In Canada, we have the inherent right to assemble as granted by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; therefore, I don’t need permission, which is discretionary.

Permits in this context represent authorization that establishes procedures for exercising this right on property administered by government, which ensure things like public safety without infringing on any rights or freedoms of the protestors or other citizens.

The inherent tension has always been "How much of an asshole does my freedom to protest allow me to be?"

Because protesting has always been about, to some degree, inconveniencing others to achieve your political aims.

>In Canada, we have the inherent right to assemble as granted by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;

Playing devil's advocate here: what if it wasn't mentioned in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms? What if the CRF didn't exist to start with?

(my point being that when things are very bad, certain things need to be done regardless of what a formal law states, you cannot let tyranny call the shots)

A permit is literally about seeking permission to do something from an authority - the absence of which, makes the activity illegal.