Statutory regulations
Regulations are rules made under the authority of a statute by the government or another delegated body, rather than passed directly by the legislature. They fill in details such as forms, fees, standards, deadlines and exemptions. A regulation has the force of law only if it falls within the power the parent statute grants.
How BC law treats it
In BC, regulations are made under authority granted by a statute and are deposited and published under the Regulations Act, RSBC 1996, c 402. A regulation that goes beyond the power granted by its parent statute can be challenged as invalid.
What it means for your business
Many day to day requirements, such as WorkSafeBC safety rules in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, are found in regulations rather than the Act itself.
Risks and common mistakes
Checking only the statute and missing the regulation can mean missing the actual standard, deadline or fee that applies to your business.
Browse the full Fulcrum Law Dictionary for related terms.
General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.
