The City of Lévis appealed the acquittals of two respondents charged with regulatory driving offences under the Highway Safety Code.
One respondent drove with an expired licence, and the other operated an unregistered vehicle after failing to pay renewal fees.
The respondents argued the offences were strict liability and raised defences of due diligence and officially induced error.
The Supreme Court of Canada held that the offences were strict liability, not absolute liability.
However, the Court found that neither respondent established due diligence, as passive ignorance of the law or failure to inquire does not meet the standard.
The Court also recognized the defence of officially induced error in Canadian criminal law but held it was not made out on the facts.
The acquittals were set aside and convictions entered.
