measure for measure | 6 unexpected canadian laws

In MEASURE FOR MEASURE the trouble arises when Angelo enforces a law that, while technically on the books, had not been enforced for a long while.  This made me think - what laws are hiding in Canada's Criminal Code that have been forgotten, or perhaps ignored?  Turns out there are a host of laws in our country that would surprise everyone if they were suddenly enforced (although perhaps not quite as dramatically as in MEASURE FOR MEASURE).

1. Comic books that depict illegal acts are banned by the criminal code.

This law came into effect after WWII with a rash of "crime comics" that were somewhat graphic in their depictions of crimes and were feared to increase juvenile delinquency.  However, technically most (if not all) super hero comics would actually fall under this law, as well as an educational graphic novel about Louis Riel.

2. In Nova Scotia, it is against the law to water your lawn in the rain.

Not sure why you would, but don't.

3. In Ottawa, it is illegal to eat ice cream on Bank Street on a Sunday.

There are actually a lot of laws restricting activities on Sundays - this one is the funniest though.  Who wouldn't want an ice cream?

4. In Petrolia, Ontario "yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing is prohibited at all times."

The law was actually put in place to keep people quiet from 12am-7am, but for some reason those stipulations were left out of the law in favour of the all-encompassing "at all times."  Sounds like you need to keep a lid on the fun in Petrolia.

5. In Souris, PEI it is illegal to build a snowman taller than 30 inches.

Apparently there were problems with giant snowmen running amok.

6. In BC it's illegal to kill a Sasquatch.

Perhaps actually intended to protect other large animals that might be mistaken for Sasquatch by an over-eager monster hunter.  Or maybe our fabled Sasquatch is an endangered species - there is allegedly just one of him, after all.