INTRODUCTION TO CANADA

Drinking Alcohol in Public Places

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places, such as streets or parks. If you are caught, you could pay a fine plus court costs. You may drink in your own home and on your own property.

Drinking and Driving

Western Canada has very strict laws about drinking and driving. If you have a Graduated License, you cannot drive with any alcohol in your blood. All other drivers who are caught driving with a blood alcohol level over .05 are considered impaired. They could lose their driver's license, their right to drive, and may have their car impounded. Anyone caught driving while their license is suspended will have their vehicle taken away (seized) and locked up (impounded).

Disciplining Children

People have different ideas about what constitutes "reasonable discipline" of children. Common practices in Canada may be different from other countries. The law in Western Canada says that parents cannot use physical punishment to discipline their children. Parents cannot hit, slap, hurt or punch their kids.

Parents have the main role in protecting their children. However, if parents hurt, neglect or fail to protect their children, they could be charged with the criminal offence of child abuse.

Sex with Minors (Children)

It is illegal to have sex with a person under the age of 18. It is a very serious offence. Sexual activity without the consent of the other person is always a crime, regardless of the age of that person.

Soliciting Prostitutes

It is illegal to solicit the services of a prostitute. If someone is caught asking a prostitute for sex, they and their family could suffer public humiliation by having their name published in the newspaper. They could also be charged by the police. It is a criminal offence.

Domestic Violence

Manitoba has a Zero Tolerance policy about domestic abuse. This means that violence in any form (physical, emotional, sexual) against women or children is a crime. Abuse towards partners (spouse, common-law spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, or other intimate partner – past or present) is against the law. It is treated very seriously by the police and courts. Child abuse and abuse of the elderly are also very serious offences.