Every country has its own laws and regulations. Canada is no exception. It also has norms, rules and regulations to define legal and illegal acts. And reasonably, some things are illegal here that you might not know as a newcomer or visitor.
While many laws are often implemented across Canada to maintain the safety and well-being of the population, some regulations aren’t as bad as others. In fact, compared to modern times, several Canadian regulations may even seem a little strange. We performed some research and discovered 17 weirdest things that are illegal in Canada.
17 Weirdest Things That are Illegal in Canada
Here is a list of some illegal acts according to Canadian Law. Some may seem surprising, but committing them may cause severe consequences.
Let’s know.
1. It’s Illegal To Frighten the Queen
The criminal code of Canada declares that it is forbidden for anybody to frighten the Queen anywhere in the country.
“Does an act with purpose to alarm Her Majesty or to break the public peace,” it says under the Prohibited Acts clause.
If the law is broken, it is considered a major indictable offence, and the offender could receive a sentence of up to 14 years in prison.
2. It’s Illegal To Pay with too Many Coins While Buying
It may seem funny and ridiculous at the same time to know about the law. The Canadian government allows a person to pay a bill in coins in a certain number.
A person can pay the highest $25 with one Canadian dollar coin while the limit is $5 as the changes are 5 cents. However, you can’t pay for a $30 meal in loonies.
3. It’s Illegal To Dragging a Dead Horse on Yonge Street in Toronto
The idea would be indeed strange to you that a person cannot have a dead horse on Yonge Street in Toronto. It’s relatively overwhelming when you find the law more specifically.
The law prohibits the action only for Sunday, and there is no such law for the rest of the six days. Anyway, no police would suggest you repeat that on Monday.
4. It’s Illegal To Bringing Llamas into the National Park
From the Canadian National Parks Guide, a person cannot bring llamas to national parks. Bringing other animals, including goats, sheep, and pet birds, is also not allowed.
Going against it will cost you fines. So, consider having no llamas or other pets in your car if you visit such places.
But why would a person take a llama to the national park!
5. It’s Illegal To Have Too Many Garage Sales
Some people also get benefits from the junk you don’t need anymore. But, the Toronto legal authority would not agree every time, at least legally.
According to Toronto Municipal Code, you cannot hold three garage sales in a residential area per year. So, the limit is two. Also, the business period shouldn’t last more than two days.
Learn: Criminal Laws in Canada
6. It’s Illegal To Wearing T-Shirt by the Taxi Drivers in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax’s Regional Municipality has some dress-code rules for the taxi drivers. They shouldn’t sit before the steering without wearing shoes and socks.
Their get-up should be tidy. And most importantly, no t-shirts. Well, how might the driver feel during the summer?
7. It’s Illegal To Take off the Bandage in Public
The York Regional Polices say- you can’t tear off their bandage in public. No one would feel okay doing so anyway. But, this law would take you before the court as Canadian law takes it as an illegal action.
It’s all about hygiene and environment friendly to do the dressing privately inside a home or hospital. People may not be interested in joining your recovery party. But, don’t hesitate to take help from the police if you’re injured.
8. It’s Illegal To Carrying a Snake in Public
If you are scared of snakes, this law is reasonable for you. In Canada, carrying a snake or other reptiles in public is illegal.
But, the law is flexible if a person carries the creature inside a cage that guarantees the animal is confined.
9. It’s Illegal To Jumping in any Lake in Toronto
You are not allowed to swim in any area in the harbour unless there is a sign ‘swimming area’. Control yourself if you are on your boat, and it’s floating over captivating restful water welcoming you.
Your bathing suit or life jacket would be easy for the police to detect and escort you to the police station.
So do you want to get there after a half-bath?
10. It’s Illegal To No Outing After Midnight Allowed for Kids Under 15
If your kid is under 15, you can’t go outside after zero hours until 6 am. So, the parents of the St. Paul residents are quite relieved regarding worrying about their kids.
But, as a parent, you get to do your part. After all, a teenager likes adventures, which begin with sneaking out. We hope no phone calls from the police station come, and there’s no choice but to sacrifice your sleep.
11. No Snowman!
Don’t build a giant snowman on a corner lot in Prince Edward Island. Even if you do, the height shouldn’t be more than 76 centimetres or 30 inches.
Isn’t it strange that what the residents at corner lots have to do with a taller snowman? Yet, you’ve got the rest of the places for the winter. So, nothing to worry about.
Learn More: Alberta New Drunk Driving Laws
12. No Ice Cream in Ottawa!
Can you imagine a holiday without ice cream? If it’s Sunday and the place is Bank Street, there is a ‘No’ for ice cream in Ottawa.
Enjoy all the flavours you like with this cold touch anywhere, anytime, but be careful if the time and place don’t match with the law for you.
13. It’s Illegal To Scaring a Child that Causes Death
Murder is the obvious crime that won’t spare a person without a trial and a severe punishment. And we have read or heard about accidentally causing the death of a person.
According to the Canadian Government, scaring an ill person or a child will be illegal action if that results in death. The law may seem strange but somehow makes sense.
14. It’s Illegal To Pretending to Practise Witchcraft
A person can be under the criminal offence of pretending to be in any kind of witchcraft, enchantment, sorcery or conjuration practice. The list includes fortune telling as well.
Acting like having the knowledge of them while it’s not true would be illegal. So you avoid such an act if any such thought is roaming over your head.
15. It’s Illegal To Picking a Trillium in Ontario
Ontario’s provincial flower is the trillium. It’s everyone’s favourite there. But, you have to enjoy its beauty from a distance.
You are busted if the Regional Police finds you picking the flower from any provincial park or conservation area.
But, the law is not applicable if you have these flowers in your garden. Having this flower in your garden would let you pick as much as you like to gift your friends and families.
Remember- “The earth laughs in flowers.”
16. It’s Illegal To Having a Pet Rat in Alberta
A person in Alberta can’t have a rat as a pet. There have been multiple laws here since 1950, ensuring that the province stays rodent-free. Albertans wouldn’t like to face another Hamelin story.
17. It’s Illegal To Painting Your Garage Door Purple
It’s obvious to paint your garage door while finding the colour faded. Who doesn’t like that?
However, keep yourself away from purple. In Kanata, you cannot have a purple door in your garage; the same goes for house doors.
Sorry! No fairy touch.
Learn More: What is the Legal Drinking Age in Canada
5 Controversial Laws in Canada
Our government has passed many laws that have caused quite a controversy, many of which have occurred recently. Here are some of the most controversial Canadian laws in recent memory.
Bill C-36: “The Prostitution Bill”
Prostitution is prohibited in the majority of countries. This strategy is difficult because it specifically bans people who sell sex and prevents them from taking defensive precautions against would-be attackers. Bill C-36, one of Canada’s controversial laws, is supported by Justice Minister Mackay and aims to reduce demand for the service. The bill makes purchasing sexual services illegal, but not the selling. This was done in the hopes of reducing demand while yet allowing workers to protect themselves.
Bill C-51: “The Anti-terror Bill”
This controversial bill C-51, passed by an overwhelming majority in the House, grants the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) significant powers to combat terror plans. However, it does more than simply give the government additional control over information sharing. It can now widen no-fly lists and criminalize publicly supporting terrorism and terrorists.
Bill C-10: “The Broadcasting Act bill”
The federal government has been criticized for a month over its broadcasting bill C-10 and its implications for free speech. Former Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission commissioner Peter Menzies said the proposal “doesn’t simply impact on free expression; it constitutes a complete attack on it and, through it, the foundations of democracy.” A bill to establish the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, which would regulate online platforms like Netflix in the same way that it governs traditional TV and radio broadcasters, was introduced in October.
Bill C-10: “The Federal Bill”
Bill C-4, a federal bill that modifies Canada’s Criminal Code by adding new criminal offences connected to conversion therapy, went into effect on January 7, 2022. Among the new offences include knowingly causing another person to receive conversion therapy, promoting or advertising conversion therapy, and gaining financial or other gains from conversion therapy. The bill was introduced on November 29, 2021, by David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Marci Ien, Minister of Women, Gender Equality, and Youth.
Expat Voting Laws
Canadians living abroad for more than five years are prohibited from participating in elections. Although expats all around the world have been pushing for this right for quite some time, the government does not appear to be in any hurry to change the expat voting laws. A recent challenge will go all the way to the Supreme Court, but experts say it is far from certain to succeed.
Learn More: The Classification of Offences in Canada and the United States
Last Words
The article ‘what is illegal in Canada’ leaves two thoughts for us predominantly. One is- the motive of a law is to serve the best. The other one is about the proximity of laws.
We may feel that the above laws significantly differ from areas and countries. But, there is no way to deny them as these are still the law.
Ultimately, we hope the law brings justice and the people’s betterment.
FAQ
Is It Illegal to Swear in Public in Canada?
Yes. It is unlawful to swear in public or use abusive words against anyone. The person may have to pay over a $200 fine if such a claim is proven against anyone. But, there’s no record yet being penalized for the act.
Is Shouting in Canada Illegal?
The action that disturbs people’s comfort is an offence, and the Criminal Code of Canada believes so. The list includes fighting, singing loudly, using insulting language, discharging firearms, and shouting. So, yes. Shouting is illegal in Canada.
Is PDA Illegal in Canada?
Any form of public nudity is forbidden and is only tried by the most avant-garde and attention-seeking individuals. In Canadian society, there is some discussion about “public displays of affection,” or “PDAs,” such as hugging or passionately kissing in public places.
What is Illegal to Watch Porn on the Internet in Canada?
As the normal idea, it’s not illegal in Canada to watch any content of sexually explicit material or nudity. But, a person under 18 cannot watch any internet content subject to violence or nudity. Therefore, certain contents are unlawful for minor citizens.
What is Illegal to Watch on the Internet in Canada?
It is against the law to produce or distribute pornographic content in Canada. Ownership of obscene materials with the intent to sell, display, or expose them to the public is also illegal.
