R. v. Webb (H.) et al., (2008) 339 N.B.R.(2d) 276 (PC)

• Judge: Ferguson, P.C.J.
• Court: Provincial Court of New Brunswick (Canada)
• Case Date: July 31, 2008
• Jurisdiction: New Brunswick
• Citations: (2008), 339 N.B.R.(2d) 276 (PC);2008 NBPC 51

R. v. Webb (H.) (2008), 339 N.B.R.(2d) 276 (PC);

    339 R.N.-B.(2e) 276; 870 A.P.R. 276

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[French language version follows English language version]

[La version française vient à la suite de la version anglaise]

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Temp. Cite: [2008] N.B.R.(2d) TBEd. NO.031

Renvoi temp.: [2008] N.B.R.(2d) TBEd. NO.031

Her Majesty the Queen v. Hazen Webb and John Henderson

(13624413; 2008 NBPC 51; 2008 NBCP 51)

Indexed As: R. v. Webb (H.) et al.

Répertorié: R. v. Webb (H.) et al.

New Brunswick Provincial Court

Ferguson, P.C.J.

November 12, 2008.

Summary:

Résumé:

The defendants, holders of a fur harvester's licence, were charged with failing to remove a trap or snare by sunset on the last day of the open season, in violation of s. 4(5) of Regulation 84-124 (N.B.), thereby contravening s. 104(4) of the Fish and Wildlife Act (N.B.). After the Crown closed its case, the defendants moved for a non-suit alleging that there was no evidence proving the existence of the Regulation allegedly promulgated under the Act.

The New Brunswick Provincial Court dismissed the motion and ordered the Crown to produce the Regulation.

Evidence - Topic 2231

Special modes of proof - Judicial notice - Particular matters - Statutes, statutory orders and regulations - The New Brunswick Provincial Court discussed judicial notice with respect to regulations in the context of a charge of failing to remove a trap or snare by sunset on the last day of the open season, in violation of s. 4(5) of Regulation 84-124 (N.B.), thereby contravening s. 104(4) of the Fish and Wildlife Act (N.B.) - The court indicated that, absent statutory authority to the contrary, a court was not to take judicial notice of a regulation at common law - The court then considered s. 70(1)(c) of the Evidence Act (N.B.), which provided that judicial notice "shall be taken" of all ordinances made by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council of any province - The court then ruled that judicial notice of a regulation had to be taken - The court ordered the Crown to produce the Regulation - See paragraphs 1 to 17.

Fish and Game - Topic 6142

Offences - Practice - Evidence and proof - Judicial notice - [See Evidence - Topic 2231 ].

Chasse et pêche - Cote 6142

Infractions - Procédure - Preuve - Connaissance d'office - [Voir Fish and Game - Topic 6142 ].

Preuve - Cote 2231

Modes spéciaux de preuve - Connaissance d'office - Affaire particulières - Lois, ordonnances et règlements - [Voir Evidence - Topic 2231 ].

Words and Phrases

Ordinances - The New Brunswick Provincial Court discussed the meaning of the word "ordinances" found in s. 70(1)(c) of the Evidence Act, R.S.N.B. 1973, c. E-11 - See paragraphs 9 to 15.

Cases Noticed:

R. v. Steam Tanker Evgenia Chandris, [1977] 2 S.C.R. 97; 8 N.R. 338; 12 N.B.R.(2d) 652; 10 A.P.R. 652, consd. [para. 6].

R. v. McDougall and Brideau (1980), 33 N.B.R.(2d) 393; 80 A.P.R. 393 (Prov. Ct.), refd to. [para. 10].

R. v. Nicholas et al. (1978), 22 N.B.R.(2d) 285; 39 A.P.R. 285 (Prov. Ct.), refd to. [para. 10].

R. v. Collins (R.) (2005), 232 N.S.R.(2d) 92; 737 A.P.R. 92 (S.C.), refd to. [para. 11].

R. v. Milligan (S.) (2004), 221 N.S.R.(2d) 84; 697 A.P.R. 84 (Prov. Ct.), refd to. [para. 11].

Statutes Noticed:

Evidence Act, R.S.N.B. 1973, c. E-11, sect. 70(1)(c) [para. 5].

Counsel:

Avocats:

Darlene Blunston, for the Crown;

Aloysius Hayes, for the defendants.

This motion was heard on July 31, 2008, by Ferguson, P.C.J., of the New Brunswick Provincial Court, who delivered the following decision on November 12, 2008.