Department of Justice

MEASURES TO MODERNIZE THE CRIMINAL CODE COME INTO FORCE

OTTAWA, May 12, 1997 -- The Department of Justice of Canada today announced that Bill C-17, the Criminal Law Improvement Act, 1996 (S.C. 1997, Chapter 18) will come into force in two phases. This will allow the courts to make the necessary adaptations gradually.

The over 140 changes to the Criminal Code and related statutes are wide-ranging, covering issues such as proceeds of crime, computer crimes, impaired driving as well as administrative and procedural changes to streamline processes and preserve resources within the criminal justice system.

On May 14, 1997, the following sections of Bill C-17 will come into force: sections 1, 23, 27 to 39, 99, 100, 109, 119 to 122, 135 to 139 and 140. Some of these amendments were made to existing legislation in order to complement Bill C-8, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which will also come into force on May 14, 1997.

Sections 2 to 22, 24 to 26, 40 to 98, 101 to 107, 108, 110 to 118, 123 to 134 and 141 of Bill C-17 will come into force on June 16, 1997. These amendments are mostly procedural. Some affect evidentiary provisions, while others relate to specific provisions dealing with impaired driving, mental disorder and search and seizure, including the control of seized property. Among the procedural changes are matters relating to police and other law enforcement officials concerning arrest and interim release, swearing informations, obtaining summonses and serving process and documents associated with criminal proceedings. Some amendments modify definitions, mode of trial procedure or dispositions and sentences for several offences. Others deal with crimes involving computers and credit cards.

Two other amendments from Bill C-17 came into force on May 2, 1997. These were section 107.1 and section 139.1 and dealt with conditional sentencing and victim impact information.

Bill C-17 was tabled on December 14, 1995, and received Royal Assent on April 25, 1997.

Ref.:   Irène Arseneau           Fred Bobiasz
        Department of Justice    Criminal Law Policy
        (613) 957-4207           (613) 957-4733