Students who travel to Canada to study are likely to look into the country’s norms and regulations. After all, it is all too simple to violate a traffic rule you are unfamiliar with, incur a fee, or receive a reprimand from a police officer. It is, nevertheless, interesting to come across ancient laws that are still in effect about everyday behaviours that are banned or natural occurrences that are allegedly criminal.
Laws and regulations are put in place to keep society in order and to protect people. The following laws, on the other hand, leave you wondering why and how they came to be.
Here are some of Canada’s strangest laws and regulations:
1. Bylaw For Bagpipes
Victoria, British Columbia, has some very detailed laws controlling street entertainers, including a particular section devoted to bagpipers. Along with regulations governing where and when pipers may pipe, the law states that a bagpiper may not play “at the same time as another street entertainment whose act includes bagpipes.” Regrettably, this precludes the prospect of ever hearing “Dueling Banjos” performed with bagpipes.
2. The Watermark
Bathtub safety is so important to Etobicoke, Ontario, lawmakers that a municipal bylaw stipulates that a bathtub should not be filled with more than three-and-a-half inches of water. Note to Etobicoke legislators: the next time you take a bath, fill it with three-and-a-half inches of water and see how it goes.
3. Travelling With Booze
It is unlawful to carry alcohol from one province to another without the approval of the jurisdiction’s liquor control board, according to a rule going back to the times of Prohibition and bootlegging. In 2012, this rule was eased, but just for wine. Transporting any other liquor will land you in Al Capone’s crosshairs.
4. No Casual Clothes
Taxi drivers in Halifax, Nova Scotia, are not allowed to wear t-shirts. Number 24 of the Regional Municipality of Halifax’s Bylaws for Taxis and Limousines specifies that drivers must be dressed cleanly and clean at all times; they must wear shoes and socks, keep their clothing in, and cannot wear a t-shirt. The poor cab drivers must have it tough in the heat!
Despite our pleasure at reading about these rules, they can be enforced if someone complains to the police about your noisy parrot or your purple garage door! However, Canada’s rules on important issues are incredible. Indeed, Canada is one of the safest countries in the world, so you have nothing to fear if you want to live or study there. All you have to do is decide what you want to study, which institution you want to attend, and where you want to live as a student in Canada.
5. Coins Not Allowed In Bulk
Many Canadians get rid of their loose change by purchasing chocolate bars at the next petrol station. It is, nevertheless, forbidden to pay for purchases with a large number of coins. According to the Canadian government, you are only allowed to use 25 loonies (Canadian one-dollar coins) and five 25-cent coins.
6. Laws Regarding Maple Syrup
When it comes to maple syrup, Canada doesn’t mess around; there’s a whole act of legislation devoted to the delectable condiment. One says it’s unlawful to claim a product is maple syrup when it isn’t: ‘No one shall advertise a product in import, export, or interprovincial commerce in such a manner that it is likely to be mistaken for a maple product for which a grade or standard is established under these Regulations.’ So don’t go about telling people that chocolate sauce is maple syrup, otherwise, the sirens will sound!
7. Serene Ontario
Whistling is banned in Petrolia, Ontario. Yes, you read that correctly! That doesn’t imply you’ll be followed down the street by a SWAT squad while humming the tune of your favourite song. However, there is a real rule stated against it on the town’s website, Article 3, 772.3.6, which states that “yelling, screaming, hooting, whistling, or singing is forbidden at all times.” Ontario appears to take enjoying and quiet to a whole new level!
8. It Is Illegal To Carry A Snake In Public
Our is the most logical law on this list since it may not appear strange to people who are scared of snakes. It is illegal to carry a snake or any other reptile in public in Fredericton, New Brunswick. You cannot, for example, go down the street with a snake wrapped around your neck. However, if you have a cage or container that confines the animal, you can take your reptiles outside.
9. Bringing Llamas Into National Parks Is Illegal
Bringing llamas into any national park is prohibited, according to the Canadian National Parks Guide. But it isn’t all. Canadians are also subject to fines if they transport sheep, goats, pigs, or live birds into any national park. As a result, the next time you go on a family vacation, don’t bring a llama with you – you won’t be let in.
10. It Is Illegal To Pick Trillium
Because the trillium plant is a symbol of Ontario, it should come as no surprise that it has a particular place in the hearts of the province’s residents. If you come across one of these lovely blooms, do not pluck it. Picking trillium is prohibited in provincial parks and reserves in Ontario. If you find a plant on your property, however, you are free to harvest as much as you wish.
Although not all of these rules apply everywhere in Canada, you should be aware of them, especially if you are planning a journey with a pet rat, snake, or llama, if your pockets are full of money, and if you are preparing to organise a 3-day sale before you depart.
