This section provides the legal context for the use of regulations and the general rationale for their use. The analytical framework for the design and evaluation of regulatory regimes is provided by the Regulatory Policy . The procedural aspects of creating and bringing a regulation into force are outlined on the Regulatory Process page. A historical look at the Government's regulatory reform initiatives can be found in the History Section .
Regulations are a form of law, often referred to as delegated or subordinate legislation.
Like Acts, they have the same binding legal effect and usually state rules that apply generally, rather than to specific persons or things. However, regulations are not made by Parliament. Rather, they are made by persons or bodies to whom Parliament has delegated the authority to make them, such as the Governor in Council, a minister or an administrative agency. Authority to make regulations must be expressly delegated by an Act. Acts that authorize the making of regulations are called enabling Acts.