Archaeology of Quebec

Located in east-central Canada, the province of Quebec, in 1972, adopted the Loi sur la Recherche Archéologique or the Archaeological Research Law.

This law stated that all artefacts found in archaeological sites were to be protected as cultural goods.

Under the Archaeological Research Law, no person can conduct a dig to unearth any goods without having first obtained an archaeological research permit from the minister, regardless of ownership of the land.

Even though the permit is good for a full year, the minister at any point in time has the right and power to revoke it if it is felt that the owner has not conforming to the conditions stated by the law and regulations.

[1] If during construction or excavation, for something other than archaeology, artefacts are uncovered, the person who found them must report them immediately to the Government.