A By-law is defined as?

• A. A by-law is a regulation enacted by the federal parliament
• B. A by-law is a law passed by a municipality under the direct authority of a provincial statute
• C. A by-law is a directive issued by the mayor
• D. A by-law is an executive directive from the province

Answer: (B)

A by-law is a law enacted by a municipality under the authority given to it by provincial statute. In Ontario, municipalities derive their power from acts like the Municipal Act, and council passes by-laws to regulate local matters within the municipality, such as property standards, zoning, or business licensing. By-laws must be approved by council and are enforceable within the municipal boundary by designated officers. They are not regulations from federal Parliament, directives from the mayor, or executive orders from the province. Their validity comes from staying within the authority granted by statute and aligning with higher laws.