What is a common way Canadians help others in their community?
- Avoiding community events
- Paying extra taxes
- Running for Senate
- Volunteering
Answer: Volunteering
Helping others in the community is a responsibility of citizenship, and millions of Canadians do it by volunteering without pay. Examples are helping at your child’s school, at a food bank or other charity, or helping newcomers settle in. Volunteering also builds useful skills, friends and contacts.
Learn more: Responsibilities of citizenship
- Obeying the law. The rule of law is a founding principle. Individuals and governments are both regulated by laws, and no person or group is above the law.
- The law applies to everyone, including judges, politicians and the police.
- Taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family: getting a job, caring for your family and working hard. Work contributes to personal dignity, self-respect and Canada’s prosperity.
- Serving on a jury: when called, you are legally required to serve. It is also a privilege, because justice depends on impartial juries of citizens.
- Voting in federal, provincial or territorial, and local elections. The right to vote comes with a responsibility to vote.
- To vote in a federal election you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on voting day and on the voters’ list. Canadian citizens 18 or older may also run in a federal election.
- Helping others in the community: millions volunteer without pay, for example at schools, food banks, charities or by helping newcomers.
- Volunteering is an excellent way to gain useful skills, friends and contacts.
- Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment: every citizen helps avoid waste and pollution and protect natural, cultural and architectural heritage.