NEWS AND INFORMATION ARTICLE

Knowing your Responsibilities while in Canada

Coming to Canada can be fun and exciting. Here are some helpful facts and responsibilities to
know about while visiting Toronto.

Where to get legal advice? Should you have legal questions, please consult with a licensed lawyer for confidential advice, as per the Law Society Act, Ontario. More information about lawyers and paralegals is available at the LSO.

Currency of Information:

Please check the source website for their most current update as information may change from the date of this publication. Information from this publication was last updated on January 9, 2023.

www.toronto.uk.com

A Publication of Blackhorse Motorcycles Inc.
Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved.
Toronto

Table of Contents

1. -Interesting Facts That Surprise Visitors to Canada

-Which Level of Government Does What?

-The Levels of Government in Canada
-Powers of Government
-Constitution of Canada

2. Canada-United Kingdom relations

3. Responsibilities (Law)

1. How the Different Levels of Government in Canada Affects You

Interesting facts visitors often find surprising about Canada:

*An interesting historical fact: the Canadian Constitution was an Act (law) of UK Parliament prior to 1982! Check out the Centre for Canadian Constitutional Studies at the University of Alberta for more information. The Canadian Parliamentary system is based on the British Westminister tradition, see House of Commons website. Canada does not have a President but a Prime Minister, see Government of Canada website. Each province has a Premier (source: www.Ontario.ca). The City of Toronto exists by an Act (law) of provincial legislation, as explained by the Municipal Government of Toronto.

Which level of government does what, exactly?
The services you need will depend on whether the department is a federal, provincial, or municipal agency! For example: Service Canada (federal) and Service Ontario (provincial) are in different offices, which people sometimes find confusing. But now, you won’t make that mistake! This is also why different courts, tribunals, and agencies exist, depending on which level of government enacted the laws. And for Toronto specific laws (there are many), you must contact its municipal government. To know more details, it’s based on the constitution (below), but check here for an overview.

The Levels of Government in Canada:

For those interested in the division of powers, here is an except from the
Canadian Constitution, with reference to ss. 91 and 92.

Source:

https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-3.html

Here it is explained by the Library of Parliament (Ottawa) of Canada
Source: https://lop.parl.ca/sites/PublicWebsite/default/en_CA/ResearchPublications/201935E

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

Source:

https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/schedule-b-to-the-canada-act-1982-uk-1982-c-11/latest/schedule-b-to-the-canada-act-1982-uk-1982-c-11.html

2. Canada-United Kingdom Relations

Source: Government of Canada

Link: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/united_kingdom-royaume_uni/relations.aspx?lang=eng

3. Responsibilities: Conduct and Behaviour subject to Canadian Law

Declaration Guide when entering into Canada
From: Canada Border Services Agency
Source: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/declare-eng.html

Alcohol
Drinking alcohol in Public: Currently illegal in Toronto.

Source: Toronto City Council, City of Toronto.
Source: https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2022.MM43.5

Marijuana
Smoking Marijuana: Subject to conditions.

Source: Province of Ontario

https://www.ontario.ca/page/cannabis-laws

Source: City of Toronto

https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/cannabis-and-your-health/

Tobacco Products
Subject to age restrictions and conditions

Source: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-inspections-monitoring/smoking-legislation-enforcement/smoke-free-ontario-act-2017/tobacco-and-vapour-product-sales-offences/

Online Gaming

Subject to restrictions
Source: https://www.agco.ca/lottery-and-gaming/player-support-information-online-gambling-igaming-and-sport-and-event-betting

Definition of Libel and Slander – Legislation