Authority & Legislation

Conservation Officers authority is derived from appointments under specific legislation. It gives them the powers, authority and immunities as defined in the Criminal Code of Canada.

Conservation Officers have been designated as Federal Fisheries Officers.

The Federal Minister of Transport has appointed Conservation Officers to enforce the Boating Restriction Regulations.

The Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans has appointed Conservation Officers to enforce the Small Vessel Regulations.

Under the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act the Minister of Nova Scotia Agriculture and Fisheries has appointed Conservation Officers as Inspectors to enforce the Recreational Fishing Regulations.

Conservation Officers are appointed as games officers with the powers of a Peace Officer under the Migratory Birds Convention Act act and regulations.

Conservation Officers enforce the following statutes and their regulations:

Legislation

• Consolidated Public Statutes
• Consolidated Nova Scotia Regulations

• Angling Act
• Beaches Act
• Crown Lands Act
• Forests Act
• Federal Fisheries Act
• Migratory Bird Convention Act
• Off-Highway Vehicles Act
• Provincial Parks Act
• Trails Act
• Wildlife Act
• Wildlife Act Regulations
• Wilderness Areas Protection Act
• Canada Shipping Act - Small Vessel Regulations, Boating Restriction Regulations,
• Regulations pertaining to Federal and Provincial Sanctuaries, Wildlife Parks, Wildlife Management and Protected Areas,
• Recreational Fishing Regulations.

By their oath of office as Special Constables, Conservation Officers have the power and authority to enforce the following:

• Liquor Control Act - Illegal Possession, Public Intoxication, Arrest, Power to Search,
• Controlled Drug and Substance Act - Illegal Possession.
• Criminal Code of Canada -
  Impaired Driving, Assault and Obstruct a Peace Officer,
  Offences Related to Pointing and Handling Firearms,
  Offences Related to Possession of Prohibited/ Restricted Firearms
  Offences Related to Acquisition/Transfer of Firearms
  Firearm Prohibition Orders, Seizures and Forfeiture
  Safe Storage, Display, Handling and Transportation of Certain Firearms Regulations