CONTRAVENTIONS ACT COMES INTO FORCE

OTTAWA, August 1^st, 1996 -- The Contraventions Act comes into force August 1^st, 1996. Under the new Act, some federal offences are "transformed" into contraventions. This means persons committing such federal offences as not having enough oars or life jackets on board a boat will receive a ticket instead of a summons under the Criminal Code to appear before the court, as was previously the case. These offences will be treated no less seriously, but they will be administered more efficiently.

The Contraventions Act will also permit the Minister of Justice to enter into agreements with the provinces, the territories and the municipalities on proceedings with regard to contraventions and the collection of fines. Agreements will allow provinces and territories to recover the costs of administration and implementation from these fines. This new regime will be implemented across the country as agreements are concluded. Ontario is the first province to install this system, starting August 1, 1996.

"This is a concrete example of cooperation between the federal government and the provinces", said Minister Rock. "By using the provincial system, we will reduce the administrative costs of justice, eliminate the overlap and duplication, and ensure the safety of Canadians."

This new system will reduce clogging up the courts. An offender who receives a ticket will have the choice of pleading guilty simply by making payment to the competent authorities or pleading not guilty and going to court. The result will be a faster settlement of a large number of cases where offenders do not wish to contest their guilt.

Ref.:   Jennifer Lang  Richard Clair
 Minister's Office  Department of Justice
 (613) 992-4621  (613) 998-5669