Department of Justice

BILL C-55 COMES INTO FORCE

OTTAWA, July 21, 1997 -- Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Andy Scott, Solicitor General of Canada, today announced that the government's high-risk offenders legislation, Bill C-55, will come into force on August 1, 1997.

The legislation, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (high-risk offenders), the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, the Criminal Records Act, the Prisons and Reformatories Act and the Department of Solicitor General Act, is part of the government's commitment to strengthening the sentencing and correctional regime for offenders who present a high risk of violent re-offending.

"Bill C-55, by cracking down on high-risk offenders, was an important element of my predecessor's efforts to improve the safety of our homes and streets," Minister McLellan said. "Improvements to the criminal justice system remain a high priority for Canadians, and I intend to continue this important work."

"This legislation enhances public safety by targeting high-risk violent offenders," said Mr. Scott, "and also reflects the government's pledge to develop alternatives to incarceration for low risk offenders."

The legislation distinguishes between low-risk, non-violent offenders and high risk individuals, and includes:

· 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;

· strengthened Dangerous Offender provisions in Part XXIV of the Criminal Code that require anyone who is classified as a Dangerous Offender must be given an indefinite sentence; and

· 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.

In addition to the high-risk offender measures, the legislation also includes provisions for low-risk, non-violent offenders, which came into force on July 3, 1997.

Bill C-55 now appears as Chapter 17, Statutes of Canada, 1997.

Ref.:  Pierre Gratton                      Susan-Gardner-Barclay
       Minister's Office                   Department of Justice
       (613) 992-4621                      (613) 941-4021

       Dan Brien                           Dave Whellams
       Minister's Office                   Department of Justice
       Ministry of the Solicitor General   (613) 957-4688
       (613) 991-2874