What the 'Rule of Law' Means in Canada

The preamble of the Charter says Canada is founded on principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law. The Supreme Court of Canada treats the rule of law as a foundational constitutional principle.

The core ideas

• No one is above the law, including officials and governments.
• Laws must be known: they are published and can be read by anyone.
• Equal application: the same rules apply to everyone in the same situation.
• Independent decision-makers: judges and adjudicators decide cases free from outside pressure.
• Access to justice: people must be able to bring disputes before courts and tribunals.

In everyday disputes

• A landlord can't evict a tenant without following the Residential Tenancies Act.
• A government official must have legal authority for a decision, and must act fairly.
• Police need legal authority to stop, search or detain you.

How you can rely on it

• Ask for the legal basis of a decision that affects you.
• Ask for reasons in writing.
• Use reviews, appeals and complaints when a decision seems unlawful.

Sources

• Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• Reference re Secession of Quebec (rule of law)

Read next: Statutes and Regulations: How to Read Ontario's Laws

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 16 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Unsplash: A white marble statue of a woman in a helmet holding golden scales · a statue of a person holding a staff.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.