Regulatory Offences
Regulatory Offences are provincial, non-criminal violations outlined in various
legislations, such as:
- The Highway Traffic Act
- The Liquor License Act
- The Occupational Health and Safety Act
- The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act
- The Fire Protection and Prevention Act
- The Environmental Protection Act
Compared to criminal offences, it is generally easier to secure a conviction for a
Regulatory Offence. While criminal offences necessitate proof of the accused's intent,
many Regulatory Offences only require evidence of negligence. In absolute liability
offences, demonstrating that the accused committed the act in question is sufficient for
a conviction.
Despite not leading to a criminal record, Regulatory Offence convictions can have
substantial consequences. Penalties may include substantial fines, probation orders,
and even imprisonment. Certain Highway Traffic Act violations can result in a
suspension of the driver's license.
Apart from legal repercussions, a Regulatory Offence conviction can bring about
significant non-legal consequences. For instance, violating the Highway Traffic Act
might lead to a considerable hike in insurance rates, while a breach of the Liquor
License Act could result in the suspension of a bar or restaurant's license for an
extended period, notably during peak seasons.
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