Department of Justice

GOVERNMENTS SIGN AGREEMENT FOR SHARING PROCEEDS OF CRIME

April 4, 1996 -- Allan Rock, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today signed memoranda of understanding with the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Ontario and New Brunswick to share forfeited proceeds of crime involved in federal drug prosecutions.

The precise amounts to be shared will be determined by the Forfeited Property Sharing Regulations adopted pursuant to the Seized Property Management Act. However, each of the agreements state that the Province agrees it will allocate monies it receives for activities relating to law enforcement and crime prevention (including drug prevention education).
"These agreements will ensure there is more money in local hands for crime prevention and that front-line workers will have more resources to help them in their fight against crime," said Mr. Rock.

The proceeds of crime legislation permits the seizure and forfeiture of assets gained through criminal activity. The legislation came into force in Canada in 1989. The legislation is aimed at combatting illicit drug trafficking and money laundering. Prior to the Seized Property Management Act in 1993, property forfeited as a result of federally initiated proceedings, was retained by the federal government.

Ref. :  Jennifer Lang        Yvan Roy
        Minister's Office    Department of Justice
        (613) 992-4621       (613) 957-4728