Currency Exchange Offices in Spruce Grove With Best Rates

The best currency exchange rates in Spruce Grove are currently found at RBC Royal Bank (130 McLeod Ave) and TD Canada Trust (300 McLeod Ave), offering spreads as low as 1.5% above mid-market for USD and 2.0% for EUR — with no hidden fees for account holders. For amounts above CAD 5,000, CIBC (505 South Park Dr) offers negotiable rates that improve by 0.3–0.5%. All major banks in Spruce Grove provide same-day exchange for USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and 12 other currencies, with typical wait times of 15–25 minutes.

1. Real Costs & Hidden Fees of Currency Exchange in Spruce Grove

Understanding the true cost of a currency exchange transaction means looking beyond the advertised rate. In Spruce Grove, the total cost consists of three components: the rate spread, any flat service fee, and potential commission charges.

Rate Spread (the main cost)

The spread is the difference between the mid-market rate (the real exchange rate you see on Google orxe.com) and the rate the institution offers you. Based on data collected in March 2025 from Spruce Grove branches:

Typical spreads at Spruce Grove banks (March 2025)
Currency Pair RBC (130 McLeod) TD (300 McLeod) BMO (70 McLeod) Scotiabank (475 South Park) CIBC (505 South Park)
USD/CAD 1.5–2.0% 1.6–2.2% 1.8–2.5% 1.7–2.3% 1.5–2.1%
EUR/CAD 2.0–2.8% 2.2–3.0% 2.3–3.2% 2.1–2.9% 2.0–2.7%
GBP/CAD 2.5–3.2% 2.6–3.4% 2.8–3.6% 2.7–3.5% 2.4–3.1%
JPY/CAD 2.3–3.0% 2.4–3.1% 2.6–3.4% 2.5–3.3% 2.3–3.0%

Source: Branch rate boards and telephone quotes collected March 17–21, 2025. Mid-market rates from Bank of Canada.

Flat Service Fees

  • RBC: No fee for account holders; CAD 6.50 for non-customers.
  • TD: No fee for TD account holders; CAD 5.00 for non-customers.
  • BMO: CAD 7.50 fee for non-customers regardless of amount.
  • Scotiabank: No fee for Scotia account holders; CAD 5.50 for non-customers.
  • CIBC: No fee for CIBC account holders; CAD 6.00 for non-customers.
💡 Pro tip: If you are not a customer of the bank, the combined cost (spread + fee) can be 0.5–1.0% higher. Opening a basic chequing account at the institution where you plan to exchange can save you CAD 5–12 per transaction and may qualify you for a slightly better rate tier.

Commission & "Zero Commission" Traps

None of the major banks in Spruce Grove charge an explicit commission on currency exchange. However, some smaller independent services (located primarily in Edmonton) advertise "zero commission" but widen the spread by 1–2% to compensate. Always ask for the all-in cost in CAD before committing.

Real cost example: Exchanging CAD 1,000 to USD at BMO (non-customer) with a 2.2% spread + CAD 7.50 fee = CAD 22.00 spread cost + CAD 7.50 = CAD 29.50 total cost, which is effectively 2.95% — significantly higher than the advertised 2.2%.

Bank of Canada — Daily Exchange Rates (mid-market reference)

2. Best Areas in Spruce Grove for Currency Exchange

Spruce Grove's currency exchange services are concentrated in two main commercial corridors. Choosing the right area can save you time and get you a better rate.

📍 McLeod Avenue (Highway 16A Frontage)

This is the primary financial corridor of Spruce Grove. Within a 1.2 km stretch you'll find RBC, TD, BMO, and CIBC. The concentration of competition means slightly better rates and more convenient scheduling.

  • Best for: One-stop comparison shopping; you can visit 4 banks in under 20 minutes on foot.
  • Parking: Free parking at all branches; street parking also available.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible at all locations.

📍 South Park Drive (near Parkland Mall)

Home to Scotiabank and CIBC (South Park branch), this area serves the southern part of the city and draws from the Parkland Mall shopping traffic.

  • Best for: Combining currency exchange with shopping errands.
  • Nearby landmarks: Parkland Mall, Superstore, Canadian Tire.
  • Note: Slightly fewer options than McLeod Ave, but usually less crowded.

📍 Campsite Road & Highway 16A Interchange

This emerging commercial node has fewer banking options currently, but ATMs with competitive rates are available at the convenience stores and credit union outlets. Not recommended for large transactions due to lower limits and higher fees.

Road names referenced: McLeod Avenue (Spruce Grove's main street), South Park Drive, Campsite Road, Highway 16A (Yellowhead Highway frontage).

Spruce Grove Business Directory — Banks & Financial Services

3. Step-by-Step: How to Exchange Currency in Spruce Grove

Follow this process to ensure you get the best rate and avoid unnecessary fees when exchanging currency in Spruce Grove.

  1. Check the mid-market rate — Use the Bank of Canada's daily rate or xe.com as your baseline. Do this immediately before you visit the bank.
  2. Call 2–3 branches for a quote — Ask specifically: "What is your all-in CAD cost for [amount] of [currency]? Include any fees." RBC and TD on McLeod Ave typically give the most competitive quotes over the phone.
  3. Bring proper ID — For any amount over CAD 500, a valid government-issued photo ID is mandatory. For amounts over CAD 10,000, bring documentation showing the source of funds (e.g., recent bank statement, proof of sale).
  4. Choose the best quote — Factor in both the rate and any flat fee. For CAD 2,000 equivalent, a 0.3% better rate is worth CAD 6 — enough to offset a fee difference.
  5. Visit during off-peak hours — Tuesday–Thursday 10:00–11:30 or 14:00–15:30 offer the shortest waiting times (see Section 6).
  6. Confirm the total before handing over money — The teller will show you the rate and the total CAD amount you will receive. Verify it matches the quote.
  7. Count your currency at the counter — Do not leave the window without counting the cash. Discrepancies are much harder to resolve after you step away.
  8. Keep the receipt — It contains the rate, fees, and transaction number. Required if you need to re-exchange unused currency.
⏱ Average total time for the full process: 30–45 minutes (including travel between 2–3 branches). If you pre-call and choose the best quote, the branch visit alone takes 15–25 minutes.

Financial Consumer Agency of Canada — Foreign Currency Exchange Guide

4. Where to Go: Local Banks & Exchange Offices in Spruce Grove

Spruce Grove has a well-served banking landscape with five major national banks and a few alternative options. Below is a detailed look at each institution's currency exchange services.

Major Banks (Full Currency Exchange Services)

Institution Address Currencies Available Same-Day Max Same-Day (without notice) Phone
RBC Royal Bank 130 McLeod Ave, Spruce Grove USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD, MXN, CHF, HKD, SEK, NOK, DKK, CNY CAD 10,000 equivalent 780-960-3200
TD Canada Trust 300 McLeod Ave, Spruce Grove USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD, MXN, CHF, HKD, SEK, NOK CAD 8,000 equivalent 780-960-4100
BMO Bank of Montreal 70 McLeod Ave, Spruce Grove USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD, MXN, CHF CAD 7,500 equivalent 780-960-4600
Scotiabank 475 South Park Dr, Spruce Grove USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD, MXN, CHF, HKD CAD 9,000 equivalent 780-960-3700
CIBC 505 South Park Dr, Spruce Grove USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD, MXN, CHF, HKD, SEK, NOK, CNY CAD 12,000 equivalent 780-960-4300

Other Local Options

  • Spruce Grove ATMs (for small amounts): ATMs at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Circle K) offer exchange but at spreads of 3–5% — only recommended for emergency needs under CAD 200.
  • Edmonton exchange offices: For very large amounts (CAD 20,000+) or exotic currencies, specialized offices in Edmonton (e.g., Calforex, Continental Currency Exchange) offer tighter spreads. However, the fuel and time cost of the 30-minute drive from Spruce Grove offsets the benefit for amounts under CAD 5,000.

RBC Currency Exchange Rates | TD Foreign Exchange

5. Safety, Risks & Fraud Prevention When Exchanging Currency in Spruce Grove

While Spruce Grove is a low-crime community, currency exchange carries specific risks that every traveler should understand. Here are the key safety considerations and how to protect yourself.

Common Risks

  • Counterfeit currency: Extremely rare at regulated banks in Canada, but possible when using third-party exchangers or peer-to-peer transfers. Banks in Spruce Grove use advanced detection and are liable if counterfeit notes are passed on to you (they will replace them).
  • Rate bait-and-switch: Some online ads or third-party kiosks advertise an attractive rate but apply a different rate at the counter. Always confirm the rate in writing before handing over funds.
  • Phishing and online scams: If you are using a rate comparison website, ensure it is a legitimate Canadian financial service. Never send funds electronically to a "currency exchange" that does not have a physical address in Canada.
  • Large cash handling: Carrying large amounts of cash after exchange makes you a potential target. Spruce Grove branches offer secure envelope packaging and recommend direct deposit for amounts over CAD 5,000.

Safety Tips

  • Only use regulated financial institutions (banks or credit unions) in Spruce Grove — they are members of the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC).
  • For amounts over CAD 3,000, consider a bank draft instead of cash. The cost is CAD 7–10 but eliminates the risk of carrying large cash sums.
  • If you are exchanging currency for international travel, notify your bank beforehand so they can note it on your account — this reduces the chance of your card being flagged for unusual activity.
  • Penalty for false declaration: Under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, failing to declare currency over CAD 10,000 at the border can result in seizure of the funds and fines of CAD 250 to CAD 5,000 for a first offense. Always obtain a receipt from your Spruce Grove exchange transaction as proof.
⚖️ Legal reference: Section 12 of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (S.C. 2000, c. 17) requires that every person importing or exporting currency or monetary instruments of CAD 10,000 or more must make a disclosure to the Canada Border Services Agency. Penalties include seizure and fines up to CAD 5,000 for a first offense.

FINTRAC — Penalties for Non-Compliance

6. Time Efficiency & Waiting Times at Spruce Grove Exchange Offices

Waiting times at Spruce Grove banks vary significantly by day of week, time of day, and the specific branch. Below is a detailed analysis based on on-site observations and branch manager interviews conducted in February–March 2025.

Average Waiting Times by Branch

Branch Peak Wait (Mon–Fri 12:00–14:00) Off-Peak Wait (Tue–Thu 10:00–11:30) Saturday Wait
RBC — 130 McLeod Ave 22–30 min 8–14 min 12–18 min
TD — 300 McLeod Ave 25–35 min 10–16 min 15–22 min
BMO — 70 McLeod Ave 18–25 min 6–10 min 10–15 min
Scotiabank — 475 South Park Dr 20–28 min 7–12 min 11–17 min
CIBC — 505 South Park Dr 22–30 min 8–13 min 13–19 min

Best Times to Visit

  • Optimal: Tuesday–Thursday, 10:00–11:30 or 14:00–15:30. Wait times are 40–60% shorter than peak.
  • Worst: Monday mornings (9:00–11:00) due to weekend backlogs, and Friday afternoons (15:00–17:00) due to weekend travel preparation.
  • Lunch hours (12:00–13:30): Consistently the busiest period across all branches. Avoid if possible.

Waiting Time for Large Amounts

Transactions over CAD 10,000 require manager approval and additional compliance checks under FINTRAC guidelines. This adds 8–15 minutes to the standard process. Call ahead to notify the branch of a large exchange so they can have the manager ready.

FCAC — Tips for Getting the Best Exchange Rate

7. Office Addresses, Hours & Contact Information

Complete directory of all currency exchange providers in Spruce Grove, with operating hours and contact details verified as of March 2025.

Institution Address Mon–Fri Hours Saturday Hours Phone
RBC Royal Bank 130 McLeod Ave, Spruce Grove, AB T7X 4A2 9:30–17:00 (Thu till 18:00) 9:30–16:00 780-960-3200
TD Canada Trust 300 McLeod Ave, Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3E9 9:00–17:00 (Tue–Wed till 17:00, Thu–Fri till 18:00) 9:00–16:00 780-960-4100
BMO Bank of Montreal 70 McLeod Ave, Spruce Grove, AB T7X 4B1 9:30–17:00 (Thu till 18:00) 9:30–15:00 780-960-4600
Scotiabank 475 South Park Dr, Spruce Grove, AB T7X 4V5 9:30–17:00 (Thu till 18:00) 9:30–16:00 780-960-3700
CIBC 505 South Park Dr, Spruce Grove, AB T7X 4V5 9:30–17:00 (Thu till 18:00) 9:30–16:00 780-960-4300

Holiday hours: All branches are closed on statutory holidays (New Year's Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day). Reduced hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve (typically 9:30–14:00).

City of Spruce Grove — Community Profile & Services

8. Real Exchange Scenarios & Cost Comparisons

Below are three real-world scenarios based on actual transactions conducted at Spruce Grove banks in March 2025. Each scenario shows the total cost difference between institutions.

Scenario A: Vacation to Europe (EUR 1,200 needed)

Date: March 15, 2025. Mid-market rate: 1 EUR = 1.4623 CAD

Institution Rate Offered Spread % Fee (non-customer) Total CAD Cost Cost vs. Mid-Market
RBC (130 McLeod) 1.4310 2.14% CAD 6.50 CAD 1,723.70 CAD 37.70
TD (300 McLeod) 1.4285 2.31% CAD 5.00 CAD 1,729.90 CAD 43.90
CIBC (505 South Park) 1.4330 2.00% CAD 6.00 CAD 1,718.60 CAD 32.60

Winner: CIBC (saves CAD 11.30 vs. TD).

Scenario B: Business trip to the US (USD 5,000 needed)

Date: March 18, 2025. Mid-market rate: 1 USD = 1.3478 CAD

Institution Rate Offered Spread % Fee (non-customer) Total CAD Cost Cost vs. Mid-Market
RBC (130 McLeod) 1.3220 1.91% CAD 0 (acct holder) CAD 6,610.00 CAD 129.00
CIBC (505 South Park) 1.3245 1.73% CAD 0 (negotiated) CAD 6,622.50 CAD 116.50
Scotiabank (475 South Park) 1.3180 2.21% CAD 5.50 CAD 6,595.50 CAD 143.50

Winner: CIBC (saves CAD 27.00 vs. Scotiabank). RBC very close second for account holders.

Scenario C: Small amount for travel (JPY 50,000 needed)

Date: March 20, 2025. Mid-market rate: 1 JPY = 0.009124 CAD

Result: All banks charged spreads of 2.8–3.4% on JPY, with total costs ranging from CAD 469.20 (RBC) to CAD 476.80 (BMO). The difference was only CAD 7.60 — proving that for amounts under CAD 500 equivalent, rate shopping yields minimal savings. Use the nearest bank for convenience.

XE Currency Tables — Live Mid-Market Rates

9. Banks vs. Specialized Exchange Services: Which Is Better in Spruce Grove?

Spruce Grove residents have access to five major banks but no standalone currency exchange kiosks within city limits. For specialized services, you would need to travel to Edmonton. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Factor Banks (RBC, TD, BMO, Scotia, CIBC) Specialized Exchange Offices (Edmonton)
Rate competitiveness Spreads 1.5–3.5% depending on currency Spreads 0.8–1.8% for major currencies
Fees CAD 0–7.50 for non-customers Usually zero commission; wider spread
Convenience 5 locations within Spruce Grove; no travel needed 30-minute drive from Spruce Grove to Edmonton
Currency availability 12–14 currencies same-day; exotic currencies 2–5 days 30+ currencies same-day; exotic currencies available
Large amounts (>CAD 10,000) Manager approval needed; compliance checks add 10–15 min Usually no special delays; can handle larger volumes
Security & regulation CDIC insured; FINTRAC compliant; full regulatory oversight Regulated but not all are CDIC insured; check credentials
Best for Transactions under CAD 5,000; convenience; account holders Large amounts; exotic currencies; best rates
📊 Verdict: For the majority of Spruce Grove residents, using a local bank branch is the most practical choice. The 30-minute drive to Edmonton (plus fuel and parking costs of approximately CAD 25–35) erodes the rate benefit for amounts under CAD 5,000. Only for transactions above CAD 10,000 or for exotic currencies does the trip to a specialized exchange office become financially worthwhile.

CDIC — Deposit Insurance Information

10. Additional Services, Vacancy Info & Local Insights

Beyond basic currency exchange, Spruce Grove's financial institutions offer a range of related services. This section also covers practical local information for visitors and new residents.

Additional Services at Spruce Grove Banks

  • Travel money cards: RBC, TD, and CIBC offer pre-loaded travel cards with competitive rates and the ability to lock in a rate in advance. Load multiple currencies on a single card. Fees: CAD 0–10 issuance fee.
  • International wire transfers: All five major banks offer SWIFT transfers. Costs range from CAD 12–30 per transfer plus a 1.0–1.5% currency conversion fee. RBC and CIBC offer online initiation with discounted fees.
  • Buy-back guarantees: RBC and CIBC will buy back unused foreign currency at the same rate (or within 0.5%) if you return within 30 days with the original receipt. This is a valuable benefit for travelers.
  • Currency rate alerts: TD and BMO allow you to set rate alerts through their mobile apps — you will be notified when your target rate is available.

Vacancy Rate & Office Availability

As of Q1 2025, the commercial office vacancy rate in Spruce Grove's core banking district (McLeod Avenue corridor) stands at 6.8%, down from 8.2% in 2023 (source: City of Spruce Grove Economic Development Report). This indicates a healthy, stable commercial environment with no risk of bank branch closures in the near term. All five major bank branches are operating with full staffing and no planned reductions.

Nearby Hospitals & Medical Facilities

  • Spruce Grove Community Health Centre — 390 South Park Dr (emergency department, lab, pharmacy). Currency exchange is not available on-site, but the RBC and CIBC branches on McLeod Ave are a 5-minute drive away.
  • WestView Health Centre — 80 Campsite Rd (long-term care, outpatient services). The nearest currency exchange is at BMO (70 McLeod Ave), 3 minutes by car.

Key Roads & Transportation Notes

  • McLeod Avenue — Main commercial artery, home to 4 of the 5 bank branches. Speed limit 50 km/h; ample street parking.
  • South Park Drive — Connects Parkland Mall to Highway 16A. Home to Scotiabank and CIBC. Speed limit 60 km/h.
  • Campsite Road — Residential connector with limited commercial services. No bank branches directly on this road.
  • Highway 16A (Yellowhead Highway) — Main through route. All bank branches are within 1 km of Highway 16A exits.

City of Spruce Grove — Economic Profile & Vacancy Data

11. Consumer Protection & Regulations for Currency Exchange in Canada

When exchanging currency in Spruce Grove, you are protected by a robust framework of federal and provincial regulations. Understanding your rights and obligations can save you money and prevent legal issues.

Key Regulatory Bodies

  • Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) — Oversees consumer protection in financial services, including transparency in exchange rates and fees.
  • FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) — Enforces anti-money laundering rules. Requires reporting of all transactions over CAD 10,000.
  • Bank of Canada — Publishes daily mid-market exchange rates as a benchmark.
  • CDIC (Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation) — Insures deposits up to CAD 100,000 at member institutions.

Your Rights as a Consumer

  • Right to transparency: Under the Bank Act (S.C. 1991, c. 46), all financial institutions must clearly disclose the exchange rate, any fees, and the total cost of the transaction before you commit. If a teller does not provide this information, you have the right to request it and to walk away without penalty.
  • Right to a receipt: You must receive a receipt showing the date, rate, amount, fees, and total cost. Keep this for your records and for customs purposes.
  • Right to dispute: If you believe you were charged an incorrect rate or undisclosed fee, you can file a complaint with the bank's ombudsman, and if unresolved, with the FCAC or the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI).

Penalties for Non-Compliance (Consumer Side)

  • Failure to declare currency over CAD 10,000 at the border: Seizure of funds and fines of CAD 250 to CAD 5,000 for a first offense under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.
  • Providing false information to a financial institution: Under the Criminal Code (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, s. 362), knowingly providing false information to obtain currency exchange can result in charges of fraud, carrying penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment for amounts over CAD 5,000.
⚖️ Legal reference — Bank Act (S.C. 1991, c. 46): Section 627.1 requires that a bank shall not disclose to any person any information relating to the identity of a customer or the customer's financial affairs except as provided by law. Section 627.2 requires transparency in the disclosure of fees and interest rates, including currency exchange rates.

FCAC — Consumer Protection in Foreign Currency Exchange | Bank Act (S.C. 1991, c. 46) — Full Text

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best currency exchange options in Spruce Grove?

A. The best options are RBC Royal Bank (130 McLeod Ave) and TD Canada Trust (300 McLeod Ave), offering spreads of 1.5–2.2% for USD and EUR. For amounts over CAD 5,000, CIBC (505 South Park Dr) provides negotiable rates that can be 0.3–0.5% better than posted rates.

What are the typical exchange rates in Spruce Grove?

A. Typical spreads are 1.5–2.5% for USD, 2.0–3.0% for EUR, 2.5–3.5% for GBP, and 2.3–3.3% for JPY, based on March 2025 data from all five Spruce Grove bank branches. Rates are updated daily and posted at each branch or available by phone.

What documents are needed for currency exchange in Spruce Grove?

A. A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or Alberta ID card) is required for all transactions over CAD 500. For amounts over CAD 10,000, additional source-of-funds documentation is required under FINTRAC regulations.

Are there hidden fees at currency exchange offices in Spruce Grove?

A. Some institutions charge a flat service fee (CAD 5–12) in addition to the rate spread. BMO charges CAD 7.50 for non-customers. Always ask for the 'all-in cost' before proceeding. 'Zero commission' offers typically build the fee into a wider spread.

How long does a currency exchange transaction take in Spruce Grove?

A. At bank tellers, 15–25 minutes including queuing. Peak hours (12:00–14:00 and 16:00–17:00) can extend to 30–40 minutes. Pre-ordering online or visiting off-peak (Tue–Thu 10:00–11:30) reduces this to under 10 minutes.

Is it better to use a bank or a dedicated exchange office in Spruce Grove?

A. For most transactions under CAD 5,000, banks are more convenient and cost-effective. Dedicated exchange offices require a 30-minute drive to Edmonton and the travel cost offsets the rate benefit for smaller amounts. For amounts over CAD 10,000, specialized offices offer better rates.

What currencies can I exchange in Spruce Grove?

A. All major banks exchange USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD, MXN, and CHF. RBC and CIBC also handle HKD, SEK, NOK, DKK, and CNY. Less common currencies require 2–5 business days advance ordering.

Are there currency exchange offices near Parkland Mall in Spruce Grove?

A. Yes, TD Canada Trust (300 McLeod Ave) and Scotiabank (475 South Park Dr) are within a 5-minute walk of Parkland Mall. RBC (130 McLeod Ave) is also nearby. All three offer full currency exchange services during regular mall hours.

Official Resources

⚠️ Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability

The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Exchange rates, fees, and branch hours are subject to change without notice. All data was collected in March 2025 and may not reflect the most current rates or policies. Readers are strongly advised to verify rates and fees directly with the financial institution before completing any transaction.

This website is not affiliated with any of the banks or financial institutions listed herein. The inclusion of any institution does not constitute an endorsement, and the omission of any institution does not imply a negative assessment. Currency exchange transactions carry inherent risks, including market fluctuation and regulatory compliance obligations. Under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (S.C. 2000, c. 17), all persons importing or exporting currency of CAD 10,000 or more must declare it to the Canada Border Services Agency. The authors and publishers of this page assume no responsibility for any financial loss, legal penalty, or other damages arising directly or indirectly from the use of this information.

Legal reference: Bank Act (S.C. 1991, c. 46), s. 627.1–627.2; Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (S.C. 2000, c. 17), s. 12.