Term: Act
Glossary Definition
Last Updated: 2024-07-08
Definition:
An Act (also called a statute) is a form of law that is enacted by legislature. An Act concentrates on a specific subject and outlines the provisions and regulations relevant to it. Some examples include: The Criminal Code (CC), the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), the Youth Criminal Justice Act, etc.
A full list of Manitoba legislation can be found at the Government of Manitoba website:
Continuing Consolidation of the Statutes of Manitoba
Some commonly seen Acts include:
The Criminal Code (CC):
The CC is a federal law that outlines conduct considered to be a criminal offence. It includes a wide range of crimes such as murder, assault, theft, and fraud. The code includes rules that set out how people can be guilty of crimes, the defenses a person can raise if they are charged, and the degree of punishment that make be imposed if someone is convicted.
The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA):
The CDSA is a federal law that regulates the possession, production, distribution, and sale of drugs and other substances that are considered to be controlled or illegal. The Act includes rules on how individuals may obtain them and imposes criminal penalties for offences related to their possession, production, and distribution. Note: The CDSA replaced the Narcotic Control Act in 1996.
Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA):
The YCJA is a federal law that applies to youth who are alleged to have committed criminal offences. It is the law that governs Canada’s youth proceeding through the justice system. A youth is defined as someone who is at least 12 years old, but under 18 years old. The principle of the YCJA is that youth must be separated from the adult system because their lack of maturity diminishes moral blameworthiness. Therefore, the punishments under the YCJA are typically less severe than those tried in the adult system. Note: The Youth Criminal Justice Act replaced the Young Offenders Act (YOA) in 2003 which previously governed Canada’s youth proceeding through the justice system.
Highway Traffic Act (HTA):
The HTA is a provincial law that regulates the licensing of vehicles, the classification of traffic offences, and prohibitions. It applies to any public highway, street, bridge, etc., which is intended for use by the general public.
The Drivers and Vehicles Act:
The Drivers and Vehicles Act is a provincial law that outlines the requirements for a driver’s license, registration of vehicles, offences, and penalties that follow.
Petty Trespasses Act:
The Petty Trespasses Act is a provincial law that makes it an offence to enter private land without permission. The PTA sets out the definitions of a trespass, the exceptions, and the punishments of doing so.
The Public Health Act:
The Public Health Act is a provincial law that outlines the framework for anticipating and responding to public health emergencies. It outlines public health functions such as health surveillance, disease and injury prevention, population health assessments, and delegates power during public health emergencies.
The Provincial Parks Act:
The Provincial Parks Act is a provincial law that provides for the establishment, protection, conservation, management, planning and control of provincial parks in Manitoba. It emphasizes the importance of managing provincial parks in a manner consistent with the principles of sustainable development.
The Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Control Act:
The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act is a provincial law that outlines the authority of Manitoba and regulates the licensing, retail sale, manufacturing, use, and social responsibility of liquor and cannabis. The Act also outlines the provision of gaming and lottery use in Manitoba.
Fisheries Act:
The Fisheries Act is a federal law that is intended to protect against the harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction of fish habitat. The Fisheries Act outlines the rules and regulations regarding fishing in Canada, and the offences and punishments of not following them.
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