Orientation guide for newcomers to New Brunswick - Government of ...

How to be a good citizenAlong with rights, you have responsibilities.This applies to Canadians as well as visitorsand immigrants. Responsibilities include:• knowing and obeying Canadian laws,rules and regulations;• acting responsibly and politely towardothers; and• respecting the beliefs and practices (withinthe law) of people of different cultural orreligious backgrounds.Whether you are a citizen or not, there aremany positive ways for you to becomeinvolved in your community. Look foropportunities to volunteer with communityorganizations. It is an excellent way to meetnew people and feel more at home. If youserve on the board of directors of a volunteerorganization, you may improve yourleadership skills and make contacts whichcould be useful in your work.If you become a citizen, you will have theright to vote in municipal, provincial andfederal elections. To make the best decisionon election day, you should learn about NewBrunswick and Canada’s political parties andtheir platforms 16 as well as the policies ofyour local candidates. You can get a greatdeal of information through the mediaor by going to political events.88Orientation guide for newcomers to New Brunswick16-A platform is a political party’s opinions on issues andits plans if elected. Usually platforms are written documentsavailable free of charge before an election.