Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

User AvatarBuild your avatar
Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

Pretending To Be A Witch Was Actually A Punishable Offence In Canada Until 2018

There were no spells in these parts! 🧙‍♀️
Weird Canadian Laws: Pretending To Be A Witch Was A Punishable Offence Until 2018
Photowitch | Dreamstime ottawapolice | Instagram
Managing Editor, Canada

Beware, witches and wizards! Until pretty recently, there was a very weird Canadian law related to spells, magic and fortune-telling.

Up until 2018, it was actually a totally-real punishable offence to pretend to be a witch or wizard in Canada.

Section 365 of the Canadian Criminal Code prohibited “pretending to practise witchcraft,” as well as a few other spooky things.

Editor's Choice: Jagmeet Singh & His Wife Were Totally Twinning In A Cute Fall Photo Shoot

“

Everyone who fraudulently pretends to exercise or to use any kind of witchcraft [...] is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

Government of Canada

Anybody caught pretending to practice “sorcery, enchantment or conjuration” could also have landed themselves in trouble, prior to 2018.

In addition, telling fortunes or faking a skill in “an occult or crafty science” was also banned under the same legislation.

If you were wondering whether anybody was actually charged for such things — the answer is yes!

An Ontario woman was faced charges of fake witchcraft just days before the unusual law was swiped from the Criminal Code.

Fortunately for the witches and wizards among us, the House of Commons passed Bill C-51 back in December 2018, which repealed Section 365 altogether.

Now, Canada’s sorcerers are free to practice fake magic and spells as they please once again!

*This article's cover image is for illustrative purposes only.

From Your Site Articles
CanadaNews

Explore this list   👀

    • Helena Hanson

      Managing Editor

      Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

    I lived in the US for years — Here are the biggest differences between Canada and the States

    They may have Trader Joe's, but we have those maple candies at duty free.

    11 Toronto laws and bylaws you might be breaking and risking fines up to $100,000

    Oops! 🫣

    You can get fined over $25K just for entering the woods in these provinces right now

    One person has already received a ticket for $28,872.50

    Ontario's fall weather forecast has just been revealed and it'll be wildly unpredictable

    Are you dreaming of pumpkin spice lattes? 🍂

    This enchanting little island near Vancouver with cozy vibes is my favourite fall escape

    Leaves, lattes, and your inner Lorelai Gilmore await you.

    This town near Vancouver with hidden waterfalls was named among Canada's 'best' spots to live

    It's a hidden gem!

    This boardwalk trail in Ontario leads to a floating lookout that's breathtaking in the fall

    It's a magical spot for an autumn stroll.

    Ontario's 'sixth Great Lake' is a must-visit fall gem with turquoise water and cozy villages

    It's home to gorgeous fall hikes.

    This $17 fall train ride near Toronto is pure autumn magic and feels like the Hogwarts Express

    It's time to head to Platform 9 3/4!

    This cozy spot near Toronto is the Apple Capital of Canada and it's an autumn dreamland

    Cozy bakeries and rolling orchards await.

    CSIS is hiring in Toronto and you can make almost $100,000 analyzing surveillance

    You don't need a university degree!

    Canadians say they'd 'love' to move to this town ​that's among the country's 'most charming'​

    It's tucked away just outside of Vancouver!

    The Canadian passport has secret glowing artwork and it's pure magic (PHOTOS)

    Here's how you can see it.

    One of Ontario's 'best romantic' fall getaways is this tiny beach town with storybook charm

    It's a magical hidden gem.