Interpretation Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. I-21)

Act current to 2013-05-26 and last amended on 2005-04-01. Previous Versions

Marginal note:Terminology

8.2 Unless otherwise provided by law, when an enactment contains both civil law and common law terminology, or terminology that has a different meaning in the civil law and the common law, the civil law terminology or meaning is to be adopted in the Province of Quebec and the common law terminology or meaning is to be adopted in the other provinces.

  • 2001, c. 4, s. 8.

Private Acts

Marginal note:Provisions in private Acts

9. No provision in a private Act affects the rights of any person, except as therein mentioned or referred to.

  • R.S., c. I-23, s. 9.

Law Always Speaking

Marginal note:Law always speaking

10. The law shall be considered as always speaking, and where a matter or thing is expressed in the present tense, it shall be applied to the circumstances as they arise, so that effect may be given to the enactment according to its true spirit, intent and meaning.

  • R.S., c. I-23, s. 10.

Imperative and Permissive Construction

Marginal note:“Shall” and “may”

11. The expression “shall” is to be construed as imperative and the expression “may” as permissive.

  • R.S., c. I-23, s. 28.

Enactments Remedial

Marginal note:Enactments deemed remedial

12. Every enactment is deemed remedial, and shall be given such fair, large and liberal construction and interpretation as best ensures the attainment of its objects.

  • R.S., c. I-23, s. 11.

Preambles and Marginal Notes

Marginal note:Preamble

13. The preamble of an enactment shall be read as a part of the enactment intended to assist in explaining its purport and object.

  • R.S., c. I-23, s. 12.
Marginal note:Marginal notes and historical references

14. Marginal notes and references to former enactments that appear after the end of a section or other division in an enactment form no part of the enactment, but are inserted for convenience of reference only.

  • R.S., c. I-23, s. 13.

Application of Interpretation Provisions

Marginal note:Application of definitions and interpretation rules

  • 15. (1) Definitions or rules of interpretation in an enactment apply to all the provisions of the enactment, including the provisions that contain those definitions or rules of interpretation.

  • Marginal note:Interpretation sections subject to exceptions

    (2) Where an enactment contains an interpretation section or provision, it shall be read and construed

    • (a) as being applicable only if a contrary intention does not appear; and

    • (b) as being applicable to all other enactments relating to the same subject-matter unless a contrary intention appears.

  • R.S., c. I-23, s. 14.