Retroactive Statutes

Meaning of Retroactive Statutes in Canada

In this country (and some others), a meaning of Retroactive Statutes may be the following: “To have come into force on a date prior to its enactment” means retroactive; and “be operative with respect to transactions occurring prior to its enactment” means retrospective, per Dickson, J. in Gustavson Drilling (1964) Ltd. v. Minister of National Revenue, [1977] 1 S.C.R. 271; 7 N.R. 401.