Laws & Safety: The "Don't Get Fined" List

🚫 A. The "Cannabis Trap" (Don't Do It)

Marijuana is legal inside Canada, but it is a federal crime at the border.

• The Rule: You CANNOT travel across the border with cannabis (weed/edibles/CBD oil).
• The Danger:
• Flying In: Do not bring it from India.
• Flying Out: Do not take "leftover" gummies back to India or to the USA.
• Result: You will be arrested, fined, and banned from Canada/USA for life.

🍷 B. Alcohol & Public Drinking

Unlike parts of Europe, you generally cannot drink beer on the street.

• Public Drinking: Drinking alcohol in public places (streets, unauthorized parks, beaches) is generally illegal and carries a fine.
• Exception: Some cities (like Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton) now allow drinking in specific designated parks with signs.
• The Car Rule: Never have an open bottle of alcohol within reach of the driver. Put all alcohol in the trunk (dickey) if the seal is broken.

🚶 C. Jaywalking (Crossing the Road)

In India, we cross wherever we want. In Canada, this costs $50-$250.

• The Law: Crossing the street outside of a "Zebra Crossing" or intersection is often illegal ("Jaywalking") or at least strictly regulated.
• The Button: You must push the button at the signal and wait for the "White Walking Man" light. If you cross when the "Red Hand" is flashing, cars will honk, and police can ticket you.
• Winter Warning: Cars cannot stop quickly on ice. Even if it is your "turn" to walk, look at the driver's eyes to make sure they see you before stepping out.

🎣 D. The "Scam" Warning (Read Carefully)

Scammers target newcomers because they are scared of authority. Warn your parents.

1. The "CRA" Scam (The Fake Taxman)

• The Call: You get a call from someone claiming to be the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) or RCMP.
• The Threat: "You owe unpaid taxes. If you don't pay immediately, the police will come to arrest/deport you."
• The Red Flag: The Canadian government NEVER asks for immediate payment by Bitcoin, Gift Cards, or e-Transfer over the phone. They NEVER threaten deportation by phone.
• Action: Hang up immediately. Do not speak.

2. The "Grandparent" Scam

• The Call: Your parent gets a call from a voice sounding like you (AI voice cloning is now used).
• The Story: "Mom/Dad, I am in trouble. I was in a car accident/jail. Please send money to my lawyer."
• Action: Hang up. Call your son/daughter's original number to verify. 99% of the time, they are safe at work.

3. The "Job Offer" Scam

• The Offer: You get an email offering a "Guaranteed Job" if you pay $1,000 for "training" or "uniforms."
• The Truth: In Canada, it is illegal for an employer to ask for money to hire you. Real jobs pay you, you don't pay them.

🚨 E. Emergency Contacts (Save These)

• 9-1-1: For Life-Threatening Emergencies (Fire, Heart Attack, Crime in progress).
• 3-1-1: For City Services (Garbage collection, broken streetlights, noise complaints).
• 8-1-1: For Non-Emergency Health Advice.
• Example: You have a fever or a child has a rash. Call 8-1-1 to speak to a Registered Nurse for free (Available in most provinces like BC, Ontario, Alberta).