Section 32 — Residual regulation-making authority — Citizenship Act — Canada — immi.wiki
Text of provision
32 The Governor in Council may make regulations
(a) prescribing anything that is to be prescribed under this Act;
(b) for any other purpose necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Act.
[Note: Section 32 is a supplemental or residual regulation-making authority. It complements s 28's more specific regulation-making powers. Together, ss 28 and 32 provide the Governor in Council with comprehensive authority to make regulations under the Act.]
Plain English
Section 32 is a residual regulation-making authority — it authorises the Governor in Council to make regulations for any purpose necessary to carry out the provisions of the Citizenship Act, covering anything not specifically captured by s 28's more detailed regulation-making powers.
Sections 28 and 32 together provide the complete regulation-making framework under the Act. Where s 28 enumerates specific subjects (procedure, presence requirements, fees, forms, etc.), s 32 provides a catch-all authority for anything else that is needed to administer the Act effectively.
The primary instrument made under the combined authority of ss 28 and 32 is the Citizenship Regulations (SOR/93-246), which contains the operational rules for citizenship applications, calculations, evidence requirements, and procedures.
Practical effect
Like s 28, s 32 is primarily of interest to those researching the source of authority for specific regulatory provisions. For applicants:
- The Citizenship Regulations (SOR/93-246) represent the full regulatory framework under the Act. Both s 28 and s 32 underpin the Regulations.
- Where the Act is silent on a procedural detail — and the Regulations fill that gap — the Regulations are authorised by the combined effect of ss 28 and 32.
The Citizenship Regulations are available on the Justice Laws website. They cover, among other things: application forms and procedures, physical presence record-keeping requirements, citizenship ceremony procedures, and the oath of citizenship text.