Typical Objectives of Legislation

In light of the Government of Canada's longstanding interest in the subject, it is no surprise that federal reports¹¹ provide a preliminary checklist of the objectives of archaeological legislation. These offer an apt summary of topics and concerns:

• designation of all important archaeological resources,
• a comprehensive register/inventory of archaeological resources,
• a permit system to authorize archaeologists to conduct explorations,
• requirements for declarations by finders,
• a screening system for projects that could have an impact on archaeological resources,
• public sector ownership of archaeological resources,
• controls on removal, particularly outside the province or to another country,
• public access and programming, and
• an administrative body.