Antiquated and Obscure Canadian Laws Quiz

Answer: A bandage

In Canada, it is illegal to remove a bandage in certain places such as parks, sidewalks and on streets. Doing so is considered to be a public health hazard, although it's rarely enforced.

It is believed to have begun as a means to prevent public heath problems relating to biohazardous waste disposal and is not a widely prosecuted criminal act.

Answer: Alberta

Alberta is one of the few rat-free places in the world.

The Rocky Mountains separate Alberta and British Columbia, its neighbour to the west. Rats can't climb mountains, so Alberta is protected from rats naturally on its western border. It is too cold and too sparsely populated in northern Alberta for rates to live. There is an RCZ (Rat Control Zone) which is approximately 600 km (372 mi) long and 30 km (19 mi) wide running along the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. This area has been heavily and regularly patrolled since 1950 to keep out the pesky Norway rat.

Answer: Whistle

The bylaw was enacted to keep nights quiet by banning loud, disruptive noises in public at night. Any singing, shouting, or whistling at night was banned until 2009 when the town repealed the ban.

Answer: Paint a wooden ladder

Painting wooden ladders used in workplaces in Nova Scotia is not allowed. The reason is that paint can hide structural issues, rot, and cracks. The law allows for a clear, protective coating, although no actual paint on wooden fences.

Answer: Garage sales

Each garage sale can last a maximum of two days and the signs must be removed immediately afterward. This bylaw is to prevent the commercialization of residential neighbourhoods.

Answer: The number of coins used in a single transaction

The law was enacted in 1985, making it illegal for a merchant to refuse large amounts of coins. The law applies to the total amount payable on a given day for a single transaction.

Specifically, coins are only considered legal tender up to certain maximums: $5 in nickels, $10 in coins under $1, $25 in $1 coins, and $40 in $2 coins.

Answer: Practice witchcraft

The law, which was enacted in 1892, was intended to prevent fraud rather than target the practice of spiritual or occult beliefs. It was repealed by Bill C-51 and received Royal Assent in December 2018.

Answer: False

Actually the law against challenging someone to a duel was repealed by Royal Assent in December 2018. It does remain illegal to engage in duelling with the intent to cause harm, however, and is covered by other serious criminal offenses such as assault, assault with a weapon, manslaughter, murder, etc.

Answer: The monarch

The law stemmed from an incident in approximately 1842, in which a man pointed a gun at Queen Victoria. The law was repealed in December 2018 with Royal Assent.

Although the specific legislation was repealed, actions intended to threaten or harm the monarch are still covered under other, more general sections of the Criminal Code.

Answer: A reflective "slow moving" sign

The triangular 'slow moving' sign is mandatory, however exceptions do exist for religious groups who must have the back of the carriage outlined with reflective tape visible from at least 150 metres.