Canada
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
97 / 100
Free
Internet Freedom
85 / 100
Free
Canada has a strong history of respect for political rights and civil liberties, though in recent years citizens have been concerned about laws relating to the administration of elections, government transparency, the treatment of inmates in prisons, and restrictions on public sector employees wearing religious symbols. While Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized Canadians still face discrimination and economic, social, and political challenges, the federal government has acknowledged these problems and made some moves to address them.
Research & Recommendations
Canada
Free
97
100
| PR Political Rights | 39 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 58 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
97
100
Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Canada has a strong history of respect for political rights and civil liberties, though in recent years citizens have been concerned about laws relating to the administration of elections, government transparency, the treatment of inmates in prisons, and restrictions on public-sector employees wearing religious symbols. While members of minority groups, including Black and Indigenous Canadians, still face discrimination and economic, social, and political challenges, the federal government has acknowledged these problems and made some moves to address them.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Canada
Free
85
100
| A Obstacles to Access | 22 25 |
| B Limits on Content | 32 35 |
| C Violations of User Rights | 31 40 |
Last Year's Score & Status
86
100
Free
Scores are based on a scale of 0 (least free) to 100 (most free).
See the methodology and report acknowledgements.
Political Overview
Canada has a strong history of respect for political rights and civil liberties, though in recent years citizens have been concerned about laws relating to the administration of elections, government transparency, the treatment of inmates in prisons, and restrictions on public sector employees wearing religious symbols. While members of minority groups, including Black and Indigenous Canadians, still face discrimination and economic, social, and political challenges, the federal government has acknowledged these problems and made some moves to address them.
Freedom on the Net 2025 Policy Recommendations
Countering Restrictions on Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression online has been and is increasingly under attack as governments shut off internet connectivity, block social media platforms, and restrict access to websites that host political, social, and religious speech. Protecting freedom of expression will require strong legal and regulatory safeguards for digital communications.
Countering Manipulation of the Online Environment
Governments should encourage a whole-of-society approach to fostering a high-quality, diverse, and trustworthy information space. The Global Declaration on Information Integrity Online identifies best practices for safeguarding the information ecosystem, to which governments should adhere.
Countering Restrictions on Privacy and Disproportionate Government Surveillance
Comprehensive data-protection regulations and industry policies on data protection are essential for upholding privacy and combating disproportionate government surveillance, but they require careful crafting to ensure that they do not contribute to internet fragmentation—the siloing of the global internet into nation-based segments—and cannot be used by governments to undermine privacy and other fundamental freedoms.
The problem of transnational repression has entered the mainstream of Canadian politics. The government has made promising strides in developing policy responses, engaging directly with affected communities, and leading international efforts to combat extraterritorial violence. In the coming years, attention to community needs, a sensible reporting mechanism, and continued multilateral action will be required.
Policy Recommendations: Transnational Repression
Raising awareness about the threat of transnational repression.
Like-minded governments and international organizations should work together to highlight the threat of transnational repression and establish international norms for addressing it.
Limiting the ability of perpetrators to commit transnational repression.
This includes agreeing on a common definition of transnational repression, and prohibiting the use of Interpol notices on their own to deny immigration or asylum benefits or conduct arrests.
Bringing accountability for acts of transnational repression.
Among other tactics, governments should deploy a robust strategy for targeted sanctions against perpetrators of transnational repression.
News and Updates
Featured
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Policy & Advocacy
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
97
/ 100
Free
Freedom on the Net Score
85
/ 100
Free
Population: 38,930,000
Internet Facts
Status
Free
Networks Restricted
No
Social Media Blocked
No
Websites Blocked
No
Pro-government Commentators
No
Users Arrested
No
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Host Country
Key Origin States
China, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia
Best Practices
National security framework recognizes foreign threats against diaspora communities; Extradition requests and Interpol notices vetted
