If the Police Want to Speak with You in Canada

In Canada, you have the right to remain silent. This right is constitutionally protected and enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In most cases, you have no obligation to provide any information to the police. There are some exceptions to this rule, however. Here are a few examples:

If you are arrested, you must tell the police your name, address, and date of birth.

If you are the driver or registered owner a motor vehicle, the Traffic Safety Act requires that you provide information to the police in certain circumstances. For example, the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident is required by law to complete collision statement.

If you are participating in a regulated activity (for example, if you are a commercial truck driver or are a hunter) the laws and regulations that govern the regulated activity may require you to provide certain information to the investigators or regulators.

In general, though, you do not need to give the police any information or assist a criminal investigation in any way. If you are unsure about whether you have to cooperate with the police, or how much information you are legally required to give the police, you should always consult with a lawyer. A lawyer can help advise you about what you have to tell investigators (if anything), and what information you do not need to provide.


Read more from Pringle Law