Vagrancy

The original 1892 Criminal Code said a "loose, idle or disorderly person or vagrant" could be subject to a maximum fine of $50 or imprisonment not exceeding six months, with or without hard labour.

In 1970, the vagrancyNot having a job or the means to support yourself legislation once found in section s.179 of the Criminal Code was expanded to target those loitering near schools, playgrounds, public parks or bathing areas, with charges prosecuted as summary convictions. Under this law, anyone who supported themselves by gaming or crime, or who has "no lawful profession or calling by which to maintain himself" could have been charged with vagrancy.

In 1994, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down a subsection of that law, concluding it was overly broad and infringed on liberties more than necessary. The entire legislation was removed from the Code in 2019.

Canada no longer has a general Criminal Code offence called "vagrancy." Some related conduct may still be addressed through other laws, depending on the facts and location. For example, provinces and municipalities may regulate aggressive solicitation, obstruction, trespass, nuisance, loitering, or similar conduct through provincial statutes or local bylaws. The exact rule and penalty depend on the place and the wording of the applicable law.

Vagrancy is no longer a chargeable Criminal Code offence in Canada. The former vagrancy section, s. 179, was repealed in 2019.

Some provinces have laws dealing with specific conduct such as aggressive solicitation or certain street-level activities. These are not Criminal Code vagrancy offences, and the rules vary by province.

Ontario has its own statute and set-fine framework. Specific dollar amounts should be checked against the current official Ontario source.