Which piece of legislation governs criminal law in Canada?

The Criminal Code of Canada is the foundational piece of legislation that governs criminal law in Canada. It outlines all criminal offenses, the associated penalties, and the procedures for prosecution. This comprehensive code establishes the framework for enforcement of laws against criminal acts and defines the nature of criminal liability. It serves as the primary legal source for principles of criminal law, detailing everything from basic principles to specific offenses such as theft, assault, and homicide.

While the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is crucial in guaranteeing individual rights and freedoms within the context of the law, it does not govern criminal law itself but rather provides protections that may affect how laws in the Criminal Code are applied and enforced. The Youth Criminal Justice Act specifically addresses criminal justice for youth offenders and is somewhat of a specialized subset of the broader criminal law framework established by the Criminal Code. The Civil Code of Canada pertains to civil law matters rather than criminal law, thus making it irrelevant in the context of this question.

Overall, the Criminal Code serves as the central and most crucial piece of legislation for the regulation of criminal law in Canada, making it the correct answer.