Department of Justice

"KNIFE-COMB" BECOMES A PROHIBITED WEAPON UNDER THE CRIMINAL CODE

OTTAWA, November 8, 1996 -- The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Allan Rock, announced today that a device known as a "knife-comb" will be added to the list of weapons prohibited under the Criminal Code. The ban will be effective as of December 1, 1996.

Public safety concerns over knife-combs first arose in junior and senior high schools in Edmonton. Judy Bethel, M.P. for Edmonton East, and Edmonton law enforcement officials subsequently asked the Minister of Justice to ban the knife-comb.

"These hidden knives are dangerous weapons in schools, schoolyards and neighbourhoods," said Minister Rock. "The ban represents another step in the government's continued efforts to promote our Safe Homes, Safe Streets agenda."

The order-in-council was made pursuant to paragraph (e) of the definition of "prohibited weapon" in subsection 84(1) of the Criminal Code. It amends Prohibited Weapons Order No 4 to include within the category of "prohibited weapons" the knife-comb and similar devices. Possession of a prohibited weapon is an offence under section 90 of the Criminal Code.

People who currently possess knife-combs are required to destroy them or turn them in to the police by December 1, 1996. There will be no compensation.

Ref.:    Jennifer Lang       Michael Zigayer
         Minister's Office   Criminal Law Policy
         (613) 992-4621      (613) 957-4736