Are you traveling to Canada? You’ll want to know what’s permissible and prohibited in this snowy and friendly country. So, you might wonder, are forks illegal in Canada?
Forks aren’t illegal in Canada. The myth of forks being illegal due to the Great Canadian Fork Fight of 1912 was misinformation based on the country’s plan to ban all single-use plastic materials by 2022. But most knives are illegal to be carried around, especially when they are for causing harm.
However, Canada has several weird laws, and some could come with sanctions. So, you should be aware of these laws while traveling to the country. Here, we discuss if forks are illegal in Canada and the weird laws in the country.
Quick navigation
The Myth of Canada Fork Fight of 1812
Last year, a rumor broke out that Canada banned forks because they’re considered weapons. The rumor started after a viral video on TikTok claimed that using forks is illegal in Canada, and they’re not available for sale in stores or on Amazon. The video attributed the ban to the Great Canadian Fork Fight of 1812.
However, this is far from the truth, and no such fights happened. The video merely took the 2020 announcement by the Environment and Climate Change Minister about banning all single-use plastic, including forks, out of context. This single-use plastic ban is part of the country’s goal of zero plastic waste by 2030. Since plastic forks are single-use items, they are part of the items on the list. Others include plastic bags, six-pack racks, stir sticks, plastic utensils, plastic straws, and food containers.
Like all other countries, plastic waste is a major problem in Canada, and most of this waste, 91%, goes unrecycled. This isn’t surprising since most of the waste is single-use plastic, especially in packaging materials. Although the law isn’t in effect yet, some establishments are already adjusting in advance. The federal government has said the ban on single-use plastic would become effective in 2022. Restaurants and other businesses where forks are part of the trade will have time to adjust to the new rule.
Which Kitchen Utensils are illegal in Canada?
The law on knives is the closest thing to a kitchen utensil being illegal in Canada. Canada has strict laws on knives. Most knives are illegal to be carried around. The law applies specifically to knives that can open automatically, such as any knife with a blade that opens automatically when centrifugal force is applied or due to gravity or hand pressure on a button or spring or any device on the knife that makes it pop open. Such a knife will be considered a weapon, and it’ll be confiscated. There’s also the risk of a jail term for carrying such a weapon. There’s also
Weird Laws in Canada
Forks might be legal in Canada. But there are still several strange laws in the country. Here are some of them:
1. You Can’t Move Alcohol Across Provinces
The Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act, a law that goes as far back as the prohibition period, prevents residents from moving alcohol from one province to another. They can only do so with the provincial liquor control board’s permission. Although this law no longer applies to wines, all other alcohol is still not permissible.
2. Limit On Number Of Coins
Canada’s Currency Act of 1985 limits the number of coins you can use in a transaction. If it’s nickel, vendors can refuse to accept nickels up to $5. For loonies, the limit is $25.
3. Taxi Drivers Dress Code In Halifax
When becoming self-employed, you might want to ditch the business casual office wear for something less formal. But make sure you don’t decide to start driving taxis in Halifax, or you’ll be back to square 1. Halifax’s Regional Municipality Bylaws for Taxis and Limousines, number 42 (a), states that drivers can’t wear t-shirts, must wear shoes with socks, and be neat at all times. If you’re a tourist here, don’t be surprised if your driver dresses better than you.
4. Whistle Ban in Petrolia, Ontario
If you like whistling, you might think twice about living in Petrolia. On the city website, you’ll find Article 3, 772.3.6, which prohibits whistling, yelling, shouting, singing, and hooting between 11 pm and 7 am. If there’s a city to curb your enthusiasm, this is it.
5. Don’t Attach Sirens to Bicycles in Sudbury, Ontario
Sirens on bicycles don’t make much sense when you think of it. But it’s clear that some people have given it a try. That’s why the city of Sudbury made a law banning the use of sirens on bicycles. If you need to alert people that you’re behind them, you’ll have to count on your bell or horns. The law has been in effect since 1973, and a fine of $5000 is attached.
6. Swimming Areas In Toronto Lake
Do you want to cool off during a warm summer? You might be tempted to head to jump straight into the lake. But that won’t work here. The Toronto Port Authority requires that people only swim in the areas designated for swimming in the harbor. If you’re planning to swim in the nude here, there’s a section for that.
7. Dragging A Dead Horse
This might seem like an idiom. But in Canada, it’s illegal to drag a dead horse through Yonge Street in Toronto. What makes it more strange is that it’s only illegal on Sundays.
8. Carrying A Snake Around Your Neck
You might love having snake pets, but not everyone shares that interest. Fredericton, New Brunswick understands this and makes it illegal to carry any reptile, including snakes, around your neck. But if you have a container or cage for the animal, you’re good to go.
9. Picking Trillium
This is the provincial flower of Ontario, and it’s illegal to pick it. This only applies if you find the flower in a public park or conservation area. If Trillium is growing on your property, pick as you like.
10. Illegal To Bring Some Animals Into The National Parks
When you visit a national park, you might want to take every household member, including the pets. But the national park guidelines limit the pets that can enter the parks. It’s illegal to bring goats, pigs, sheep, live poultry, or llamas into the park. You could be fined if caught.
In Conclusion
Canada doesn’t have laws banning the use of forks. So forks are legal here and commonly used. However, some knives are considered illegal. Beyond that, the state has several weird laws still in existence.