As the main policy document for research ethics in Canada, TCPS 2 supersedes provincial and territorial legislation.

The Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans, known as TCPS 2, is indeed a pivotal document governing research ethics in Canada. It provides an overarching framework that establishes the ethical principles and requirements for conducting research involving human participants. While TCPS 2 is a national guideline created by Canada's three major research funding agencies (the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council), it primarily serves to guide researchers and institutions in maintaining ethical standards.

It is important to note that while TCPS 2 sets a national standard, it does not inherently supersede provincial or territorial laws that may be in place. Instead, it works in conjunction with these laws. Researchers are required to comply with both TCPS 2 and any relevant local regulations. This integration ensures a comprehensive approach to ethical research practices across the diverse legal landscapes of Canada.

Furthermore, TCPS 2 emphasizes principles such as respect for persons, concern for welfare, and justice, which are fundamental to the ethical conduct of research. Researchers, ethics review boards, and institutions must work collaboratively to uphold these standards and ensure the integrity of research activities within Canada.