Document Information

Date: 2023-07-11 [Updated 2025-08-08]
By: PrimaryDocuments.ca
Citation: PrimaryDocuments.ca, Section 30, Application to the Territories: Compilation of primary documents to assist in interpreting the public meaning of Section 30 of the Constitution Act, 1982, Second Ed. (August 2025).
Other formats: Click here to view the original document (PDF).
Please Note: Due to recent discoveries of new Charter drafts (which will be published in an upcoming academic paper and are available on our site), users are advised to consult this table, which has an up-to-date drafting history for Section 30. This table replaces the drafting history found below in this report. 

The PDF and HTML below will not always align. The PDF serves as a record in time, whereas the HTML will constantly be updated. The PDF will be updated occasionally and all former versions of the report will be available for download when a new version is uploaded. For now, the PDF contains the original version of the report.

SECTION 30

Application to the Territories

Compilation of primary documents to assist in interpreting the public meaning of Section 30 of the Constitution Act, 1982

Second Edition

August, 2025

The Constitution Act, 1982

Part I. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

General

Application to territories and territorial authorities

Section 30 A reference in this Charter to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province shall be deemed to include a reference to the Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories, or to the appropriate legislative authority thereof, as the case may be.

PART 1:

Drafting History of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms Pertaining to Section 30’s Public Meaning

Drafts of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms:

July 4, 1980: Rights and Freedoms within the Canadian Federation, Discussion Draft, Tabled at the Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution (July 8-11, 1980)
July 4, 1980: Comité Permanent des Ministres sur la Constitution, Droits et Libertés à l’Interieur de la Fédération Canadienne, Document de Travail (July 8-11, 1980)
July 16, 1980: Revised Discussion Draft with Memo re Section 1 (July 18, 1980)
August 5, 1980: Revised Discussion Draft with Memo (August 5, 1980)
August 8, 1980: Formalities to Bill: Joint Resolution (August 8, 1980)
August 22, 1980: Discussion Draft (Federal) (August 26-29, 1980)
August 28, 1980: Provincial Proposal (In the event that there is going to be entrenchment) (August 26-29, 1980)
September 3, 1980: Revised Discussion Draft (September 8-12, 1980)
September 3, 1980 : Conference Fédérale-Provinciale des Premiers Ministres, Document de Travail, Charte Canadienne des Droits et Libertés (September 3, 1980)
September 24, 1980: Resolution for joint address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the constitu-tion of Canada (September 24, 1980)
October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada with Handwritten Notes [Draft, Version1] (October 2, 1980)
October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada with Handwritten Notes [Draft, Version 2] (October 2, 1980)
October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada
January 9-12, 1981: Briefing Book for Clause by Clause Consideration of the Resolution (January 1981)
January 12, 1981: Version formally presented to Special Joint Committee by Jean Chretien (January 12, 1981)

Statutes and International Agreements:

1978: Bill C-60: An Act to amend the Constitution of Canada

[This section is incomplete]

—————o0o—————

Drafts of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

July 4, 1980: Rights and Freedoms within the Canadian Federation, Discussion Draft, Tabled at the Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution (July 8-11, 1980)

20. A reference in any of sections 3 to 5 and 10 to 16 to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province includes a reference to the Yukon Territory or the Northwest Territories or to the Council or Commissioner in Council thereof, as the case may be.

(Source: Meeting of the Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution, Rights and Freedoms within the Canadian Federation, Discussion Draft. Tabled by the Delegation of the Government of Canada, 4 July 1980, Doc 830-81/027 (Montreal: 8-11 July 1980). Click HERE)

—–o0o—–

July 16, 1980: Revised Discussion Draft with Memo re Section 1

20. A reference in any of sections 3 to 5 and 10 to 16 to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province includes a reference to the Yukon Territory or the Northwest Territories or to the Council or Commissioner in Council thereof, as the case may be.

(Source: Memo from Fred Jordan to Roger Tassé re Charter of Rights – Possible Modifications [with Possible Alternatives to Section 1 of July 4, 1980 Draft & Revised Discussion Draft (16 July 1980)] (18 July 1980). This text is found on p. 2. Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

August 5, 1980: Revised Discussion Draft with Memo 

28. A reference in this Charter to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province shall be deemed to include a reference to the Yukon Territory or the Northwest Territories or to the Council or Commissioner in Council thereof, as the case may be.

(Source: Memo from Deputy Minister of Justice to Prime Minister, Charter of Rights incl. Discussion Draft, The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (5 August 1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

August 8, 1980: Formalities to Bill: Joint Resolution

28. A reference in this Charter to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province shall be deemed to include a reference to the Yukon Territory or the Northwest Territories or to the Council or Commissioner in Council thereof, as the case may be.

(Source: Canada, Formalities to Bill, Draft Joint Resolution, An Act to Amend the Constitution of Canada (8 August 1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

August 22, 1980: Discussion Draft (Federal)

30. A reference in this Charter to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province shall be deemed to include a reference to the Yukon Territory or the Northwest Territories or to the appropriate legislative authority thereof, as the case may be.

(Source: Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution, The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Discussion Draft [Federal], (August 22, 1980), Doc 830-84/004 (Ottawa: 26-29 August 1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

August 28, 1980: Provincial Proposal (In the event that there is going to be entrenchment)

30. A reference in this Charter to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province shall be deemed to include a reference to the Yukon Territory or the Northwest Territories or to the appropriate legislative authority thereof, as the case may be.

(Source: Continuing Committee of Ministers on the Constitution, Provincial Proposal: The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (August 28, 1980), Doc 830-84/031 (Ottawa: 26-29 August, 1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

September 3, 1980: Revised Discussion Draft

30. A reference in this Charter to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province shall be deemed to include a reference to the Yukon Territory or the Northwest Territories or to the appropriate legislative authority thereof, as the case may be.

(Source: Federal-Provincial First Ministers’ Conference, The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Revised Discussion Draft, Federal, [September 3, 1980] Doc 800-14/064 (Ottawa: 8-12 September 1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

September 24, 1980: Resolution for joint address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the constitution of Canada

26. A reference in this Charter to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province shall, except in section 29, be deemed to include a reference to the Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories, or to the appropriate legislative authority thereof, as the case may be.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, DRAFT, “Resolution for joint address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the constitution of Canada” (24 September 1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada with Handwritten Notes [Draft, Version1]

27. A reference in this Charter to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province shall, except in section 29, be deemed to include a reference to the Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories, or to the appropriate legislative authority thereof, as the case may be.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, DRAFT, Proposed Resolution for Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen Respecting the Constitution of Canada, Version 1 (2 October 1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada with Handwritten Notes [Draft, Version 2]

27. A reference in this Charter to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province shall be deemed to include a reference to the Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories, or to the appropriate legislative authority thereof, as the case may be.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, DRAFT, Proposed Resolution for Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen Respecting the Constitution of Canada, Version 2 with Handwritten Notes (2 October 1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada

27. A reference in this Charter to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province shall be deemed to include a reference to the Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories, or to the appropriate legislative authority thereof, as the case may be.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, “Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada” in Sessional Papers (1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

January 9-12, 1981: Briefing Book for Clause by Clause Consideration of the Resolution:

27 A reference in this Charter to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province shall be deemed to include a reference to the Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories, or to the appropriate legislative authority thereof, as the case may be.

(Source: Canada, Briefing Book for Clause by Clause Consideration of the Resolution (January 1981). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

January 12, 1981: Version formally presented to Special Joint Committee by Jean Chretien:

27 A reference in this Charter to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province shall be deemed to include a reference to the Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories, or to the appropriate legislative authority thereof, as the case may be.

(Source: Canada, Parlement, Procès-verbaux et témoignages du Comité mixte spécial du Sénat et de la Chambre des communes sur la Constitution du Canada, 32e parl, 1re sess, nº 36 (12 janvier 1981). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

French:

July 4, 1980: Comité Permanent des Ministres sur la Constitution, Droits et Libertés à l’Interieur de la Fédération Canadienne, Document de Travail

20. Le Yukon et les Territoires du Nord-Ouest, ainsi que le Conseil ou le Commissaire en Conseil de ces territoires sont assimilés, pour l’application des articles 3 à 5 et 10 à 16, a une province, à une assemblée législative provinciale ou à un corps législatif provincial, selon le cas.

(Source: Comité Permanent des Ministres sur la Constitution, Droits et Libertés à l’Interieur de la Fédération Canadienne, Document de Travail, Doc: 830-81/027 (Montréal: 8-11 juillet 1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

September 3, 1980 : Conference Fédérale-Provinciale des Premiers Ministres, Document de Travail, Charte Canadienne des Droits et Libertés

26. Le Yukon et les Territoires du Nord-Ouest, ainsi que le Conseil ou le Commissaire en Conseil de ces territoires sont assimilés, pour l’application de la présente Charte, à une province, à une assemblée législative provinciale ou à une législature provinciale selon le cas.

(Source: Conference Fédérale-Provinciale des Premiers Ministres, Document de Travail, Charte Canadienne des Droits et Libertés (3 septembre 1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

September 24, 1980: Resolution for joint address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the constitution of Canada

26. Dans la présente charte, sauf à l’article 29, les dispositions qui visent les provinces, leur législature ou leur assemblée législative visent également le territoire du Yukon, les territoires du Nord-Ouest ou leurs autorités législatives compétentes.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, DRAFT, “Resolution for joint address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the constitution of Canada” (24 September 1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada with Handwritten Notes [Draft, Version1]

26. Dans la présente charte, sauf à l’article 29, les dispositions qui visent les provinces, leur législature ou leur assemblée législative visent également le territoire du Yukon, les territoires du Nord-Ouest ou leurs autorités législatives compétentes.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, DRAFT, Proposed Resolution for Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen Respecting the Constitution of Canada, Version 1 (2 October 1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada with Handwritten Notes [Draft, Version 2]

26. Dans la présente charte, sauf à l’article 29, les dispositions qui visent les provinces, leur législature ou leur assemblée législative visent également le territoire du Yukon, les territoires du Nord-Ouest ou leurs autorités législatives compétentes.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, DRAFT, Proposed Resolution for Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen Respecting the Constitution of Canada, Version 2 with Handwritten Notes (2 October 1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

October 2, 1980: Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada

27. Dans la présente charte, les dispositions qui visent les provinces, leur législature ou leur assemblée législative visent également le territoire du Yukon, les territoires du Nord-Ouest ou leurs autorités législatives compétentes.

(Source: Canada, Parliament, “Proposed Resolution for a Joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen respecting the Constitution of Canada” in Sessional Papers (1980). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

January 9-12, 1981: Briefing Book for Clause by Clause Consideration of the Resolution:

27. Dans la présente charte, les dispositions qui visent les provinces, leur législature ou leur assemblée législative visent également le territoire du Yukon, les territoires du Nord-Ouest ou leurs autorités législatives compétentes.

(Source: Canada, Briefing Book for Clause by Clause Consideration of the Resolution (January 1981). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

January 12, 1981: Version formally presented to Special Joint Committee by Jean Chretien:

27 Dans la présente charte, les dispositions qui visent les provinces, leur législature ou leur assemblée législative visent également le territoire du Yukon, les territoires du Nord-Ouest ou leurs autorités législatives compétentes.

(Source: Canada, Parlement, Procès-verbaux et témoignages du Comité mixte spécial du Sénat et de la Chambre des communes sur la Constitution du Canada, 32e parl, 1re sess, nº 36 (12 janvier 1981). Click HERE.)

—–o0o—–

Statutes and International Agreements

June 20, 1978: Bill C-60: An Act to amend the Constitution of Canada

28. A reference in any of sections 10 to 22 to a province or to the legislative assembly or legislature of a province shall be construed as including a reference to the Yukon Territory or the Northwest Territories or to the Council or Commissioner in Council thereof, as the case may be.

(Source: Bill C-60, An Act to amend the Constitution of Canada with respect to matters coming within the legislative authority of the Parliament of Canada, and to approve and authorize the taking of measures necessary for the amendment of the Constitution with respect to certain other matters, 3rd Sess, 30th Parl, SC, 1978 (June 20, 1978). Click HERE)

Previous Versions of this Report: [Version 1]