The respondents were charged with violations of the Food and Drugs Act.
The federal Attorney General sought to conduct the prosecution, which the respondents challenged on the basis that the prosecution of criminal offences falls under provincial jurisdiction over the administration of justice.
The Supreme Court of Canada held that the federal Attorney General is entitled to conduct prosecutions for violations of the Food and Drugs Act, as the legislation may have its own penal sanctions without being part of the prohibitory criminal law under the Criminal Code.
The appeal was allowed and mandamus directed.
