What must any restrictions on rights and freedoms be, according to the Charter?

Restrictions on rights and freedoms according to the Charter must be "prescribed by law." This means that any limitations on constitutional rights must have a legal basis, ensuring that they are clearly defined and not arbitrary. The requirement of being "prescribed by law" safeguards individuals from whimsical or unjust limitations imposed by authorities, as it necessitates that such restrictions are rooted in established legislation.

This principle provides a framework for the application of rights and freedoms, allowing for necessary restrictions that can serve a legitimate purpose, such as public safety or national security, while also upholding the rule of law. By demanding that any limitation be formally enacted in law, the Charter promotes accountability and transparency in how rights are regulated.

Other options, while relevant concepts in discussions of law and policy, do not establish the foundational legal requirement for imposing restrictions on rights. Public opinion, judicial precedent, and international treaties may inform the development of laws, but they do not replace the necessity for those restrictions to be clearly laid out within the legal system itself.