TERMINOLOGY

The terminology used in a regulation must be consistent with that used in the enabling statute and, to the extent possible, with that used in other statutory instruments made under the same Act.

Terms must be used correctly. For spelling and usage, The Canadian Oxford Dictionary is the accepted standard for the English version and Le Petit Robert for the French version.

Terminology should be kept as simple as possible. Latinisms, foreign phrases and neologisms that have not been accepted into ordinary usage should be avoided.

To the extent possible, common terms should be used, in their ordinary meaning. It is appropriate, in technical regulations, to use technical terms or to assign a specialized meaning to common terms. In such cases, definitions may be advisable (see DEFINITIONS).

Defined terms and expressions must be used in a uniform manner. Whenever possible, specialized or key terms and phrases should also be used in a uniform manner, in order to ensure the consistency of the regulatory corpus.

In case of doubt about the use of terms that may have a specific meaning in common law or civil law, the Bijural Revision Services Group of the Legislative Services Branch should be consulted.

The essence of the language should be respected. Neither language version should be a slavish translation of the other.

If the regulation incorporates a rule by reference, the terminology used in that rule should, to the extent possible, be consistent with that used in the regulation. At the very least, the terminology should not be inconsistent with that used in the regulation.

Part 4 – Table of contents