on Justice Issues

Department of Justice

A Summary of Recent Progress
on Justice Issues

November 1996

National Crime Prevention Council. Announced in July 1994 by Minister of Justice Allan Rock and Solicitor General Herb Gray, the NCPC will work to unify crime prevention efforts across Canada and provide advice to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

Bill C-68: Gun Control. Strengthens the country's gun-control legislation and provides for stiff four-year mandatory minimum sentences for the use of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. Bill C-68 received Royal Assent on December 5, 1995.

Bill C-37: Young Offenders. Establishes tougher sentencing for violent young offenders, while encouraging the rehabilitation of young offenders and discouraging the use of prison sentences for non-violent crimes. Bill C-37 received Royal Assent on June 22, 1995.

Bill C-41: Sentencing Reform. Establishes new principles and approach to sentencing that considers public safety, the victim's need for restitution, and the principle that serious offenders should be treated differently than minor first time offenders. Bill C-41 received Royal Assent on July 13, 1995.

Bill C-104: Forensic DNA Analysis. Improves the investigative tools available to police by clarifying the circumstances for which a judge may issue a warrant allowing peace officers to obtain bodily samples for forensic DNA analysis. Bill C-104 received Royal Assent on July 13, 1995.

Bill C-72: Self-induced Intoxication. Amends the Criminal Code so that people remain accountable for the violent acts they commit while intoxicated. Bill C-72 received Royal Assent on July 13, 1995.

Self-Defence Review. On October 4, 1995, the Solicitor General of Canada, Herb Gray, and the Minister of Justice, Allan Rock, announced the appointment of Judge Lynn Ratushny to lead a review of cases involving women convicted of killing their abusive partners, spouses or guardians.

Bill C-9: The Law Commission of Canada. Establishes the Law Commission of Canada to provide independent advice on legal improvements, modernization and reforms. The Act received Royal Assent on May 29, 1996.

Bill C-16: Contraventions. Increases efficiency of the justice system by allowing the use of ticketing schemes for some minor federal offences rather than requiring an offender to appear in court. It also allows compensatory revenue sharing with the provinces.

Bill C-33: Canadian Human Rights Act Amendments. Brings Federal legislation in line with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and provincial Human Rights legislation by adding sexual orientation as a prohibited ground of discrimination. This Bill received Royal Assent on June 20, 1996.

Bill C-17: Criminal Code Improvements. Aimed at improving the administration of criminal justice by including several changes to help police combat money laundering by organized criminals and modern crimes like computer crime, credit card forgery and fraud.

Bill C-25: Regulations. Reforms and updates the Canadian regulatory process to make it more efficient.

Bill C-27: Child Prostitution, Child Sex Tourism, Criminal Harassment and Female Genital Mutilation. Amends the Criminal Code to ensure that those who commit certain violence acts against women and children face tougher penalties.

Bill C-41: Child Support. Establishes a framework for the use of guidelines in applications for child support under the Divorce Act. Streamlines and strengthens enforcement procedures for the collection of child support payments.

Bill C-45: Judicial Review of Parole Ineligibility. Modifies Section 745 of the Criminal Code to remove the right of multiple murderers to apply for judicial review. Introduces judicial screening of applications and requires unanimous jury decisions to reduce parole ineligibility periods.

Bill C-46: Production of Records in Sexual Offence Proceedings. The amendments provide safeguards for the privacy of complainants and witnesses in sexual offence proceedings. Includes provisions that allow in camera hearings and publication bans where necessary.

Bill C-55: High Risk Offenders. Contains new measures that will toughen the sentencing and correctional regime for those who pose a high risk of committing another violent crime. These include:

1. a new "Long-Term Offender" designation that targets sex-offenders and adds a period of long-term supervision of up to 10 years following release from prison;

2. strengthened "Dangerous Offender" provisions in the Criminal Code; and

3. a new judicial restraint provision to permit controls to be applied to individuals who pose a high risk of committing a serious personal injury offence.

Derek Kent or David Rodier
Minister's Office
Department of Justice Canada
(613) 992-4621

Communications and Executive Services
Department of Justice Canada
(613) 957-4222