Statutes & Regulations (Federal)

Statutes are laws made by Parliament or a Legislature and are also known as Acts. They may create a new law or modify an existing one. Regulations are the rules that address the details and practical applications of the law. The authority to make regulations related to an Act is assigned within that Act. Just like statutes, regulations have the full force of law.

These resources provide access to federal, provincial and territorial statutes and regulations.


CPLEA Suggested Resources

Not sure where to begin finding answers to your questions. Get started with our suggested resources. See additional resources below for more information.

Canada/Federal

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) administers many pieces of legislation, either in whole or in part. AANDC also develops and enforces regulations under authority delegated by the legislation that directly impacts First Nations, Inuit, Metis and Northerners.

Related legal topic(s): Aboriginal law, Legislative materials

The Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII) is a not-for-profit organization initiated by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. CanLII's goal is to make primary sources of Canadian law accessible for free on the Internet. CanLII seeks to gather legislative and judicial texts, as well as legal commentaries, from federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions on a single Web site.

Related legal topic(s): Courts and court judgments, Legal research, Legislative materials

This consolidation contains the text of the Constitution Act, 1867 (formerly the British North America Act, 1867), together with amendments made to it since its enactment, and the text of the Constitution Act, 1982, as amended since its enactment. The Constitution Act, 1982 contains the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other provisions, including the procedure for amending the Constitution of Canada.

Related legal topic(s): Constitutional law, Legislative materials

This page from the Labour Program of Employment and Social Development Canada outlines the laws that govern federally regulated workplaces. 

Related legal topic(s): Legislative materials, Unions, Workers' health and safety, Workers' rights and employment standards

This online source of the consolidated Acts and regulations of Canada is provided by the Department of Justice Canada. The consolidations are generally updated on a weekly basis.

Related legal topic(s): Aboriginal law, Administrative law, Charter of Rights, Civil law, Constitutional law, Farm law, Immigration, Legislative materials, Maritime law, Military law, Non-profit and charity law

The Canada Gazette is the official newspaper of the Government of Canada and has been published regularly by the Queen’s Printer since 1841. Published within the Canada Gazette are new statutes and regulations, proposed regulations, decisions of administrative boards and an assortment of government notices.

Related legal topic(s): Legislative materials