Unlawful assembly
Unlawful assembly is a Criminal Code offence. It occurs when three or more people, intending to carry out a common purpose, assemble or conduct themselves so as to cause people in the neighbourhood to fear, on reasonable grounds, that they will disturb the peace tumultuously or provoke others to do so. It is a criminal law concept rather than a business law one.
How BC law treats it
Unlawful assembly is defined in s. 63 of the Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c C-46 and is punishable on summary conviction under s. 66. Lawful protest and picketing remain protected expression, and picketing in labour disputes is regulated under the Labour Relations Code.
What it means for your business
Protests or picketing near your premises are usually lawful unless they become violent or obstruct access in breach of the law or a court order.
Risks and common mistakes
Trying to remove peaceful protesters by force, rather than seeking police help or a court order, can create liability for the 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.
