Legislation Research Guide: Home
This research guide will show you how to find great resources for preparing and helping with legislation research.
Legislation
Constitution Act, 1867
The Constitution Act, 1867, originally known as the British North America Act (BNA Act) was the law passed by the British Parliament creating the Dominion of Canada at Confederation.
Overview
Legislation Acts passed by the Parliament of Canada and by Provincial legislatures are the primary source of law in Canada. Sections 91 and 92 of the Constitution Act, 1867 enumerate the subject matters upon which either level of government (Federal and Provincial) may legitimately enact legislation.
How do I find out if legislation exists for the legal issue I am working on?
- Consult a text on the subject
- Canadian Encyclopedic Digest (Westlaw) – in print or onlineLook up subject or do a search of the CEDs
A brief summary of the area of law is provided
Relevant legislation will be listed - Halsbury's Laws of Canada (LexisNexis Quicklaw) – in print or onlineBrowse Halsbury titles under Commentary
Find relevant chapter or section, or do a search
Relevant legislation will be listed - CanLIISearch entire database or specifiy a jurisdiction
Do a keyword search and check Legislation box only
Contact
How to Note up legislation
Here you will find resources that will help you see if any cases have considered a section of an Act.