.

Source: Charter section 2(a).

Equality rights (you cannot be treated as “less than”)

What it means: Government services must treat people fairly.

Examples: Disability accommodations, equal access to services, nondiscrimination.

Source: Charter section 15.

Legal rights (police and courts have limits)

What it means: The state has rules it must follow.

Examples: Right to counsel if arrested or detained. Protection from unreasonable search.

Source: Charter sections 8–14.

Full text: Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Find your provincial or territorial representative

Provinces and territories use different titles and lookup systems. Choose your location below to find the correct representative.

Yukon (MLA) – Yukon Legislative Assembly (member list)
Northwest Territories (MLA) – Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories (member list)
Nunavut (MLA) – Legislative Assembly of Nunavut (member list)
British Columbia (MLA) – Legislative Assembly of British Columbia (member list)
Alberta (MLA) – Alberta Legislature (member list)
Saskatchewan (MLA) – Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly (member list)
Manitoba (MLA) – Manitoba Legislative Assembly (member list)
Ontario (MPP) – Ontario Legislative Assembly (member list)
Quebec (MNA) – National Assembly of Quebec (member list)
Nova Scotia (MLA) – Nova Scotia House of Assembly (member list)
New Brunswick (MLA) – Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick (member list)
Prince Edward Island (MLA) – Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island (member list)
Newfoundland and Labrador (MHA) – House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador (member list)

Not sure which level of government you need? Use the Advocacy Hub to help decide.

These resources are here to make things easier, not harder. You can use them online, print them, or adapt them for your situation.