TABLE OF CONTENTS

A table of contents is a useful aid for readers.^[1] It acts as a summary and helps the drafter verify that there is a logical structure to the text of the regulations as a whole.

A table of contents may be prepared for new regulations that are long (e.g. if the text is more than 10 pages) or that have several parts or divisions. A table of contents consists of the regulation's headings, subheadings and marginal notes (use only the first marginal note if the section is divided into subsections).

A table of contents follows the order in council or executive order. It is printed at the front of the regulations with a note at the top of the table stating that it is not part of the regulation. As the table is not part of the regulation, it has no legal effect.

A table of contents is published together with the text of the regulation in the Canada Gazette. It does not appear in the electronic version of the regulations prepared by the Department of Justice.

A table of contents is not updated or amended through the regulatory process. However, the client department may administratively publish an updated version.

For an example of a table, see the Canadian Payments Association By-law No. 1 - General (SOR/2003-174).

Part 4 – Table of contents

Footnote

• ^[1] Previous articles recommended using "Table of Contents" when the regulation contained marginal notes and "Table of Provisions" when the regulation did not. This article eliminates the distinction.