Lex Pundit
Legislation

Tracking the statutes that matter.

This section will follow the Canadian bills and statutory amendments that touch LexPundit's subjects — what changed, when it takes effect, and what it means.

Constitutional
FederalIn force

Canadian Human Rights Act

RSC 1985, c H-6

Prohibits discrimination in federally regulated employment and services on grounds such as race, sex, age, disability and religion.

FederalIn force

Constitution Act, 1867

30 & 31 Vict, c 3

Creates the Dominion of Canada and divides law-making power between Parliament and the provinces. The foundation of Canadian federalism.

FederalIn force

Constitution Act, 1982

Schedule B to the Canada Act 1982 (UK), c 11

Patriates the constitution, enacts the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and section 35 Aboriginal and treaty rights, and sets the amending formula.

Business
FederalIn force

Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act

RSC 1985, c B-3

Sets out the process for consumer and corporate insolvency — bankruptcies, proposals and the distribution of an insolvent estate.

OntarioIn force

Business Corporations Act (Ontario)

RSO 1990, c B.16

Governs incorporation and corporate governance for companies incorporated in Ontario.

FederalIn force

Canada Business Corporations Act

RSC 1985, c C-44

Governs federal incorporation, corporate governance, directors' duties and shareholder rights for CBCA companies.

FederalIn force

Competition Act

RSC 1985, c C-34

Regulates mergers, monopolistic practices and misleading advertising to maintain and encourage competition in Canada.

FederalIn force

Income Tax Act

RSC 1985, c 1 (5th Supp)

The principal federal statute imposing income tax on individuals, corporations and trusts.

OntarioIn force

Partnerships Act (Ontario)

RSO 1990, c P.5

Codifies the law of general partnerships in Ontario, including the relations of partners to one another and to third parties.

Family
FederalIn force · amended

Divorce Act

RSC 1985, c 3 (2nd Supp)

Governs divorce for married spouses, along with parenting orders, contact, relocation, and spousal and child support. Substantially amended in 2021.

Technology
FederalIn force · amended

Copyright Act

RSC 1985, c C-42

Defines copyright in creative works and the rights of owners and users, including provisions for the digital environment added in 2012.

Privacy
FederalIn force

Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act

SC 2000, c 5

Governs how private-sector organisations collect, use and disclose personal information in the course of commercial activity.

FederalIn force

Privacy Act

RSC 1985, c P-21

Governs how federal government institutions collect, use, disclose and give individuals access to their personal information.

Criminal
FederalIn force

Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

SC 1996, c 19

Regulates controlled substances and sets out drug-related offences, from possession to trafficking and production.

FederalIn force

Criminal Code

RSC 1985, c C-46

The principal federal statute defining criminal offences, criminal procedure, defences and sentencing.

FederalIn force

Youth Criminal Justice Act

SC 2002, c 1

Governs the criminal justice process for young persons aged 12 to 17, emphasising rehabilitation and reintegration.

Administrative
FederalIn force

Federal Courts Act

RSC 1985, c F-7

Establishes the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal and their jurisdiction to review the decisions of federal boards, commissions and tribunals.

OntarioIn force

Judicial Review Procedure Act (Ontario)

RSO 1990, c J.1

Sets out the procedure for applying to the Divisional Court for judicial review of a statutory or other public decision in Ontario.

OntarioIn force

Statutory Powers Procedure Act (Ontario)

RSO 1990, c S.22

Prescribes minimum procedural requirements for Ontario tribunals exercising a statutory power of decision.