I really think this must be a purely Canadian thing...even if it isn't enforced pretty much all American cities have identical bylaws stating that roadway vehicles must yield to all pedestrians entering the roadway regardless of their "right of way" to enter that roadway. It varies from city to city, but in Seattle if you don't stop your car for a pedestrian you can be ticketed for failing to yield...the pedestrian will also be ticketed for jaywalking. The contradiction in these laws is meant to protect the slower moving pedestrians.