The appellant was convicted under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act for failing to yield the right-of-way while driving on an Indian reserve.
He appealed, arguing that he could only be charged under the federal Indian Reserve Traffic Regulations.
The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the appeal, holding that provincial motor vehicle laws of general application apply ex proprio vigore on Indian reserves in the absence of conflicting federal legislation.
The Court found no conflict between the provincial Act and the federal regulations, as the federal regulations merely incorporated provincial laws by reference without demonstrating an intent to exclusively cover the field.
