The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the following fundamental freedoms subject only to reasonable limits prescribed by law:

1. Freedom of conscience and religion;
2. Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression -- including freedom of the press and other media communication;
3. Freedom of peaceful assembly; and
4. Freedom of association.

This guarantees all persons in Canada the fundamental right to have access to all expressions of knowledge, creative and intellectual activity, and to express their thoughts publicly. This right of intellectual freedom, under the law, is essential to the health and development of Canadian Society.

Freedom to Read Week reaffirms your guarantee of access to all expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity, including those which some members of society may consider unconventional, unpopular or unacceptable.

You have the right to know. You have the right to grow. You have the right to read.