Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get help with civil law issues?

Do the police enforce all areas of law?

No. The primary mandate of the police is enforcing the Criminal Code of Canada. Civil issues are usually handled through provincial regulatory agencies and enforced through the civil court system.

What's the difference between civil law and criminal law?

Civil law deals with disputes between parties, which could mean corporations, individuals or governments. Criminal law deals with the commission of criminal acts as defined in the Criminal Code of Canada. Civil law can vary from province to province but criminal law is federal jurisdiction and is applied uniformly across the country. Provinces cannot enact criminal legislation.

While we get lots of calls about civil law issues, we are often not the best place to go for help unless the situation has escalated to the point where the safety of people or property is at risk.

Issues like residential tenancy; contracts (e.g., employment contracts or purchasing agreements); and family law (e.g., child custody and support payments) fall into the arena of civil law.

Where do I go for help with common civil issues?

Civil issues can be difficult for the parties involved to manage, but there is not usually any way for the police to intervene unless the situation has escalated to the point where the safety of people or property is at risk. If you are involved in or know of a "civil" issue that has escalated to the point where personal safety is at risk, call 9-1-1.  Otherwise, here are some resources for more information on common civil issues:

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