Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

Marginal note:Purpose of sentencing

• 10 (1) Without restricting the generality of the Criminal Code, the fundamental purpose of any sentence for an offence under this Part is to contribute to the respect for the law and the maintenance of a just, peaceful and safe society while encouraging rehabilitation, and treatment in appropriate circumstances, of offenders and acknowledging the harm done to victims and to the community.

• Marginal note:Circumstances to take into consideration

  (2) If a person is convicted of a designated substance offence, the court imposing sentence on the person shall consider any relevant aggravating factors including that the person

  • (a) in relation to the commission of the offence,

    • (i) carried, used or threatened to use a weapon,

    • (ii) used or threatened to use violence,

    • (iii) trafficked in a substance included in Schedule I, II, III or IV or possessed such a substance for the purpose of trafficking, in or near a school, on or near school grounds or in or near any other public place usually frequented by persons under the age of eighteen years, or

    • (iv) trafficked in a substance included in Schedule I, II, III or IV, or possessed such a substance for the purpose of trafficking, to a person under the age of eighteen years;

  • (b) was previously convicted of a designated substance offence; or

  • (c) used the services of a person under the age of eighteen years to commit, or involved such a person in the commission of, a designated substance offence.

• Marginal note:Reasons

  (3) If, under subsection (1), the court is satisfied of the existence of one or more of the aggravating factors enumerated in paragraphs (2)(a) to (c), but decides not to sentence the person to imprisonment, the court shall give reasons for that decision.