Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46)
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Act current to 2024-08-18 and last amended on 2024-07-20. Previous Versions
Criminal Code
R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46
An Act respecting the Criminal Law
Short Title
Marginal note:Short title
1 This Act may be cited as the Criminal Code.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 1
Interpretation
Marginal note:Definitions
2 In this Act,
- Act
Act includes
(a) an Act of Parliament,
(b) an Act of the legislature of the former Province of Canada,
(c) an Act of the legislature of a province, and
(d) an Act or ordinance of the legislature of a province, territory or place in force at the time that province, territory or place became a province of Canada; (loi)
- appearance notice
appearance notice means a notice in Form 9 issued by a peace officer; (citation à comparaître)
- associated personnel
associated personnel means persons who are
(a) assigned by a government or an intergovernmental organization with the agreement of the competent organ of the United Nations,
(b) engaged by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, by a specialized agency of the United Nations or by the International Atomic Energy Agency, or
(c) deployed by a humanitarian non-governmental organization or agency under an agreement with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, by a specialized agency of the United Nations or by the International Atomic Energy Agency,
to carry out activities in support of the fulfilment of the mandate of a United Nations operation; (personnel associé)
- Attorney General
Attorney General
(a) with respect to proceedings to which this Act applies, means the Attorney General or Solicitor General of the province in which those proceedings are taken and includes his or her lawful deputy or, if those proceedings are referred to in subsection 2.3(1), the Attorney General of Canada or the Attorney General or Solicitor General of the province in which those proceedings are taken and includes the lawful deputy of any of them,
(b) means the Attorney General of Canada and includes his or her lawful deputy with respect to
(i) Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, or
(ii) proceedings commenced at the instance of the Government of Canada and conducted by or on behalf of that Government in respect of an offence under any Act of Parliament — other than this Act or the Canada Elections Act — or any regulation made under such an Act, and
(c) means the Director of Public Prosecutions appointed under subsection 3(1) of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act with respect to proceedings in relation to an offence under the Canada Elections Act; (procureur général)
- audioconference
audioconference means any means of telecommunication that allows the judge or justice and any individual to communicate orally in a proceeding; (audioconférence)
- bank-note
bank-note includes any negotiable instrument
(a) issued by or on behalf of a person carrying on the business of banking in or out of Canada, and
(b) issued under the authority of Parliament or under the lawful authority of the government of a state other than Canada,
intended to be used as money or as the equivalent of money, immediately on issue or at some time subsequent thereto, and includes bank bills and bank post bills; (billet de banque)
- bodily harm
bodily harm means any hurt or injury to a person that interferes with the health or comfort of the person and that is more than merely transient or trifling in nature; (lésions corporelles)
- Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces means the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada; (Forces canadiennes)
- cattle
cattle means neat cattle or an animal of the bovine species by whatever technical or familiar name it is known, and includes any horse, mule, ass, pig, sheep or goat; (bétail)
- clerk of the court
clerk of the court includes a person, by whatever name or title he may be designated, who from time to time performs the duties of a clerk of the court; (greffier du tribunal)
- common-law partner
common-law partner, in relation to an individual, means a person who is cohabiting with the individual in a conjugal relationship, having so cohabited for a period of at least one year; (conjoint de fait)
- complainant
complainant means the victim of an alleged offence; (plaignant)
- counsel
counsel means a barrister or solicitor, in respect of the matters or things that barristers and solicitors, respectively, are authorized by the law of a province to do or perform in relation to legal proceedings; (avocat)
- count
count means a charge in an information or indictment; (chef d’accusation)
- court of appeal
court of appeal means, in all provinces, the Court of Appeal. (cour d’appel)
- court of criminal jurisdiction
court of criminal jurisdiction means
(a) a court of general or quarter sessions of the peace, when presided over by a superior court judge,
(a.1) in the Province of Quebec, the Court of Quebec, the municipal court of Montreal and the municipal court of Quebec,
(b) a provincial court judge or judge acting under Part XIX, and
(c) in the Province of Ontario, the Ontario Court of Justice; (cour de juridiction criminelle)
- criminal organization
criminal organization has the same meaning as in subsection 467.1(1); (organisation criminelle)
- criminal organization offence
criminal organization offence means
(a) an offence under section 467.11, 467.111, 467.12 or 467.13, or a serious offence committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with, a criminal organization, or
(b) a conspiracy or an attempt to commit, being an accessory after the fact in relation to, or any counselling in relation to, an offence referred to in paragraph (a); (infraction d’organisation criminelle)
- day
day means the period between six o’clock in the forenoon and nine o’clock in the afternoon of the same day; (jour)
- document of title to goods
document of title to goods includes a bought and sold note, bill of lading, warrant, certificate or order for the delivery or transfer of goods or any other valuable thing, and any other document used in the ordinary course of business as evidence of the possession or control of goods, authorizing or purporting to authorize, by endorsement or by delivery, the person in possession of the document to transfer or receive any goods thereby represented or therein mentioned or referred to; (titre de marchandises)
- document of title to lands
document of title to lands includes any writing that is or contains evidence of the title, or any part of the title, to real property or to any interest in real property, and any notarial or registrar’s copy thereof and any duplicate instrument, memorial, certificate or document authorized or required by any law in force in any part of Canada with respect to registration of titles that relates to title to real property or to any interest in real property; (titre de bien-fonds)
- dwelling-house
dwelling-house means the whole or any part of a building or structure that is kept or occupied as a permanent or temporary residence, and includes
(a) a building within the curtilage of a dwelling-house that is connected to it by a doorway or by a covered and enclosed passage-way, and
(b) a unit that is designed to be mobile and to be used as a permanent or temporary residence and that is being used as such a residence; (maison d’habitation)
- environment
environment means the components of the Earth and includes
(a) air, land and water,
(b) all layers of the atmosphere,
(c) all organic and inorganic matter and living organisms, and
(d) the interacting natural systems that include components referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c); (environnement)
- every one
every one, person and owner, and similar expressions, include Her Majesty and an organization; (quiconque, individu, personne et propriétaire)
- explosive substance
explosive substance includes
(a) anything intended to be used to make an explosive substance,
(b) anything, or any part thereof, used or intended to be used, or adapted to cause, or to aid in causing an explosion in or with an explosive substance, and
(c) an incendiary grenade, fire bomb, molotov cocktail or other similar incendiary substance or device and a delaying mechanism or other thing intended for use in connection with such a substance or device; (substance explosive)
- feeble-minded person
feeble-minded person[Repealed, 1991, c. 43, s. 9]
- firearm
firearm means a barrelled weapon from which any shot, bullet or other projectile can be discharged and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person, and includes any frame or receiver of such a barrelled weapon and anything that can be adapted for use as a firearm; (arme à feu)
- government or public facility
government or public facility means a facility or conveyance, whether permanent or temporary, that is used or occupied in connection with their official duties by representatives of a state, members of a government, members of a legislature, members of the judiciary, or officials or employees of a state or of any other public authority or public entity, or by officials or employees of an intergovernmental organization; (installation gouvernementale ou publique)
- Her Majesty’s Forces
Her Majesty’s Forces means the naval, army and air forces of Her Majesty wherever raised, and includes the Canadian Forces; (forces de Sa Majesté)
- highway
highway means a road to which the public has the right of access, and includes bridges over which or tunnels through which a road passes; (voie publique ou grande route)
- indictment
indictment includes
(a) information or a count therein,
(b) a plea, replication or other pleading, and
(c) any record; (acte d’accusation)
- internationally protected person
internationally protected person means
(a) a head of state, including any member of a collegial body that performs the functions of a head of state under the constitution of the state concerned, a head of a government or a minister of foreign affairs, whenever that person is in a state other than the state in which he holds that position or office,
(b) a member of the family of a person described in paragraph (a) who accompanies that person in a state other than the state in which that person holds that position or office,
(c) a representative or an official of a state or an official or agent of an international organization of an intergovernmental character who, at the time when and at the place where an offence referred to in subsection 7(3) is committed against his person or any property referred to in section 431 that is used by him, is entitled, pursuant to international law, to special protection from any attack on his person, freedom or dignity, or
(d) a member of the family of a representative, official or agent described in paragraph (c) who forms part of his household, if the representative, official or agent, at the time when and at the place where any offence referred to in subsection 7(3) is committed against the member of his family or any property referred to in section 431 that is used by that member, is entitled, pursuant to international law, to special protection from any attack on his person, freedom or dignity; (personne jouissant d’une protection internationale)
- intimate partner
intimate partner with respect to a person, includes their current or former spouse, common-law partner and dating partner; (partenaire intime)
- justice
justice means a justice of the peace or a provincial court judge, and includes two or more justices where two or more justices are, by law, required to act or, by law, act or have jurisdiction; (juge de paix)
- justice system participant
justice system participant means
(a) a member of the Senate, of the House of Commons, of a legislative assembly or of a municipal council,
(b) a person who plays a role in the administration of criminal justice, including
(i) the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and a Minister responsible for policing in a province,
(ii) a prosecutor, a lawyer, a member of the Chambre des notaires du Québec and an officer of a court,
(iii) a judge and a justice,
(iv) a juror and a person who is summoned as a juror,
(v) an informant, a prospective witness, a witness under subpoena and a witness who has testified,
(vi) a peace officer within the meaning of any of paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e) and (g) of the definition peace officer,
(vii) a civilian employee of a police force,
(viii) a person employed in the administration of a court,
(viii.1) a public officer within the meaning of subsection 25.1(1) and a person acting at the direction of such an officer,
(ix) an employee of the Canada Revenue Agency who is involved in the investigation of an offence under an Act of Parliament,
(ix.1) an employee of the Canada Border Services Agency who is involved in the investigation of an offence under an Act of Parliament,
(x) an employee of a federal or provincial correctional service, a parole supervisor and any other person who is involved in the administration of a sentence under the supervision of such a correctional service and a person who conducts disciplinary hearings under the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, and
(xi) an employee and a member of the Parole Board of Canada and of a provincial parole board, and
(c) a person who plays a role in respect of proceedings involving
(i) security information,
(ii) criminal intelligence information,
(iii) information that would endanger the safety of any person if it were disclosed,
(iv) information that is obtained in confidence from a source in Canada, the government of a foreign state, an international organization of states or an institution of such a government or international organization, or
(v) potentially injurious information or sensitive information as those terms are defined in section 38 of the Canada Evidence Act; (personne associée au système judiciaire)
- magistrate
magistrate[Repealed, R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 2]
- mental disorder
mental disorder means a disease of the mind; (troubles mentaux)
- military
military shall be construed as relating to all or any of the Canadian Forces; (militaire)
- military law
military law includes all laws, regulations or orders relating to the Canadian Forces; (loi militaire)
- motor vehicle
motor vehicle means a vehicle that is drawn, propelled or driven by any means other than muscular power, but does not include railway equipment; (véhicule à moteur)
- municipality
municipality includes the corporation of a city, town, village, county, township, parish or other territorial or local division of a province, the inhabitants of which are incorporated or are entitled to hold property collectively for a public purpose; (municipalité)
- newly-born child
newly-born child means a person under the age of one year; (enfant nouveau-né ou nouveau-né)
- night
night means the period between nine o’clock in the afternoon and six o’clock in the forenoon of the following day; (nuit)
- nuclear facility
nuclear facility means
(a) any nuclear reactor, including a reactor installed on a vessel, vehicle, aircraft or space object for use as an energy source in order to propel the vessel, vehicle, aircraft or space object or for any other purpose, and
(b) any plant or conveyance used for the production, storage, processing or transport of nuclear material or radioactive material; (installation nucléaire)
- nuclear material
nuclear material means
(a) plutonium, except plutonium with an isotopic concentration of plutonium-238 that is greater than 80%,
(b) uranium-233,
(c) uranium containing uranium-233 or uranium-235 or both in an amount such that the abundance ratio of the sum of those isotopes to the isotope uranium-238 is greater than 0.72%,
(d) uranium with an isotopic concentration equal to that occurring in nature, except uranium in the form of ore or ore-residue, and
(e) any substance containing any material described in paragraphs (a) to (d); (matière nucléaire)
- offence-related property
offence-related property means any property, within or outside Canada,
(a) by means or in respect of which an indictable offence under this Act or the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act is committed,
(b) that is used in any manner in connection with the commission of such an offence, or
(c) that is intended to be used for committing such an offence; (bien infractionnel)
- offender
offender means a person who has been determined by a court to be guilty of an offence, whether on acceptance of a plea of guilty or on a finding of guilt; (contrevenant)
- offensive weapon
offensive weapon has the same meaning as weapon; (arme offensive)
- organization
organization means
(a) a public body, body corporate, society, company, firm, partnership, trade union or municipality, or
(b) an association of persons that
(i) is created for a common purpose,
(ii) has an operational structure, and
(iii) holds itself out to the public as an association of persons; (organisation)
- peace officer
peace officer includes
(a) a mayor, warden, reeve, sheriff, deputy sheriff, sheriff’s officer and justice of the peace,
(b) a member of the Correctional Service of Canada who is designated as a peace officer pursuant to Part I of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, and a warden, deputy warden, instructor, keeper, jailer, guard and any other officer or permanent employee of a prison other than a penitentiary as defined in Part I of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act,
(c) a police officer, police constable, bailiff, constable, or other person employed for the preservation and maintenance of the public peace or for the service or execution of civil process,
(c.1) a designated officer as defined in section 2 of the Integrated Cross-border Law Enforcement Operations Act, when
(i) participating in an integrated cross-border operation, as defined in section 2 of that Act, or
(ii) engaging in an activity incidental to such an operation, including travel for the purpose of participating in the operation and appearances in court arising from the operation,
(d) an officer within the meaning of the Customs Act, the Excise Act or the Excise Act, 2001, or a person having the powers of such an officer, when performing any duty in the administration of any of those Acts,
(d.1) an officer authorized under subsection 138(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act,
(e) a person designated as a fishery guardian under the Fisheries Act when performing any duties or functions under that Act and a person designated as a fishery officer under the Fisheries Act when performing any duties or functions under that Act or the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act,
(f) the pilot in command of an aircraft
(i) registered in Canada under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act, or
(ii) leased without crew and operated by a person who is qualified under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act to be registered as owner of an aircraft registered in Canada under those regulations,
while the aircraft is in flight, and
(g) officers and non-commissioned members of the Canadian Forces who are
(i) appointed for the purposes of section 156 of the National Defence Act, or
(ii) employed on duties that the Governor in Council, in regulations made under the National Defence Act for the purposes of this paragraph, has prescribed to be of such a kind as to necessitate that the officers and non-commissioned members performing them have the powers of peace officers; (agent de la paix)
- prison
prison includes a penitentiary, common jail, public or reformatory prison, lock-up, guard-room or other place in which persons who are charged with or convicted of offences are usually kept in custody; (prison)
- property
property includes
(a) real and personal property of every description and deeds and instruments relating to or evidencing the title or right to property, or giving a right to recover or receive money or goods,
(b) property originally in the possession or under the control of any person, and any property into or for which it has been converted or exchanged and anything acquired at any time by the conversion or exchange, and
(c) any postal card, postage stamp or other stamp issued or prepared for issue under the authority of Parliament or the legislature of a province for the payment to the Crown or a corporate body of any fee, rate or duty, whether or not it is in the possession of the Crown or of any person; (biens ou propriété)
- prosecutor
prosecutor means the Attorney General or, where the Attorney General does not intervene, means the person who institutes proceedings to which this Act applies, and includes counsel acting on behalf of either of them; (poursuivant)
- provincial court judge
provincial court judge means a person appointed or authorized to act by or pursuant to an Act of the legislature of a province, by whatever title that person may be designated, who has the power and authority of two or more justices of the peace and includes the lawful deputy of that person; (juge de la cour provinciale)
- public department
public department means a department of the Government of Canada or a branch thereof or a board, commission, corporation or other body that is an agent of Her Majesty in right of Canada; (ministère public)
- public officer
public officer includes
(a) an officer of customs or excise,
(b) an officer of the Canadian Forces,
(c) an officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and
(d) any officer while the officer is engaged in enforcing the laws of Canada relating to revenue, customs, excise, trade or navigation; (fonctionnaire public)
- public stores
public stores includes any personal property that is under the care, supervision, administration or control of a public department or of any person in the service of a public department; (approvisionnements publics)
- radioactive material
radioactive material means any material that emits one or more types of ionizing radiation, such as alpha or beta particles, neutrons and gamma rays, and that is capable of, owing to its radiological or fissile properties, causing death, serious bodily harm or substantial damage to property or the environment; (matière radioactive)
- railway equipment
railway equipment means
(a) any machine that is constructed for movement exclusively on lines of railway, whether or not the machine is capable of independent motion, or
(b) any vehicle that is constructed for movement both on and off lines of railway while the adaptations of that vehicle for movement on lines of railway are in use; (matériel ferroviaire)
- recognizance
recognizance means a recognizance in Form 32 entered into before a judge or justice; (engagement)
- release order
release order means an order in Form 11 made by a judge as defined in section 493 or a justice; (ordonnance de mise en liberté)
- representative
representative, in respect of an organization, means a director, partner, employee, member, agent or contractor of the organization; (agent)
- senior officer
senior officer means a representative who plays an important role in the establishment of an organization’s policies or is responsible for managing an important aspect of the organization’s activities and, in the case of a body corporate, includes a director, its chief executive officer and its chief financial officer; (cadre supérieur)
- serious offence
serious offence has the same meaning as in subsection 467.1(1); (infraction grave)
- steal
steal means to commit theft; (voler)
- street racing
street racing[Repealed, 2018, c. 21, s. 12]
- summons
summons means, unless a contrary intention appears, a summons in Form 6 issued by a judge or justice or by the chairperson of a Review Board as defined in subsection 672.1(1); (sommation)
- superior court of criminal jurisdiction
superior court of criminal jurisdiction means
(a) in the Province of Ontario, the Court of Appeal or the Superior Court of Justice,
(b) in the Province of Quebec, the Superior Court,
(c) in the Provinces of Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court,
(d) in the Provinces of New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Court of Appeal or the Court of Queen’s Bench,
(e) in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon and the Northwest Territories, the Supreme Court, and
(f) in Nunavut, the Nunavut Court of Justice; (cour supérieure de juridiction criminelle)
(g) and (h) [Repealed, 2015, c. 3, s. 44]
- territorial division
territorial division includes any province, county, union of counties, township, city, town, parish or other judicial division or place to which the context applies; (circonscription territoriale)
- terrorism offence
terrorism offence means
(a) an offence under any of sections 83.02 to 83.04 or 83.18 to 83.23,
(b) an indictable offence under this or any other Act of Parliament committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group,
(c) an indictable offence under this or any other Act of Parliament where the act or omission constituting the offence also constitutes a terrorist activity, or
(d) a conspiracy or an attempt to commit, or being an accessory after the fact in relation to, or any counselling in relation to, an offence referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c); (infraction de terrorisme)
- terrorist activity
terrorist activity has the same meaning as in subsection 83.01(1); (activité terroriste)
- terrorist group
terrorist group has the same meaning as in subsection 83.01(1); (groupe terroriste)
- testamentary instrument
testamentary instrument includes any will, codicil or other testamentary writing or appointment, during the life of the testator whose testamentary disposition it purports to be and after his death, whether it relates to real or personal property or to both; (acte testamentaire)
- trustee
trustee means a person who is declared by any Act to be a trustee or is, by the law of a province, a trustee, and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, includes a trustee on an express trust created by deed, will or instrument in writing, or by parol; (fiduciaire)
- undertaking
undertaking means, unless a contrary intention appears, an undertaking in Form 10 given to a peace officer; (promesse)
- unfit to stand trial
unfit to stand trial means unable on account of mental disorder to conduct a defence at any stage of the proceedings before a verdict is rendered or to instruct counsel to do so, and, in particular, unable on account of mental disorder to
(a) understand the nature or object of the proceedings,
(b) understand the possible consequences of the proceedings, or
(c) communicate with counsel; (inaptitude à subir son procès)
- United Nations operation
United Nations operation means an operation that is established by the competent organ of the United Nations in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and is conducted under United Nations authority and control, if the operation is for the purpose of maintaining or restoring international peace and security or if the Security Council or the General Assembly of the United Nations has declared, for the purposes of the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, that there exists an exceptional risk to the safety of the personnel participating in the operation. It does not include an operation authorized by the Security Council as an enforcement action under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations in which any of the personnel are engaged as combatants against organized armed forces and to which the law of international armed conflict applies; (opération des Nations Unies)
- United Nations personnel
United Nations personnel means
(a) persons who are engaged or deployed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations as members of the military, police or civilian components of a United Nations operation, or
(b) any other officials or experts who are on mission of the United Nations or one of its specialized agencies or the International Atomic Energy Agency and who are present in an official capacity in the area where a United Nations operation is conducted; (personnel des Nations Unies)
- valuable mineral
valuable mineral means a mineral of a value of at least $100 per kilogram, and includes precious metals, diamonds and other gemstones and any rock or ore that contains those minerals; (minéraux précieux)
- valuable security
valuable security includes
(a) an order, exchequer acquittance or other security that entitles or evidences the title of any person
(i) to a share or interest in a public stock or fund or in any fund of a body corporate, company or society, or
(ii) to a deposit in a financial institution,
(b) any debenture, deed, bond, bill, note, warrant, order or other security for money or for payment of money,
(c) a document of title to lands or goods wherever situated,
(d) a stamp or writing that secures or evidences title to or an interest in a chattel personal, or that evidences delivery of a chattel personal, and
(e) a release, receipt, discharge or other instrument evidencing payment of money; (valeur ou effet appréciable)
- victim
victim means a person against whom an offence has been committed, or is alleged to have been committed, who has suffered, or is alleged to have suffered, physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss as the result of the commission or alleged commission of the offence and includes, for the purposes of sections 672.5, 722 and 745.63, a person who has suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss as the result of the commission of an offence against any other person. (victime)
- videoconference
videoconference means any means of telecommunication that allows the judge, justice or chairperson of a Review Board, as defined in subsection 672.1(1), and any individual to engage in simultaneous visual and oral communication in a proceeding; (vidéoconférence)
- weapon
weapon means any thing used, designed to be used or intended for use
(a) in causing death or injury to any person, or
(b) for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person
and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, includes a firearm and, for the purposes of sections 88, 267 and 272, any thing used, designed to be used or intended for use in binding or tying up a person against their will; (arme)
- wreck
wreck includes the cargo, stores and tackle of a vessel and all parts of a vessel separated from the vessel, and the property of persons who belong to, are on board or have quitted a vessel that is wrecked, stranded or in distress at any place in Canada; (épave)
- writing
writing includes a document of any kind and any mode in which, and any material on which, words or figures, whether at length or abridged, are written, printed or otherwise expressed, or a map or plan is inscribed. (écrit)
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 2
- R.S., 1985, c. 11 (1st Supp.), s. 2, c. 27 (1st Supp.), ss. 2, 203, c. 31 (1st Supp.), s. 61, c. 1 (2nd Supp.), s. 213, c. 27 (2nd Supp.), s. 10, c. 35 (2nd Supp.), s. 34, c. 32 (4th Supp.), s. 55, c. 40 (4th Supp.), s. 2
- 1990, c. 17, s. 7
- 1991, c. 1, s. 28, c. 40, s. 1, c. 43, ss. 1, 9
- 1992, c. 20, s. 216, c. 51, s. 32
- 1993, c. 28, s. 78, c. 34, s. 59
- 1994, c. 44, s. 2
- 1995, c. 29, ss. 39, 40, c. 39, s. 138
- 1997, c. 23, s. 1
- 1998, c. 30, s. 14
- 1999, c. 3, s. 25, c. 5, s. 1, c. 25, s. 1(Preamble), c. 28, s. 155
- 2000, c. 12, s. 91, c. 25, s. 1(F)
- 2001, c. 32, s. 1, c. 41, ss. 2, 131
- 2002, c. 7, s. 137, c. 22, s. 324
- 2003, c. 21, s. 1
- 2004, c. 3, s. 1
- 2005, c. 10, s. 34, c. 38, s. 58, c. 40, ss. 1, 7
- 2006, c. 14, s. 1
- 2007, c. 13, s. 1
- 2012, c.1, s. 160, c. 19, s. 371
- 2013, c. 13, s. 2
- 2014, c. 17, s. 1, c. 23, s. 2, c. 25, s. 2
- 2015, c. 3, s. 44, c. 13, s. 3, c. 20, s. 15
- 2018, c. 21, s. 12
- 2019, c. 13, s. 140
- 2019, c. 25, s. 1
- 2022, c. 17, s. 1
Marginal note:Further definitions — firearms
2.1 In this Act, ammunition, antique firearm, automatic firearm, cartridge magazine, cross-bow, handgun, imitation firearm, prohibited ammunition, prohibited device, prohibited firearm, prohibited weapon, replica firearm, restricted firearm and restricted weapon, as well as authorization, licence and registration certificate when used in relation to those words and expressions, have the same meaning as in subsection 84(1).
- 2009, c. 22, s. 1
Marginal note:Acting on victim’s behalf
2.2 (1) For the purposes of sections 606, 672.5, 715.37, 722, 737.1 and 745.63, any of the following individuals may act on the victim’s behalf if the victim is dead or incapable of acting on their own behalf:
(a) the victim’s spouse, or if the victim is dead, their spouse at the time of death;
(b) the victim’s common-law partner, or if the victim is dead, their common-law partner at the time of death;
(c) a relative or dependant of the victim;
(d) an individual who has in law or fact custody, or is responsible for the care or support, of the victim; and
(e) an individual who has in law or fact custody, or is responsible for the care or support, of a dependant of the victim.
Marginal note:Exception
(2) An individual is not entitled to act on a victim’s behalf if the individual is an accused in relation to the offence or alleged offence that resulted in the victim suffering harm or loss or is an individual who is found guilty of that offence or who is found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder or unfit to stand trial in respect of that offence.
- 2015, c. 13, s. 4
- 2018, c. 12, s. 403
Marginal note:Concurrent jurisdiction
2.3 (1) The proceedings for the purposes of paragraph (a) of the definition Attorney General in section 2 are
(a) proceedings in relation to an offence under subsection 7(2.01), (2.3), (2.31), (2.35) or (2.36) or section 57, 58, 83.12, 103, 104, 121.1, 380, 382, 382.1, 391, 400, 424.1, 431.1, 467.11 or 467.111 or in relation to any terrorism offence;
(b) proceedings in relation to an offence against a member of United Nations personnel or associated personnel under section 235, 236, 266 to 269, 269.1, 271 to 273, 279 or 279.1;
(c) proceedings in relation to an offence referred to in subsection 7(3.71) or in relation to an offence referred to in paragraph (a) of the definition terrorist activity in subsection 83.01(1) if the act or omission constituting the offence was committed outside Canada and is deemed under any of subsections 7(2), (2.1) to (2.21), (3), (3.1), (3.72) and (3.73) to have been committed in Canada;
(d) proceedings in relation to an offence if the act or omission constituting the offence is a terrorist activity referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition terrorist activity in subsection 83.01(1) and was committed outside Canada and is deemed by virtue of subsection 7(3.74) or (3.75) to have been committed in Canada;
(e) a proceeding in relation to an offence under section 811 that arises out of a breach of a recognizance made under section 810.01 or 810.011, if he or she has given consent to the information referred to in those sections; and
(f) proceedings under section 83.13, 83.14, 83.222, 83.223 or 83.3.
Marginal note:For greater certainty — Attorney General of Canada
(2) For greater certainty, the Attorney General of Canada or his or her lawful deputy may, in respect of an offence referred to in subsection (1) or an offence under any Act of Parliament — other than this Act or the Canada Elections Act — or any regulation made under such an Act, exercise all the powers and perform all the duties and functions assigned to the Attorney General by or under this Act, and those powers include the power to commence and to conduct
(a) a proceeding for conspiring or attempting to commit such an offence or for being an accessory after the fact or counselling a person to be a party to such an offence;
(b) a proceeding in relation to a criminal organization offence that arises out of conduct that relates, in whole or in part, to any offence for which he or she has the power to commence and to conduct a proceeding;
(c) a proceeding in relation to an offence referred to in section 354, 355.2, 355.4 or 462.31 that arises out of conduct that relates, in whole or in part, to any offence for which he or she has the power to commence and to conduct a proceeding or out of any act or omission that, if it had occurred in Canada, would have constituted such an offence;
(d) a proceeding for the breach of any court order made in the course of a proceeding commenced or conducted by him or her;
(e) a proceeding for the failure to comply with any condition associated with the release of a person by a peace officer or other competent authority — including a condition to appear at a specified time and place — in relation to any offence for which he or she has the power to commence and to conduct a proceeding; and
(f) any ancillary proceedings in relation to any offence for which he or she has the power to commence and to conduct a proceeding.
Marginal note:For greater certainty — Director of Public Prosecutions
(3) For greater certainty, in respect of an offence under the Canada Elections Act, the Director of Public Prosecutions, subject to the Director of Public Prosecutions Act, exercises the powers and performs the duties and functions of the Attorney General of Canada referred to in subsection (2).
Marginal note:Descriptive cross-references
3 Where, in any provision of this Act, a reference to another provision of this Act or a provision of any other Act is followed by words in parenthesis that are or purport to be descriptive of the subject-matter of the provision referred to, the words in parenthesis form no part of the provision in which they occur but shall be deemed to have been inserted for convenience of reference only.
- 1976-77, c. 53, s. 2
Part I
General
Marginal note:Effect of judicial acts
3.1 (1) Unless otherwise provided or ordered, anything done by a court, justice or judge is effective from the moment it is done, whether or not it is reduced to writing.
Marginal note:Clerk of the court
(2) Unless otherwise provided or ordered, if anything is done from the bench by a court, justice or judge and it is reduced to writing, the clerk of the court may sign the writing.
- 2002, c. 13, s. 2
- 2019, c. 25, s. 3
Marginal note:Postcard a chattel, value
4 (1) For the purposes of this Act, a postal card or stamp referred to in paragraph (c) of the definition property in section 2 shall be deemed to be a chattel and to be equal in value to the amount of the postage, rate or duty expressed on its face.
Marginal note:Value of valuable security
(2) For the purposes of this Act, the following rules apply for the purpose of determining the value of a valuable security where value is material:
(a) where the valuable security is one mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition valuable security in section 2, the value is the value of the share, interest, deposit or unpaid money, as the case may be, that is secured by the valuable security;
(b) where the valuable security is one mentioned in paragraph (c) or (d) of the definition valuable security in section 2, the value is the value of the lands, goods, chattel personal or interest in the chattel personal, as the case may be; and
(c) where the valuable security is one mentioned in paragraph (e) of the definition valuable security in section 2, the value is the amount of money that has been paid.
Marginal note:Possession
(3) For the purposes of this Act,
(a) a person has anything in possession when he has it in his personal possession or knowingly
(i) has it in the actual possession or custody of another person, or
(ii) has it in any place, whether or not that place belongs to or is occupied by him, for the use or benefit of himself or of another person; and
(b) where one of two or more persons, with the knowledge and consent of the rest, has anything in his custody or possession, it shall be deemed to be in the custody and possession of each and all of them.
Marginal note:Expressions taken from other Acts
(4) Where an offence that is dealt with in this Act relates to a subject that is dealt with in another Act, the words and expressions used in this Act with respect to that offence have, subject to this Act, the meaning assigned to them in that other Act.
Marginal note:Sexual intercourse
(5) For the purposes of this Act, sexual intercourse is complete on penetration to even the slightest degree, notwithstanding that seed is not emitted.
Marginal note:Proof of notifications and service of documents
(6) For the purposes of this Act, the service of any document and the giving or sending of any notice may be proved
(a) by oral evidence given under oath by, or by the affidavit or solemn declaration of, the person claiming to have served, given or sent it; or
(b) in the case of a peace officer, by a statement in writing certifying that the document was served or the notice was given or sent by the peace officer, and such a statement is deemed to be a statement made under oath.
Marginal note:Proof of service in accordance with provincial laws
(6.1) Despite subsection (6), the service of documents may be proved in accordance with the laws of a province relating to offences created by the laws of that province.
Marginal note:Attendance for examination
(7) Despite subsection (6) or (6.1), the court may require the person who appears to have signed an affidavit, a solemn declaration or a statement in accordance with that subsection to appear before it for examination or cross-examination in respect of the issue of proof of service or of the giving or sending of any notice.
Marginal note:Means of telecommunication
(8) For greater certainty, for the purposes of this Act, if the elements of an offence contain an explicit or implicit element of communication without specifying the means of communication, the communication may also be made by a means of telecommunication.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 4
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 3
- 1994, c. 44, s. 3
- 1997, c. 18, s. 2
- 2008, c. 18, s. 1
- 2014, c. 31, s. 2
Marginal note:Canadian Forces not affected
5 Nothing in this Act affects any law relating to the government of the Canadian Forces.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 4
Marginal note:Presumption of innocence
6 (1) Where an enactment creates an offence and authorizes a punishment to be imposed in respect of that offence,
(a) a person shall be deemed not to be guilty of the offence until he is convicted or discharged under section 730 of the offence; and
(b) a person who is convicted or discharged under section 730 of the offence is not liable to any punishment in respect thereof other than the punishment prescribed by this Act or by the enactment that creates the offence.
Marginal note:Offences outside Canada
(2) Subject to this Act or any other Act of Parliament, no person shall be convicted or discharged under section 730 of an offence committed outside Canada.
Definition of enactment
(3) In this section, enactment means
(a) an Act of Parliament, or
(b) an Act of the legislature of a province that creates an offence to which Part XXVII applies,
or any regulation made thereunder.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 6
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 4, c. 1 (4th Supp.), s. 18(F)
- 1995, c. 22, s. 10
Marginal note:Offences committed on aircraft
7 (1) Notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other Act, every one who
(a) on or in respect of an aircraft
(i) registered in Canada under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act, or
(ii) leased without crew and operated by a person who is qualified under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act to be registered as owner of an aircraft registered in Canada under those regulations,
while the aircraft is in flight, or
(b) on any aircraft, while the aircraft is in flight if the flight terminated in Canada,
commits an act or omission in or outside Canada that if committed in Canada would be an offence punishable by indictment shall be deemed to have committed that act or omission in Canada.
Marginal note:Idem
(2) Notwithstanding this Act or any other Act, every one who
(a) on an aircraft, while the aircraft is in flight, commits an act or omission outside Canada that if committed in Canada or on an aircraft registered in Canada under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act would be an offence against section 76 or paragraph 77(a),
(b) in relation to an aircraft in service, commits an act or omission outside Canada that if committed in Canada would be an offence against any of paragraphs 77(c), (d) or (g),
(c) in relation to an air navigation facility used in international air navigation, commits an act or omission outside Canada that if committed in Canada would be an offence against paragraph 77(e),
(d) at or in relation to an airport serving international civil aviation, commits an act or omission outside Canada that if committed in Canada would be an offence against paragraph 77(b) or (f), or
(e) commits an act or omission outside Canada that if committed in Canada would constitute a conspiracy or an attempt to commit an offence referred to in this subsection, or being an accessory after the fact or counselling in relation to such an offence,
shall be deemed to have committed that act or omission in Canada if the person is, after the commission thereof, present in Canada.
Marginal note:Offences in relation to cultural property
(2.01) Despite anything in this Act or any other Act, a person who commits an act or omission outside Canada that if committed in Canada would constitute an offence under section 322, 341, 344, 380, 430 or 434 in relation to cultural property as defined in Article 1 of the Convention, or a conspiracy or an attempt to commit such an offence, or being an accessory after the fact or counselling in relation to such an offence, is deemed to have committed that act or omission in Canada if the person
(a) is a Canadian citizen;
(b) is not a citizen of any state and ordinarily resides in Canada; or
(c) is a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and is, after the commission of the act or omission, present in Canada.
Marginal note:Definition of Convention
(2.02) For the purpose of subsection (2.01), Convention means the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, done at The Hague on May 14, 1954. Article 1 of the Convention is set out in the schedule to the Cultural Property Export and Import Act.
Marginal note:Offences against fixed platforms or international maritime navigation
(2.1) Notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other Act, every one who commits an act or omission outside Canada against or on board a fixed platform attached to the continental shelf of any state or against or on board a ship navigating or scheduled to navigate beyond the territorial sea of any state, that if committed in Canada would constitute an offence against, a conspiracy or an attempt to commit an offence against, or being an accessory after the fact or counselling in relation to an offence against, section 78.1, shall be deemed to commit that act or omission in Canada if it is committed
(a) against or on board a fixed platform attached to the continental shelf of Canada;
(b) against or on board a ship registered or licensed, or for which an identification number has been issued, pursuant to any Act of Parliament;
(c) by a Canadian citizen;
(d) by a person who is not a citizen of any state and who ordinarily resides in Canada;
(e) by a person who is, after the commission of the offence, present in Canada;
(f) in such a way as to seize, injure or kill, or threaten to injure or kill, a Canadian citizen; or
(g) in an attempt to compel the Government of Canada to do or refrain from doing any act.
Marginal note:Offences against fixed platforms or navigation in the internal waters or territorial sea of another state
(2.2) Notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other Act, every one who commits an act or omission outside Canada against or on board a fixed platform not attached to the continental shelf of any state or against or on board a ship not navigating or scheduled to navigate beyond the territorial sea of any state, that if committed in Canada would constitute an offence against, a conspiracy or an attempt to commit an offence against, or being an accessory after the fact or counselling in relation to an offence against, section 78.1, shall be deemed to commit that act or omission in Canada
(a) if it is committed as described in any of paragraphs (2.1)(b) to (g); and
(b) if the offender is found in the territory of a state, other than the state in which the act or omission was committed, that is
(i) a party to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, done at Rome on March 10, 1988, in respect of an offence committed against or on board a ship, or
(ii) a party to the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf, done at Rome on March 10, 1988, in respect of an offence committed against or on board a fixed platform.
Marginal note:Nuclear terrorism offence committed outside Canada
(2.21) Despite anything in this Act or any other Act, everyone who commits an act or omission outside Canada that if committed in Canada would constitute an offence under any of sections 82.3 to 82.6, or a conspiracy or attempt to commit such an offence, or being an accessory after the fact or counselling in relation to such an offence, is deemed to have committed that act or omission in Canada if
(a) the act or omission is committed on a ship that is registered or licensed, or for which an identification number has been issued, under any Act of Parliament;
(b) the act or omission is committed on an aircraft that
(i) is registered in Canada under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act, or
(ii) is leased without crew and operated by a person who is qualified under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act to be registered as owner of an aircraft in Canada under those regulations;
(c) the person who commits the act or omission is a Canadian citizen; or
(d) the person who commits the act or omission is, after the commission of the act or omission, present in Canada.
Marginal note:Space Station — Canadian crew members
(2.3) Despite anything in this Act or any other Act, a Canadian crew member who, during a space flight, commits an act or omission outside Canada that if committed in Canada would constitute an indictable offence is deemed to have committed that act or omission in Canada, if that act or omission is committed
(a) on, or in relation to, a flight element of the Space Station; or
(b) on any means of transportation to or from the Space Station.
Marginal note:Space Station — crew members of Partner States
(2.31) Despite anything in this Act or any other Act, a crew member of a Partner State who commits an act or omission outside Canada during a space flight on, or in relation to, a flight element of the Space Station or on any means of transportation to and from the Space Station that if committed in Canada would constitute an indictable offence is deemed to have committed that act or omission in Canada, if that act or omission
(a) threatens the life or security of a Canadian crew member; or
(b) is committed on or in relation to, or damages, a flight element provided by Canada.
(2.32) [Repealed, 2019, c. 25, s. 4]
Marginal note:Consent of Attorney General of Canada
(2.33) No proceedings in relation to an offence referred to in subsection (2.3) or (2.31) may be instituted without the consent of the Attorney General of Canada.
Marginal note:Definitions
(2.34) The definitions in this subsection apply in this subsection and in subsections (2.3) and (2.31).
- Agreement
Agreement has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Civil International Space Station Agreement Implementation Act. (Accord)
- Canadian crew member
Canadian crew member means a crew member of the Space Station who is
(a) a Canadian citizen; or
(b) a citizen of a foreign state, other than a Partner State, who is authorized by Canada to act as a crew member for a space flight on, or in relation to, a flight element. (membre d’équipage canadien)
- crew member of a Partner State
crew member of a Partner State means a crew member of the Space Station who is
(a) a citizen of a Partner State; or
(b) a citizen of a state, other than Canada or a Partner State, who is authorized by a Partner State to act as a crew member for a space flight on, or in relation to, a flight element. (membre d’équipage d’un État partenaire)
- flight element
flight element means a Space Station element provided by Canada or by a Partner State under the Agreement and under any memorandum of understanding or other implementing arrangement entered into to carry out the Agreement. (élément de vol)
- Partner State
Partner State means a State, other than Canada, who contracted to enter into the Agreement and for which the Agreement has entered into force in accordance with article 25 of the Agreement. (État partenaire)
- space flight
space flight means the period that begins with the launching of a crew member of the Space Station, continues during their stay in orbit and ends with their landing on earth. (vol spatial)
- Space Station
Space Station means the civil international Space Station that is a multi-use facility in low-earth orbit, with flight elements and dedicated ground elements provided by, or on behalf of, Canada or the Partner States. (station spatiale)
Marginal note:Lunar Gateway — Canadian crew members
(2.35) Despite anything in this Act or any other Act, a Canadian crew member who, during a space flight, commits an act or omission outside Canada that if committed in Canada would constitute an indictable offence is deemed to have committed that act or omission in Canada, if that act or omission is committed
(a) on, or in relation to, a flight element of the Lunar Gateway;
(b) on any means of transportation to or from the Lunar Gateway; or
(c) on the surface of the Moon.
Marginal note:Lunar Gateway — crew members of Partner States
(2.36) Despite anything in this Act or any other Act, a crew member of a Partner State who commits an act or omission outside Canada during a space flight on, or in relation to, a flight element of the Lunar Gateway, on any means of transportation to and from the Lunar Gateway or on the surface of the Moon that if committed in Canada would constitute an indictable offence is deemed to have committed that act or omission in Canada, if that act or omission
(a) threatens the life or security of a Canadian crew member; or
(b) is committed on or in relation to, or damages, a flight element provided by Canada.
Marginal note:Consent of Attorney General of Canada
(2.37) No proceedings in relation to an offence referred to in subsection (2.35) or (2.36) may be instituted without the consent of the Attorney General of Canada.
Marginal note:Definitions
(2.38) The definitions in this subsection apply in this subsection and in subsections (2.35) and (2.36).
- Agreement
Agreement has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Civil Lunar Gateway Agreement Implementation Act. (Accord)
- Canadian crew member
Canadian crew member means a crew member of the Lunar Gateway who is
(a) a Canadian citizen; or
(b) a citizen of a foreign state, other than a Partner State, who is authorized by Canada to act as a crew member for a space flight on, or in relation to, a flight element. (membre d’équipage canadien)
- crew member of a Partner State
crew member of a Partner State means a crew member of the Lunar Gateway who is
(a) a citizen of a Partner State; or
(b) a citizen of a state, other than Canada or a Partner State, who is authorized by a Partner State to act as a crew member for a space flight on, or in relation to, a flight element. (membre d’équipage d’un État partenaire)
- flight element
flight element means a Lunar Gateway element provided by Canada or by a Partner State under the Agreement and under any memorandum of understanding or implementing arrangement entered into to carry out the Agreement. (élément de vol)
- Lunar Gateway
Lunar Gateway means the civil Lunar Gateway that is a multi-use facility in orbit around the Moon, with flight elements and dedicated ground elements provided by, or on behalf of, Canada or the Partner States. (station lunaire Gateway)
- Partner State
Partner State means a State, other than Canada, that is a Gateway Partner as defined in Article 3.1 of the Agreement. (État partenaire)
- space flight
space flight means a flight that spans the period beginning with the launching of a crew member of the Lunar Gateway, continuing during their stay in orbit around or on the surface of the Moon and ending with their landing on earth. (vol spatial)
Marginal note:Offence against internationally protected person
(3) Notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other Act, every one who, outside Canada, commits an act or omission against the person of an internationally protected person or against any property referred to in section 431 used by that person that, if committed in Canada, would be an offence against any of sections 235, 236, 266, 267, 268, 269, 269.1, 271, 272, 273, 279, 279.1, 280 to 283, 424 and 431 is deemed to commit that act or omission in Canada if
(a) the act or omission is committed on a ship that is registered or licensed, or for which an identification number has been issued, pursuant to any Act of Parliament;
(b) the act or omission is committed on an aircraft
(i) registered in Canada under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act, or
(ii) leased without crew and operated by a person who is qualified under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act to be registered as owner of an aircraft in Canada under those regulations;
(c) the person who commits the act or omission is a Canadian citizen or is, after the act or omission has been committed, present in Canada; or
(d) the act or omission is against
(i) a person who enjoys the status of an internationally protected person by virtue of the functions that person performs on behalf of Canada, or
(ii) a member of the family of a person described in subparagraph (i) who qualifies under paragraph (b) or (d) of the definition internationally protected person in section 2.
Marginal note:Offence of hostage taking
(3.1) Notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other Act, every one who, outside Canada, commits an act or omission that if committed in Canada would be an offence against section 279.1 shall be deemed to commit that act or omission in Canada if
(a) the act or omission is committed on a ship that is registered or licensed, or for which an identification number has been issued, pursuant to any Act of Parliament;
(b) the act or omission is committed on an aircraft
(i) registered in Canada under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act, or
(ii) leased without crew and operated by a person who is qualified under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act to be registered as owner of an aircraft in Canada under such regulations;
(c) the person who commits the act or omission
(i) is a Canadian citizen, or
(ii) is not a citizen of any state and ordinarily resides in Canada;
(d) the act or omission is committed with intent to induce Her Majesty in right of Canada or of a province to commit or cause to be committed any act or omission;
(e) a person taken hostage by the act or omission is a Canadian citizen; or
(f) the person who commits the act or omission is, after the commission thereof, present in Canada.
(3.2) to (3.6) [Repealed, 2013, c. 13, s. 3]
Marginal note:Jurisdiction
(3.7) Notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other Act, every one who, outside Canada, commits an act or omission that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an offence against, a conspiracy or an attempt to commit an offence against, being an accessory after the fact in relation to an offence against, or any counselling in relation to an offence against, section 269.1 shall be deemed to commit that act or omission in Canada if
(a) the act or omission is committed on a ship that is registered or licensed, or for which an identification number has been issued, pursuant to any Act of Parliament;
(b) the act or omission is committed on an aircraft
(i) registered in Canada under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act, or
(ii) leased without crew and operated by a person who is qualified under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act to be registered as owner of an aircraft in Canada under those regulations;
(c) the person who commits the act or omission is a Canadian citizen;
(d) the complainant is a Canadian citizen; or
(e) the person who commits the act or omission is, after the commission thereof, present in Canada.
Marginal note:Offence against United Nations or associated personnel
(3.71) Notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other Act, every one who, outside Canada, commits an act or omission against a member of United Nations personnel or associated personnel or against property referred to in section 431.1 that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an offence against, a conspiracy or an attempt to commit an offence against, or being an accessory after the fact or counselling in relation to an offence against, section 235, 236, 266, 267, 268, 269, 269.1, 271, 272, 273, 279, 279.1, 424.1 or 431.1 is deemed to commit that act or omission in Canada if
(a) the act or omission is committed on a ship that is registered or licensed, or for which an identification number has been issued, under an Act of Parliament;
(b) the act or omission is committed on an aircraft
(i) registered in Canada under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act, or
(ii) leased without crew and operated by a person who is qualified under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act to be registered as owner of an aircraft in Canada under those regulations;
(c) the person who commits the act or omission
(i) is a Canadian citizen, or
(ii) is not a citizen of any state and ordinarily resides in Canada;
(d) the person who commits the act or omission is, after the commission of the act or omission, present in Canada;
(e) the act or omission is committed against a Canadian citizen; or
(f) the act or omission is committed with intent to compel the Government of Canada or of a province to do or refrain from doing any act.
Marginal note:Offence involving explosive or other lethal device
(3.72) Notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other Act, every one who, outside Canada, commits an act or omission that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an offence against, a conspiracy or an attempt to commit an offence against, or being an accessory after the fact or counselling in relation to an offence against, section 431.2 is deemed to commit that act or omission in Canada if
(a) the act or omission is committed on a ship that is registered or licensed, or for which an identification number has been issued, under any Act of Parliament;
(b) the act or omission is committed on an aircraft
(i) registered in Canada under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act,
(ii) leased without crew and operated by a person who is qualified under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act to be registered as owner of an aircraft in Canada under those regulations, or
(iii) operated for or on behalf of the Government of Canada;
(c) the person who commits the act or omission
(i) is a Canadian citizen, or
(ii) is not a citizen of any state and ordinarily resides in Canada;
(d) the person who commits the act or omission is, after the commission of the act or omission, present in Canada;
(e) the act or omission is committed against a Canadian citizen;
(f) the act or omission is committed with intent to compel the Government of Canada or of a province to do or refrain from doing any act; or
(g) the act or omission is committed against a Canadian government or public facility located outside Canada.
Marginal note:Offence relating to financing of terrorism
(3.73) Notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other Act, every one who, outside Canada, commits an act or omission that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an offence against, a conspiracy or an attempt to commit an offence against, or being an accessory after the fact or counselling in relation to an offence against, section 83.02 is deemed to commit the act or omission in Canada if
(a) the act or omission is committed on a ship that is registered or licensed, or for which an identification number has been issued, under an Act of Parliament;
(b) the act or omission is committed on an aircraft
(i) registered in Canada under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act, or
(ii) leased without crew and operated by a person who is qualified under regulations made under the Aeronautics Act to be registered as the owner of an aircraft in Canada under those regulations;
(c) the person who commits the act or omission
(i) is a Canadian citizen, or
(ii) is not a citizen of any state and ordinarily resides in Canada;
(d) the person who commits the act or omission is, after its commission, present in Canada;
(e) the act or omission is committed for the purpose of committing an act or omission referred to in paragraph 83.02(a) or (b) in order to compel the Government of Canada or of a province to do or refrain from doing any act;
(f) the act or omission is committed for the purpose of committing an act or omission referred to in paragraph 83.02(a) or (b) against a Canadian government or public facility located outside Canada; or
(g) the act or omission is committed for the purpose of committing an act or omission referred to in paragraph 83.02(a) or (b) in Canada or against a Canadian citizen.
Marginal note:Terrorism offence committed outside Canada
(3.74) Notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other Act, every one who commits an act or omission outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would be a terrorism offence, other than an offence under section 83.02 or an offence referred to in paragraph (a) of the definition terrorist activity in subsection 83.01(1), is deemed to have committed that act or omission in Canada if the person
(a) is a Canadian citizen;
(b) is not a citizen of any state and ordinarily resides in Canada; or
(c) is a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and is, after the commission of the act or omission, present in Canada.
Marginal note:Terrorist activity committed outside Canada
(3.75) Notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other Act, every one who commits an act or omission outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would be an indictable offence and would also constitute a terrorist activity referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition terrorist activity in subsection 83.01(1) is deemed to commit that act or omission in Canada if
(a) the act or omission is committed against a Canadian citizen;
(b) the act or omission is committed against a Canadian government or public facility located outside Canada; or
(c) the act or omission is committed with intent to compel the Government of Canada or of a province to do or refrain from doing any act.
(3.76) and (3.77) [Repealed, 2000, c. 24, s. 42]
Marginal note:Offences by Public Service employees
(4) Every one who, while employed as an employee within the meaning of the Public Service Employment Act in a place outside Canada, commits an act or omission in that place that is an offence under the laws of that place and that, if committed in Canada, would be an offence punishable by indictment shall be deemed to have committed that act or omission in Canada.
Marginal note:Offence in relation to sexual offences against children
(4.1) Notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other Act, every one who, outside Canada, commits an act or omission that if committed in Canada would be an offence against section 151, 152, 153 or 155, subsection 160(2) or (3), section 163.1, 170, 171, 171.1, 172.1, 172.2 or 173 or subsection 286.1(2) shall be deemed to commit that act or omission in Canada if the person who commits the act or omission is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Marginal note:Offence in relation to trafficking in persons
(4.11) Notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other Act, every one who, outside Canada, commits an act or omission that if committed in Canada would be an offence against section 279.01, 279.011, 279.02 or 279.03 shall be deemed to commit that act or omission in Canada if the person who commits the act or omission is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Marginal note:Offence outside Canada
(4.2) Despite anything in this Act or any other Act, a person who commits an act or omission outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would be an offence under section 240.1 is deemed to commit that act or omission in Canada if the person is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Marginal note:Consent of Attorney General
(4.3) Proceedings with respect to an act or omission deemed to have been committed in Canada under subsection (4.1) or (4.2) may only be instituted with the consent of the Attorney General.
Marginal note:Jurisdiction
(5) Where a person is alleged to have committed an act or omission that is an offence by virtue of this section, proceedings in respect of that offence may, whether or not that person is in Canada, be commenced in any territorial division in Canada and the accused may be tried and punished in respect of that offence in the same manner as if the offence had been committed in that territorial division.
Marginal note:Appearance of accused at trial
(5.1) For greater certainty, the provisions of this Act relating to
(a) requirements that an accused appear at and be present during proceedings, and
(b) the exceptions to those requirements,
apply to proceedings commenced in any territorial division pursuant to subsection (5).
Marginal note:If previously tried outside Canada
(6) If a person is alleged to have committed an act or omission that is an offence by virtue of this section and that person has been tried and dealt with outside Canada in respect of the offence in such a manner that, if that person had been tried and dealt with in Canada, they would be able to plead autrefois acquit,autrefois convict, pardon or an expungement order under the Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act, that person shall be deemed to have been so tried and dealt with in Canada.
Marginal note:If accused not Canadian citizen
(7) If the accused is not a Canadian citizen, no proceedings in respect of which courts have jurisdiction by virtue of this section shall be continued unless the consent of the Attorney General of Canada is obtained not later than eight days after the proceedings are commenced.
Marginal note:Definition of flight and in flight
(8) For the purposes of this section, of the definition peace officer in section 2 and of sections 27.1, 76 and 77, flight means the act of flying or moving through the air and an aircraft is deemed to be in flight from the time when all external doors are closed following embarkation until the later of
(a) the time at which any such door is opened for the purpose of disembarkation, and
(b) where the aircraft makes a forced landing in circumstances in which the owner or operator thereof or a person acting on behalf of either of them is not in control of the aircraft, the time at which control of the aircraft is restored to the owner or operator thereof or a person acting on behalf of either of them.
Marginal note:Definition of in service
(9) For the purposes of this section and section 77, an aircraft shall be deemed to be in service from the time when pre-flight preparation of the aircraft by ground personnel or the crew thereof begins for a specific flight until
(a) the flight is cancelled before the aircraft is in flight,
(b) twenty-four hours after the aircraft, having commenced the flight, lands, or
(c) the aircraft, having commenced the flight, ceases to be in flight,
whichever is the latest.
Marginal note:Certificate as evidence
(10) In any proceedings under this Act, a certificate purporting to have been issued by or under the authority of the Minister of Foreign Affairs is admissible in evidence without proof of the signature or authority of the person appearing to have signed it and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, is proof of the facts it states that are relevant to the question of whether any person is a member of United Nations personnel, a member of associated personnel or a person who is entitled under international law to protection from attack or threat of attack against his or her person, freedom or dignity.
Marginal note:Idem
(11) A certificate purporting to have been issued by or under the authority of the Minister of Foreign Affairs stating
(a) that at a certain time any state was engaged in an armed conflict against Canada or was allied with Canada in an armed conflict,
(b) that at a certain time any convention, treaty or other international agreement was or was not in force and that Canada was or was not a party thereto, or
(c) that Canada agreed or did not agree to accept and apply the provisions of any convention, treaty or other international agreement in an armed conflict in which Canada was involved,
is admissible in evidence in any proceedings without proof of the signature or authority of the person appearing to have issued it, and is proof of the facts so stated.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 7
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 5, c. 10 (3rd Supp.), s. 1, c. 30 (3rd Supp.), s. 1, c. 1 (4th Supp.), s. 18(F)
- 1992, c. 1, ss. 58, 60(F)
- 1993, c. 7, s. 1
- 1995, c. 5, s. 25
- 1997, c. 16, s. 1
- 1999, c. 35, s. 11
- 2000, c. 24, s. 42
- 2001, c. 27, s. 244, c. 41, ss. 3, 126
- 2002, c. 13, s. 3
- 2004, c. 12, s. 1
- 2005, c. 40, s. 2
- 2012, c. 1, s. 10, c. 15, s. 1
- 2013, c. 9, s. 2, c. 13, s. 3
- 2014, c. 25, s. 3
- 2018, c. 11, s. 27
- 2019, c. 25, s. 4
- 2022, c. 10, s. 296
- 2022, c. 18, s. 1
Marginal note:Application to territories
8 (1) The provisions of this Act apply throughout Canada except
(a) in Yukon, in so far as they are inconsistent with the Yukon Act;
(b) in the Northwest Territories, in so far as they are inconsistent with the Northwest Territories Act; and
(c) in Nunavut, in so far as they are inconsistent with the Nunavut Act.
Marginal note:Application of criminal law of England
(2) The criminal law of England that was in force in a province immediately before April 1, 1955 continues in force in the province except as altered, varied, modified or affected by this Act or any other Act of the Parliament of Canada.
Marginal note:Common law principles continued
(3) Every rule and principle of the common law that renders any circumstance a justification or excuse for an act or a defence to a charge continues in force and applies in respect of proceedings for an offence under this Act or any other Act of Parliament except in so far as they are altered by or are inconsistent with this Act or any other Act of Parliament.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 8
- 1993, c. 28, s. 78
- 2002, c. 7, s. 138
Marginal note:Criminal offences to be under law of Canada
9 Notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other Act, no person shall be convicted or discharged under section 730
(a) of an offence at common law,
(b) of an offence under an Act of the Parliament of England, or of Great Britain, or of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, or
(c) of an offence under an Act or ordinance in force in any province, territory or place before that province, territory or place became a province of Canada,
but nothing in this section affects the power, jurisdiction or authority that a court, judge, justice or provincial court judge had, immediately before April 1, 1955, to impose punishment for contempt of court.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 9
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 6, c. 1 (4th Supp.), s. 18(F)
- 1995, c. 22, s. 10
Marginal note:Appeal
10 (1) Where a court, judge, justice or provincial court judge summarily convicts a person for a contempt of court committed in the face of the court and imposes punishment in respect thereof, that person may appeal
(a) from the conviction; or
(b) against the punishment imposed.
Marginal note:Idem
(2) Where a court or judge summarily convicts a person for a contempt of court not committed in the face of the court and punishment is imposed in respect thereof, that person may appeal
(a) from the conviction; or
(b) against the punishment imposed.
Marginal note:Part XXI applies
(3) An appeal under this section lies to the court of appeal of the province in which the proceedings take place, and, for the purposes of this section, the provisions of Part XXI apply, with such modifications as the circumstances require.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 10
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 203
Marginal note:Civil remedy not suspended
11 No civil remedy for an act or omission is suspended or affected by reason that the act or omission is a criminal offence.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 10
Marginal note:Offence punishable under more than one Act
12 Where an act or omission is an offence under more than one Act of Parliament, whether punishable by indictment or on summary conviction, a person who does the act or makes the omission is, unless a contrary intention appears, subject to proceedings under any of those Acts, but is not liable to be punished more than once for the same offence.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 11
Marginal note:Child under twelve
13 No person shall be convicted of an offence in respect of an act or omission on his part while that person was under the age of twelve years.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 12
- 1980-81-82-83, c. 110, s. 72
Marginal note:Consent to death
14 No person is entitled to consent to have death inflicted on them, and such consent does not affect the criminal responsibility of any person who inflicts death on the person who gave consent.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 14
- 2016, c. 3, s. 1
Marginal note:Obedience to de facto law
15 No person shall be convicted of an offence in respect of an act or omission in obedience to the laws for the time being made and enforced by persons in de facto possession of the sovereign power in and over the place where the act or omission occurs.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 15
Marginal note:Defence of mental disorder
16 (1) No person is criminally responsible for an act committed or an omission made while suffering from a mental disorder that rendered the person incapable of appreciating the nature and quality of the act or omission or of knowing that it was wrong.
Marginal note:Presumption
(2) Every person is presumed not to suffer from a mental disorder so as to be exempt from criminal responsibility by virtue of subsection (1), until the contrary is proved on the balance of probabilities.
Marginal note:Burden of proof
(3) The burden of proof that an accused was suffering from a mental disorder so as to be exempt from criminal responsibility is on the party that raises the issue.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 16
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 185(F)
- 1991, c. 43, s. 2
Marginal note:Compulsion by threats
17 A person who commits an offence under compulsion by threats of immediate death or bodily harm from a person who is present when the offence is committed is excused for committing the offence if the person believes that the threats will be carried out and if the person is not a party to a conspiracy or association whereby the person is subject to compulsion, but this section does not apply where the offence that is committed is high treason or treason, murder, piracy, attempted murder, sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, threats to a third party or causing bodily harm, aggravated sexual assault, forcible abduction, hostage taking, robbery, assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm, aggravated assault, unlawfully causing bodily harm, arson or an offence under sections 280 to 283 (abduction and detention of young persons).
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 17
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 40
Marginal note:Compulsion of spouse
18 No presumption arises that a married person who commits an offence does so under compulsion by reason only that the offence is committed in the presence of the spouse of that married person.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 18
- 1980-81-82-83, c. 125, s. 4
Marginal note:Ignorance of the law
19 Ignorance of the law by a person who commits an offence is not an excuse for committing that offence.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 19
Marginal note:Certain acts on holidays valid
20 A warrant, summons, appearance notice, undertaking, release order or recognizance that is authorized by this Act may be executed, issued, given or entered into, as the case may be, on a holiday.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 20
- 2019, c. 25, s. 5
Parties to Offences
Marginal note:Parties to offence
21 (1) Every one is a party to an offence who
(a) actually commits it;
(b) does or omits to do anything for the purpose of aiding any person to commit it; or
(c) abets any person in committing it.
Marginal note:Common intention
(2) Where two or more persons form an intention in common to carry out an unlawful purpose and to assist each other therein and any one of them, in carrying out the common purpose, commits an offence, each of them who knew or ought to have known that the commission of the offence would be a probable consequence of carrying out the common purpose is a party to that offence.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 21
Marginal note:Person counselling offence
22 (1) Where a person counsels another person to be a party to an offence and that other person is afterwards a party to that offence, the person who counselled is a party to that offence, notwithstanding that the offence was committed in a way different from that which was counselled.
Marginal note:Idem
(2) Every one who counsels another person to be a party to an offence is a party to every offence that the other commits in consequence of the counselling that the person who counselled knew or ought to have known was likely to be committed in consequence of the counselling.
Definition of counsel
(3) For the purposes of this Act, counsel includes procure, solicit or incite.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 22
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 7
Marginal note:Offences of negligence — organizations
22.1 In respect of an offence that requires the prosecution to prove negligence, an organization is a party to the offence if
(a) acting within the scope of their authority
(i) one of its representatives is a party to the offence, or
(ii) two or more of its representatives engage in conduct, whether by act or omission, such that, if it had been the conduct of only one representative, that representative would have been a party to the offence; and
(b) the senior officer who is responsible for the aspect of the organization’s activities that is relevant to the offence departs — or the senior officers, collectively, depart — markedly from the standard of care that, in the circumstances, could reasonably be expected to prevent a representative of the organization from being a party to the offence.
- 2003, c. 21, s. 2
Marginal note:Other offences — organizations
22.2 In respect of an offence that requires the prosecution to prove fault — other than negligence — an organization is a party to the offence if, with the intent at least in part to benefit the organization, one of its senior officers
(a) acting within the scope of their authority, is a party to the offence;
(b) having the mental state required to be a party to the offence and acting within the scope of their authority, directs the work of other representatives of the organization so that they do the act or make the omission specified in the offence; or
(c) knowing that a representative of the organization is or is about to be a party to the offence, does not take all reasonable measures to stop them from being a party to the offence.
- 2003, c. 21, s. 2
Marginal note:Accessory after the fact
23 (1) An accessory after the fact to an offence is one who, knowing that a person has been a party to the offence, receives, comforts or assists that person for the purpose of enabling that person to escape.
(2) [Repealed, 2000, c. 12, s. 92]
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 23
- 2000, c. 12, s. 92
Marginal note:Where one party cannot be convicted
23.1 For greater certainty, sections 21 to 23 apply in respect of an accused notwithstanding the fact that the person whom the accused aids or abets, counsels or procures or receives, comforts or assists cannot be convicted of the offence.
- R.S., 1985, c. 24 (2nd Supp.), s. 45
Marginal note:Attempts
24 (1) Every one who, having an intent to commit an offence, does or omits to do anything for the purpose of carrying out the intention is guilty of an attempt to commit the offence whether or not it was possible under the circumstances to commit the offence.
Marginal note:Question of law
(2) The question whether an act or omission by a person who has an intent to commit an offence is or is not mere preparation to commit the offence, and too remote to constitute an attempt to commit the offence, is a question of law.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 24
Protection of Persons Administering and Enforcing the Law
Marginal note:Protection of persons acting under authority
25 (1) Every one who is required or authorized by law to do anything in the administration or enforcement of the law
(a) as a private person,
(b) as a peace officer or public officer,
(c) in aid of a peace officer or public officer, or
(d) by virtue of his office,
is, if he acts on reasonable grounds, justified in doing what he is required or authorized to do and in using as much force as is necessary for that purpose.
Marginal note:Idem
(2) Where a person is required or authorized by law to execute a process or to carry out a sentence, that person or any person who assists him is, if that person acts in good faith, justified in executing the process or in carrying out the sentence notwithstanding that the process or sentence is defective or that it was issued or imposed without jurisdiction or in excess of jurisdiction.
Marginal note:When not protected
(3) Subject to subsections (4) and (5), a person is not justified for the purposes of subsection (1) in using force that is intended or is likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm unless the person believes on reasonable grounds that it is necessary for the self-preservation of the person or the preservation of any one under that person’s protection from death or grievous bodily harm.
Marginal note:When protected
(4) A peace officer, and every person lawfully assisting the peace officer, is justified in using force that is intended or is likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to a person to be arrested, if
(a) the peace officer is proceeding lawfully to arrest, with or without warrant, the person to be arrested;
(b) the offence for which the person is to be arrested is one for which that person may be arrested without warrant;
(c) the person to be arrested takes flight to avoid arrest;
(d) the peace officer or other person using the force believes on reasonable grounds that the force is necessary for the purpose of protecting the peace officer, the person lawfully assisting the peace officer or any other person from imminent or future death or grievous bodily harm; and
(e) the flight cannot be prevented by reasonable means in a less violent manner.
Marginal note:Power in case of escape from penitentiary
(5) A peace officer is justified in using force that is intended or is likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm against an inmate who is escaping from a penitentiary within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, if
(a) the peace officer believes on reasonable grounds that any of the inmates of the penitentiary poses a threat of death or grievous bodily harm to the peace officer or any other person; and
(b) the escape cannot be prevented by reasonable means in a less violent manner.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 25
- 1994, c. 12, s. 1
Marginal note:Definitions
25.1 (1) The following definitions apply in this section and sections 25.2 to 25.4.
- competent authority
competent authority means, with respect to a public officer or a senior official,
(a) in the case of a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, personally;
(b) in the case of a member of a police service constituted under the laws of a province, the Minister responsible for policing in the province, personally; and
(c) in the case of any other public officer or senior official, the Minister who has responsibility for the Act of Parliament that the officer or official has the power to enforce, personally. (autorité compétente)
- public officer
public officer means a peace officer, or a public officer who has the powers of a peace officer under an Act of Parliament. (fonctionnaire public)
- senior official
senior official means a senior official who is responsible for law enforcement and who is designated under subsection (5). (fonctionnaire supérieur)
Marginal note:Principle
(2) It is in the public interest to ensure that public officers may effectively carry out their law enforcement duties in accordance with the rule of law and, to that end, to expressly recognize in law a justification for public officers and other persons acting at their direction to commit acts or omissions that would otherwise constitute offences.
Marginal note:Designation of public officers
(3) A competent authority may designate public officers for the purposes of this section and sections 25.2 to 25.4.
Marginal note:Condition — civilian oversight
(3.1) A competent authority referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition of that term in subsection (1) may not designate any public officer under subsection (3) unless there is a public authority composed of persons who are not peace officers that may review the public officer’s conduct.
Marginal note:Declaration as evidence
(3.2) The Governor in Council or the lieutenant governor in council of a province, as the case may be, may designate a person or body as a public authority for the purposes of subsection (3.1), and that designation is conclusive evidence that the person or body is a public authority described in that subsection.
Marginal note:Considerations
(4) The competent authority shall make designations under subsection (3) on the advice of a senior official and shall consider the nature of the duties performed by the public officer in relation to law enforcement generally, rather than in relation to any particular investigation or enforcement activity.
Marginal note:Designation of senior officials
(5) A competent authority may designate senior officials for the purposes of this section and sections 25.2 to 25.4.
Marginal note:Emergency designation
(6) A senior official may designate a public officer for the purposes of this section and sections 25.2 to 25.4 for a period of not more than 48 hours if the senior official is of the opinion that
(a) by reason of exigent circumstances, it is not feasible for the competent authority to designate a public officer under subsection (3); and
(b) in the circumstances of the case, the public officer would be justified in committing an act or omission that would otherwise constitute an offence.
The senior official shall without delay notify the competent authority of the designation.
Marginal note:Conditions
(7) A designation under subsection (3) or (6) may be made subject to conditions, including conditions limiting
(a) the duration of the designation;
(b) the nature of the conduct in the investigation of which a public officer may be justified in committing, or directing another person to commit, acts or omissions that would otherwise constitute an offence; and
(c) the acts or omissions that would otherwise constitute an offence and that a public officer may be justified in committing or directing another person to commit.
Marginal note:Justification for acts or omissions
(8) A public officer is justified in committing an act or omission — or in directing the commission of an act or omission under subsection (10) — that would otherwise constitute an offence if the public officer
(a) is engaged in the investigation of an offence under, or the enforcement of, an Act of Parliament or in the investigation of criminal activity;
(b) is designated under subsection (3) or (6); and
(c) believes on reasonable grounds that the commission of the act or omission, as compared to the nature of the offence or criminal activity being investigated, is reasonable and proportional in the circumstances, having regard to such matters as the nature of the act or omission, the nature of the investigation and the reasonable availability of other means for carrying out the public officer’s law enforcement duties.
Marginal note:Requirements for certain acts
(9) No public officer is justified in committing an act or omission that would otherwise constitute an offence and that would be likely to result in loss of or serious damage to property, or in directing the commission of an act or omission under subsection (10), unless, in addition to meeting the conditions set out in paragraphs (8)(a) to (c), he or she
(a) is personally authorized in writing to commit the act or omission — or direct its commission — by a senior official who believes on reasonable grounds that committing the act or omission, as compared to the nature of the offence or criminal activity being investigated, is reasonable and proportional in the circumstances, having regard to such matters as the nature of the act or omission, the nature of the investigation and the reasonable availability of other means for carrying out the public officer’s law enforcement duties; or
(b) believes on reasonable grounds that the grounds for obtaining an authorization under paragraph (a) exist but it is not feasible in the circumstances to obtain the authorization and that the act or omission is necessary to
(i) preserve the life or safety of any person,
(ii) prevent the compromise of the identity of a public officer acting in an undercover capacity, of a confidential informant or of a person acting covertly under the direction and control of a public officer, or
(iii) prevent the imminent loss or destruction of evidence of an indictable offence.
Marginal note:Person acting at direction of public officer
(10) A person who commits an act or omission that would otherwise constitute an offence is justified in committing it if
(a) a public officer directs him or her to commit that act or omission and the person believes on reasonable grounds that the public officer has the authority to give that direction; and
(b) he or she believes on reasonable grounds that the commission of that act or omission is for the purpose of assisting the public officer in the public officer’s law enforcement duties.
Marginal note:Limitation
(11) Nothing in this section justifies
(a) the intentional or criminally negligent causing of death or bodily harm to another person;
(b) the wilful attempt in any manner to obstruct, pervert or defeat the course of justice; or
(c) conduct that would violate the sexual integrity of an individual.
Marginal note:Protection, defences and immunities unaffected
(12) Nothing in this section affects the protection, defences and immunities of peace officers and other persons recognized under the law of Canada.
Marginal note:Compliance with requirements
(13) Nothing in this section relieves a public officer of criminal liability for failing to comply with any other requirements that govern the collection of evidence.
Marginal note:Exception — Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Cannabis Act
(14) Nothing in this section justifies a public officer or a person acting at his or her direction in committing an act or omission — or a public officer in directing the commission of an act or omission — that constitutes an offence under a provision of Part I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act or of the regulations made under it or a provision of Division 1 of Part 1 of the Cannabis Act.
- 2001, c. 32, s. 2
- 2005, c. 10, s. 34
- 2018, c. 16, s. 207
Marginal note:Public officer to file report
25.2 Every public officer who commits an act or omission — or directs the commission by another person of an act or omission — under paragraph 25.1(9)(a) or (b) shall, as soon as is feasible after the commission of the act or omission, file a written report with the appropriate senior official describing the act or omission.
- 2001, c. 32, s. 2
Marginal note:Annual report
25.3 (1) Every competent authority shall publish or otherwise make available to the public an annual report for the previous year that includes, in respect of public officers and senior officials designated by the competent authority,
(a) the number of designations made under subsection 25.1(6) by the senior officials;
(b) the number of authorizations made under paragraph 25.1(9)(a) by the senior officials;
(c) the number of times that acts and omissions were committed in accordance with paragraph 25.1(9)(b) by the public officers;
(d) the nature of the conduct being investigated when the designations referred to in paragraph (a) or the authorizations referred to in paragraph (b) were made or when the acts or omissions referred to in paragraph (c) were committed; and
(e) the nature of the acts or omissions committed under the designations referred to in paragraph (a), under the authorizations referred to in paragraph (b) and in the manner described in paragraph (c).
Marginal note:Limitation
(2) The annual report shall not contain any information the disclosure of which would
(a) compromise or hinder an ongoing investigation of an offence under an Act of Parliament;
(b) compromise the identity of a public officer acting in an undercover capacity, of a confidential informant or of a person acting covertly under the direction and control of a public officer;
(c) endanger the life or safety of any person;
(d) prejudice a legal proceeding; or
(e) otherwise be contrary to the public interest.
- 2001, c. 32, s. 2
Marginal note:Written notification to be given
25.4 (1) When a public officer commits an act or omission — or directs the commission by another person of an act or omission — under paragraph 25.1(9)(a) or (b), the senior official with whom the public officer files a written report under section 25.2 shall, as soon as is feasible after the report is filed, and no later than one year after the commission of the act or omission, notify in writing any person whose property was lost or seriously damaged as a result of the act or omission.
Marginal note:Limitation
(2) The competent authority may authorize the senior official not to notify the person under subsection (1) until the competent authority is of the opinion that notification would not
(a) compromise or hinder an ongoing investigation of an offence under an Act of Parliament;
(b) compromise the identity of a public officer acting in an undercover capacity, of a confidential informant or of a person acting covertly under the direction and control of a public officer;
(c) endanger the life or safety of any person;
(d) prejudice a legal proceeding; or
(e) otherwise be contrary to the public interest.
- 2001, c. 32, s. 2
Marginal note:Excessive force
26 Every one who is authorized by law to use force is criminally responsible for any excess thereof according to the nature and quality of the act that constitutes the excess.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 26
Marginal note:Use of force to prevent commission of offence
27 Every one is justified in using as much force as is reasonably necessary
(a) to prevent the commission of an offence
(i) for which, if it were committed, the person who committed it might be arrested without warrant, and
(ii) that would be likely to cause immediate and serious injury to the person or property of anyone; or
(b) to prevent anything being done that, on reasonable grounds, he believes would, if it were done, be an offence mentioned in paragraph (a).
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 27
Marginal note:Use of force on board an aircraft
27.1 (1) Every person on an aircraft in flight is justified in using as much force as is reasonably necessary to prevent the commission of an offence against this Act or another Act of Parliament that the person believes on reasonable grounds, if it were committed, would be likely to cause immediate and serious injury to the aircraft or to any person or property therein.
Marginal note:Application of this section
(2) This section applies in respect of any aircraft in flight in Canadian airspace and in respect of any aircraft registered in Canada in accordance with the regulations made under the Aeronautics Act in flight outside Canadian airspace.
- 2004, c. 12, s. 2
Marginal note:Arrest of wrong person
28 (1) Where a person who is authorized to execute a warrant to arrest believes, in good faith and on reasonable grounds, that the person whom he arrests is the person named in the warrant, he is protected from criminal responsibility in respect thereof to the same extent as if that person were the person named in the warrant.
Marginal note:Person assisting
(2) Where a person is authorized to execute a warrant to arrest,
(a) every one who, being called on to assist him, believes that the person in whose arrest he is called on to assist is the person named in the warrant, and
(b) every keeper of a prison who is required to receive and detain a person who he believes has been arrested under the warrant,
is protected from criminal responsibility in respect thereof to the same extent as if that person were the person named in the warrant.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 28
Marginal note:Duty of person arresting
29 (1) It is the duty of every one who executes a process or warrant to have it with him, where it is feasible to do so, and to produce it when requested to do so.
Marginal note:Notice
(2) It is the duty of every one who arrests a person, whether with or without a warrant, to give notice to that person, where it is feasible to do so, of
(a) the process or warrant under which he makes the arrest; or
(b) the reason for the arrest.
Marginal note:Failure to comply
(3) Failure to comply with subsection (1) or (2) does not of itself deprive a person who executes a process or warrant, or a person who makes an arrest, or those who assist them, of protection from criminal responsibility.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 29
Marginal note:Preventing breach of peace
30 Every one who witnesses a breach of the peace is justified in interfering to prevent the continuance or renewal thereof and may detain any person who commits or is about to join in or to renew the breach of the peace, for the purpose of giving him into the custody of a peace officer, if he uses no more force than is reasonably necessary to prevent the continuance or renewal of the breach of the peace or than is reasonably proportioned to the danger to be apprehended from the continuance or renewal of the breach of the peace.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 30
Marginal note:Arrest for breach of peace
31 (1) Every peace officer who witnesses a breach of the peace and every one who lawfully assists the peace officer is justified in arresting any person whom he finds committing the breach of the peace or who, on reasonable grounds, he believes is about to join in or renew the breach of the peace.
Marginal note:Giving person in charge
(2) Every peace officer is justified in receiving into custody any person who is given into his charge as having been a party to a breach of the peace by one who has, or who on reasonable grounds the peace officer believes has, witnessed the breach of the peace.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 31
Suppression of Riots
Marginal note:Use of force to suppress riot
32 (1) Every peace officer is justified in using or in ordering the use of as much force as the peace officer believes, in good faith and on reasonable grounds,
(a) is necessary to suppress a riot; and
(b) is not excessive, having regard to the danger to be apprehended from the continuance of the riot.
Marginal note:Person bound by military law
(2) Every one who is bound by military law to obey the command of his superior officer is justified in obeying any command given by his superior officer for the suppression of a riot unless the order is manifestly unlawful.
Marginal note:Obeying order of peace officer
(3) Every one is justified in obeying an order of a peace officer to use force to suppress a riot if
(a) he acts in good faith; and
(b) the order is not manifestly unlawful.
Marginal note:Apprehension of serious mischief
(4) Every one who, in good faith and on reasonable grounds, believes that serious mischief will result from a riot before it is possible to secure the attendance of a peace officer is justified in using as much force as he believes in good faith and on reasonable grounds,
(a) is necessary to suppress the riot; and
(b) is not excessive, having regard to the danger to be apprehended from the continuance of the riot.
Marginal note:Question of law
(5) For the purposes of this section, the question whether an order is manifestly unlawful or not is a question of law.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 32
Marginal note:Duty of officers if rioters do not disperse
33 (1) Where the proclamation referred to in section 67 has been made or an offence against paragraph 68(a) or (b) has been committed, it is the duty of a peace officer and of a person who is lawfully required by him to assist, to disperse or to arrest persons who do not comply with the proclamation.
Marginal note:Protection of officers
(2) No civil or criminal proceedings lie against a peace officer or a person who is lawfully required by a peace officer to assist him in respect of any death or injury that by reason of resistance is caused as a result of the performance by the peace officer or that person of a duty that is imposed by subsection (1).
Marginal note:Section not restrictive
(3) Nothing in this section limits or affects any powers, duties or functions that are conferred or imposed by this Act with respect to the suppression of riots.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 33
Self-induced Extreme Intoxication
Marginal note:Offences of violence by negligence
33.1 (1) A person who, by reason of self-induced extreme intoxication, lacks the general intent or voluntariness ordinarily required to commit an offence referred to in subsection (3), nonetheless commits the offence if
(a) all the other elements of the offence are present; and
(b) before they were in a state of extreme intoxication, they departed markedly from the standard of care expected of a reasonable person in the circumstances with respect to the consumption of intoxicating substances.
Marginal note:Marked departure — foreseeability of risk and other circumstances
(2) For the purposes of determining whether the person departed markedly from the standard of care, the court must consider the objective foreseeability of the risk that the consumption of the intoxicating substances could cause extreme intoxication and lead the person to harm another person. The court must, in making the determination, also consider all relevant circumstances, including anything that the person did to avoid the risk.
Marginal note:Offences
(3) This section applies in respect of an offence under this Act or any other Act of Parliament that includes as an element an assault or any other interference or threat of interference by a person with the bodily integrity of another person.
Marginal note:Definition of extreme intoxication
(4) In this section, extreme intoxication means intoxication that renders a person unaware of, or incapable of consciously controlling, their behaviour.
- 1995, c. 32, s. 1
- 2022, c. 11, s. 1
Defence of Person
Marginal note:Defence — use or threat of force
34 (1) A person is not guilty of an offence if
(a) they believe on reasonable grounds that force is being used against them or another person or that a threat of force is being made against them or another person;
(b) the act that constitutes the offence is committed for the purpose of defending or protecting themselves or the other person from that use or threat of force; and
(c) the act committed is reasonable in the circumstances.
Marginal note:Factors
(2) In determining whether the act committed is reasonable in the circumstances, the court shall consider the relevant circumstances of the person, the other parties and the act, including, but not limited to, the following factors:
(a) the nature of the force or threat;
(b) the extent to which the use of force was imminent and whether there were other means available to respond to the potential use of force;
(c) the person’s role in the incident;
(d) whether any party to the incident used or threatened to use a weapon;
(e) the size, age, gender and physical capabilities of the parties to the incident;
(f) the nature, duration and history of any relationship between the parties to the incident, including any prior use or threat of force and the nature of that force or threat;
(f.1) any history of interaction or communication between the parties to the incident;
(g) the nature and proportionality of the person’s response to the use or threat of force; and
(h) whether the act committed was in response to a use or threat of force that the person knew was lawful.
Marginal note:No defence
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the force is used or threatened by another person for the purpose of doing something that they are required or authorized by law to do in the administration or enforcement of the law, unless the person who commits the act that constitutes the offence believes on reasonable grounds that the other person is acting unlawfully.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 34
- 1992, c. 1, s. 60(F)
- 2012, c. 9, s. 2
Defence of Property
Marginal note:Defence — property
35 (1) A person is not guilty of an offence if
(a) they either believe on reasonable grounds that they are in peaceable possession of property or are acting under the authority of, or lawfully assisting, a person whom they believe on reasonable grounds is in peaceable possession of property;
(b) they believe on reasonable grounds that another person
(i) is about to enter, is entering or has entered the property without being entitled by law to do so,
(ii) is about to take the property, is doing so or has just done so, or
(iii) is about to damage or destroy the property, or make it inoperative, or is doing so;
(c) the act that constitutes the offence is committed for the purpose of
(i) preventing the other person from entering the property, or removing that person from the property, or
(ii) preventing the other person from taking, damaging or destroying the property or from making it inoperative, or retaking the property from that person; and
(d) the act committed is reasonable in the circumstances.
Marginal note:No defence
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person who believes on reasonable grounds that they are, or who is believed on reasonable grounds to be, in peaceable possession of the property does not have a claim of right to it and the other person is entitled to its possession by law.
Marginal note:No defence
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the other person is doing something that they are required or authorized by law to do in the administration or enforcement of the law, unless the person who commits the act that constitutes the offence believes on reasonable grounds that the other person is acting unlawfully.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 35
- 2012, c. 9, s. 2
36 [Repealed, 2012, c. 9, s. 2]
37 [Repealed, 2012, c. 9, s. 2]
38 [Repealed, 2012, c. 9, s. 2]
39 [Repealed, 2012, c. 9, s. 2]
40 [Repealed, 2012, c. 9, s. 2]
41 [Repealed, 2012, c. 9, s. 2]
42 [Repealed, 2012, c. 9, s. 2]
Protection of Persons in Authority
Marginal note:Correction of child by force
43 Every schoolteacher, parent or person standing in the place of a parent is justified in using force by way of correction toward a pupil or child, as the case may be, who is under his care, if the force does not exceed what is reasonable under the circumstances.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 43
44 [Repealed, 2001, c. 26, s. 294]
Marginal note:Surgical operations
45 Every one is protected from criminal responsibility for performing a surgical operation on any person for the benefit of that person if
(a) the operation is performed with reasonable care and skill; and
(b) it is reasonable to perform the operation, having regard to the state of health of the person at the time the operation is performed and to all the circumstances of the case.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 45
PART IIOffences Against Public Order
Treason and other Offences against the Queen’s Authority and Person
Marginal note:High treason
46 (1) Every one commits high treason who, in Canada,
(a) kills or attempts to kill Her Majesty, or does her any bodily harm tending to death or destruction, maims or wounds her, or imprisons or restrains her;
(b) levies war against Canada or does any act preparatory thereto; or
(c) assists an enemy at war with Canada, or any armed forces against whom Canadian Forces are engaged in hostilities, whether or not a state of war exists between Canada and the country whose forces they are.
Marginal note:Treason
(2) Every one commits treason who, in Canada,
(a) uses force or violence for the purpose of overthrowing the government of Canada or a province;
(b) without lawful authority, communicates or makes available to an agent of a state other than Canada, military or scientific information or any sketch, plan, model, article, note or document of a military or scientific character that he knows or ought to know may be used by that state for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or defence of Canada;
(c) conspires with any person to commit high treason or to do anything mentioned in paragraph (a);
(d) forms an intention to do anything that is high treason or that is mentioned in paragraph (a) and manifests that intention by an overt act; or
(e) conspires with any person to do anything mentioned in paragraph (b) or forms an intention to do anything mentioned in paragraph (b) and manifests that intention by an overt act.
Marginal note:Canadian citizen
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) or (2), a Canadian citizen or a person who owes allegiance to Her Majesty in right of Canada,
(a) commits high treason if, while in or out of Canada, he does anything mentioned in subsection (1); or
(b) commits treason if, while in or out of Canada, he does anything mentioned in subsection (2).
Marginal note:Overt act
(4) Where it is treason to conspire with any person, the act of conspiring is an overt act of treason.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 46
- 1974-75-76, c. 105, s. 2
Marginal note:Punishment for high treason
47 (1) Every one who commits high treason is guilty of an indictable offence and shall be sentenced to imprisonment for life.
Marginal note:Punishment for treason
(2) Every one who commits treason is guilty of an indictable offence and liable
(a) to be sentenced to imprisonment for life if he is guilty of an offence under paragraph 46(2)(a), (c) or (d);
(b) to be sentenced to imprisonment for life if he is guilty of an offence under paragraph 46(2)(b) or (e) committed while a state of war exists between Canada and another country; or
(c) to be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years if he is guilty of an offence under paragraph 46(2)(b) or (e) committed while no state of war exists between Canada and another country.
Marginal note:Corroboration
(3) No person shall be convicted of high treason or treason on the evidence of only one witness, unless the evidence of that witness is corroborated in a material particular by evidence that implicates the accused.
Marginal note:Minimum punishment
(4) For the purposes of Part XXIII, the sentence of imprisonment for life prescribed by subsection (1) is a minimum punishment.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 47
- 1974-75-76, c. 105, s. 2
Marginal note:Limitation
48 (1) No proceedings for an offence of treason as defined by paragraph 46(2)(a) shall be commenced more than three years after the time when the offence is alleged to have been committed.
Marginal note:Information for treasonable words
(2) No proceedings shall be commenced under section 47 in respect of an overt act of treason expressed or declared by open and considered speech unless
(a) an information setting out the overt act and the words by which it was expressed or declared is laid under oath before a justice within six days after the time when the words are alleged to have been spoken; and
(b) a warrant for the arrest of the accused is issued within ten days after the time when the information is laid.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 48
- 1974-75-76, c. 105, s. 29
Prohibited Acts
49 [Repealed, 2018, c. 29, s. 1]
Marginal note:Assisting alien enemy to leave Canada, or omitting to prevent treason
50 (1) Every one commits an offence who
(a) incites or wilfully assists a subject of
(i) a state that is at war with Canada, or
(ii) a state against whose forces Canadian Forces are engaged in hostilities, whether or not a state of war exists between Canada and the state whose forces they are,
to leave Canada without the consent of the Crown, unless the accused establishes that assistance to the state referred to in subparagraph (i) or the forces of the state referred to in subparagraph (ii), as the case may be, was not intended thereby; or
(b) knowing that a person is about to commit high treason or treason does not, with all reasonable dispatch, inform a justice of the peace or other peace officer thereof or make other reasonable efforts to prevent that person from committing high treason or treason.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every one who commits an offence under subsection (1) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 50
- 1974-75-76, c. 105, s. 29
Marginal note:Intimidating Parliament or legislature
51 Every one who does an act of violence in order to intimidate Parliament or the legislature of a province is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 51
Marginal note:Sabotage
52 (1) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who does a prohibited act for a purpose prejudicial to
(a) the safety, security or defence of Canada, or
(b) the safety or security of the naval, army or air forces of any state other than Canada that are lawfully present in Canada.
Definition of prohibited act
(2) In this section, prohibited act means an act or omission that
(a) impairs the efficiency or impedes the working of any vessel, vehicle, aircraft, machinery, apparatus or other thing; or
(b) causes property, by whomever it may be owned, to be lost, damaged or destroyed.
Marginal note:Saving
(3) No person does a prohibited act within the meaning of this section by reason only that
(a) he stops work as a result of the failure of his employer and himself to agree on any matter relating to his employment;
(b) he stops work as a result of the failure of his employer and a bargaining agent acting on his behalf to agree on any matter relating to his employment; or
(c) he stops work as a result of his taking part in a combination of workmen or employees for their own reasonable protection as workmen or employees.
Marginal note:Idem
(4) No person does a prohibited act within the meaning of this section by reason only that he attends at or near or approaches a dwelling-house or place for the purpose only of obtaining or communicating information.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 52
- 2019, c. 25, s. 6
Marginal note:Inciting to mutiny
53 Every one who
(a) attempts, for a traitorous or mutinous purpose, to seduce a member of the Canadian Forces from his duty and allegiance to Her Majesty, or
(b) attempts to incite or to induce a member of the Canadian Forces to commit a traitorous or mutinous act,
is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 53
Marginal note:Assisting deserter
54 Every one who aids, assists, harbours or conceals a person who he knows is a deserter or absentee without leave from the Canadian Forces is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction, but no proceedings shall be instituted under this section without the consent of the Attorney General of Canada.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 54
Marginal note:Evidence of overt acts
55 In proceedings for an offence against any provision in section 47 or sections 50 to 53, evidence of an overt act is not admissible unless that overt act is set out in the indictment or unless the evidence is otherwise relevant as tending to prove an overt act that is set out in the indictment.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 55
- 2018, c. 29, s. 2
Marginal note:Offences in relation to members of R.C.M.P.
56 Every one who wilfully
(a) persuades or counsels a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to desert or absent himself without leave,
(b) aids, assists, harbours or conceals a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who he knows is a deserter or absentee without leave, or
(c) aids or assists a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to desert or absent himself without leave, knowing that the member is about to desert or absent himself without leave,
is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 56
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 8
Official Documents
Marginal note:Identity documents
56.1 (1) Every person commits an offence who, without lawful excuse, procures to be made, possesses, transfers, sells or offers for sale an identity document that relates or purports to relate, in whole or in part, to another person.
Marginal note:For greater certainty
(2) For greater certainty, subsection (1) does not prohibit an act that is carried out
(a) in good faith, in the ordinary course of the person’s business or employment or in the exercise of the duties of their office;
(b) for genealogical purposes;
(c) with the consent of the person to whom the identity document relates or of a person authorized to consent on behalf of the person to whom the document relates, or of the entity that issued the identity document; or
(d) for a legitimate purpose related to the administration of justice.
Definition of identity document
(3) For the purposes of this section, identity document means a Social Insurance Number card, a driver’s licence, a health insurance card, a birth certificate, a death certificate, a passport as defined in subsection 57(5), a document that simplifies the process of entry into Canada, a certificate of citizenship, a document indicating immigration status in Canada, a certificate of Indian status or an employee identity card that bears the employee’s photograph and signature, or any similar document, issued or purported to be issued by a department or agency of the federal government or of a provincial or foreign government.
Marginal note:Punishment
(4) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- 2009, c. 28, s. 1
Marginal note:Forgery of or uttering forged passport
57 (1) Every one who, while in or out of Canada,
(a) forges a passport, or
(b) knowing that a passport is forged
(i) uses, deals with or acts on it, or
(ii) causes or attempts to cause any person to use, deal with or act on it, as if the passport were genuine,
is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
Marginal note:False statement in relation to passport
(2) Every one who, while in or out of Canada, for the purpose of procuring a passport for himself or any other person or for the purpose of procuring any material alteration or addition to any such passport, makes a written or an oral statement that he knows is false or misleading
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Possession of forged, etc., passport
(3) Every person who, without lawful excuse, has in their possession a forged passport or a passport in respect of which an offence under subsection (2) has been committed is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Special provisions applicable
(4) For the purposes of proceedings under this section,
(a) the place where a passport was forged is not material; and
(b) the definition false document in section 321, and section 366, apply with such modifications as the circumstances require.
Marginal note:Definition of passport
(5) In this section, passport has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Canadian Passport Order.
Marginal note:Jurisdiction
(6) Where a person is alleged to have committed, while out of Canada, an offence under this section, proceedings in respect of that offence may, whether or not that person is in Canada, be commenced in any territorial division in Canada and the accused may be tried and punished in respect of that offence in the same manner as if the offence had been committed in that territorial division.
Marginal note:Appearance of accused at trial
(7) For greater certainty, the provisions of this Act relating to
(a) requirements that an accused appear at and be present during proceedings, and
(b) the exceptions to those requirements,
apply to proceedings commenced in any territorial division pursuant to subsection (6).
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 57
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 9
- 1992, c. 1, s. 60(F)
- 1994, c. 44, s. 4
- 1995, c. 5, s. 25
- 2013, c. 40, s. 174
- 2018, c. 29, s. 3
- 2019, c. 25, s. 7
Marginal note:Fraudulent use of certificate of citizenship
58 (1) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who, while in or outside Canada,
(a) uses a certificate of citizenship or a certificate of naturalization for a fraudulent purpose, or
(b) being a person to whom a certificate of citizenship or a certificate of naturalization has been granted, knowingly parts with the possession of that certificate with intent that it should be used for a fraudulent purpose.
Definition of certificate of citizenship and certificate of naturalization
(2) In this section, certificate of citizenship and certificate of naturalization, respectively, mean a certificate of citizenship and a certificate of naturalization as defined by the Citizenship Act.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 58
- 2019, c. 25, s. 8
Sedition
Marginal note:Seditious words
59 (1) Seditious words are words that express a seditious intention.
Marginal note:Seditious libel
(2) A seditious libel is a libel that expresses a seditious intention.
Marginal note:Seditious conspiracy
(3) A seditious conspiracy is an agreement between two or more persons to carry out a seditious intention.
Marginal note:Seditious intention
(4) Without limiting the generality of the meaning of the expression seditious intention, every one shall be presumed to have a seditious intention who
(a) teaches or advocates, or
(b) publishes or circulates any writing that advocates,
the use, without the authority of law, of force as a means of accomplishing a governmental change within Canada.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 60
Marginal note:Exception
60 Notwithstanding subsection 59(4), no person shall be deemed to have a seditious intention by reason only that he intends, in good faith,
(a) to show that Her Majesty has been misled or mistaken in her measures;
(b) to point out errors or defects in
(i) the government or constitution of Canada or a province,
(ii) Parliament or the legislature of a province, or
(iii) the administration of justice in Canada;
(c) to procure, by lawful means, the alteration of any matter of government in Canada; or
(d) to point out, for the purpose of removal, matters that produce or tend to produce feelings of hostility and ill-will between different classes of persons in Canada.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 61
Marginal note:Punishment of seditious offences
61 Every one who
(a) speaks seditious words,
(b) publishes a seditious libel, or
(c) is a party to a seditious conspiracy,
is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 62
Marginal note:Offences in relation to military forces
62 (1) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who intentionally
(a) interferes with, impairs or influences the loyalty or discipline of a member of a force,
(b) publishes, edits, issues, circulates or distributes a writing that advises, counsels or urges insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny or refusal of duty by a member of a force, or
(c) advises, counsels, urges or in any manner causes insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny or refusal of duty by a member of a force.
Definition of member of a force
(2) In this section, member of a force means a member of
(a) the Canadian Forces; or
(b) the naval, army or air forces of a state other than Canada that are lawfully present in Canada.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 62
- 2019, c. 25, s. 9
Unlawful Assemblies and Riots
Marginal note:Unlawful assembly
63 (1) An unlawful assembly is an assembly of three or more persons who, with intent to carry out any common purpose, assemble in such a manner or so conduct themselves when they are assembled as to cause persons in the neighbourhood of the assembly to fear, on reasonable grounds, that they
(a) will disturb the peace tumultuously; or
(b) will by that assembly needlessly and without reasonable cause provoke other persons to disturb the peace tumultuously.
Marginal note:Lawful assembly becoming unlawful
(2) Persons who are lawfully assembled may become an unlawful assembly if they conduct themselves with a common purpose in a manner that would have made the assembly unlawful if they had assembled in that manner for that purpose.
Marginal note:Exception
(3) Persons are not unlawfully assembled by reason only that they are assembled to protect the dwelling-house of any one of them against persons who are threatening to break and enter it for the purpose of committing an indictable offence therein.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 64
Marginal note:Riot
64 A riot is an unlawful assembly that has begun to disturb the peace tumultuously.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 65
Marginal note:Punishment of rioter
65 (1) Every person who takes part in a riot is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Concealment of identity
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) while wearing a mask or other disguise to conceal their identity without lawful excuse is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 65
- 2013, c. 15, s. 2
- 2019, c. 25, s. 10
Marginal note:Punishment for unlawful assembly
66 (1) Every one who is a member of an unlawful assembly is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Concealment of identity
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) while wearing a mask or other disguise to conceal their identity without lawful excuse is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 66
- 2013, c. 15, s. 3
Marginal note:Reading proclamation
67 A person who is
(a) a justice, mayor or sheriff, or the lawful deputy of a mayor or sheriff,
(b) a warden or deputy warden of a prison, or
(c) the institutional head of a penitentiary, as those expressions are defined in subsection 2(1) of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, or that person’s deputy,
who receives notice that, at any place within the jurisdiction of the person, twelve or more persons are unlawfully and riotously assembled together shall go to that place and, after approaching as near as is safe, if the person is satisfied that a riot is in progress, shall command silence and thereupon make or cause to be made in a loud voice a proclamation in the following words or to the like effect:
Her Majesty the Queen charges and commands all persons being assembled immediately to disperse and peaceably to depart to their habitations or to their lawful business on the pain of being guilty of an offence for which, on conviction, they may be sentenced to imprisonment for life. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 67
- 1994, c. 44, s. 5
Marginal note:Offences related to proclamation
68 Every one is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life who
(a) opposes, hinders or assaults, wilfully and with force, a person who begins to make or is about to begin to make or is making the proclamation referred to in section 67 so that it is not made;
(b) does not peaceably disperse and depart from a place where the proclamation referred to in section 67 is made within thirty minutes after it is made; or
(c) does not depart from a place within thirty minutes when he has reasonable grounds to believe that the proclamation referred to in section 67 would have been made in that place if some person had not opposed, hindered or assaulted, wilfully and with force, a person who would have made it.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 69
Marginal note:Neglect by peace officer
69 A peace officer who receives notice that there is a riot within their jurisdiction and, without reasonable excuse, fails to take all reasonable steps to suppress the riot is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 69
- 2019, c. 25, s. 11
Unlawful Drilling
Marginal note:Orders by Governor in Council
70 (1) The Governor in Council may, by proclamation, make orders
(a) to prohibit assemblies, without lawful authority, of persons for the purpose
(i) of training or drilling themselves,
(ii) of being trained or drilled to the use of arms, or
(iii) of practising military exercises; or
(b) to prohibit persons when assembled for any purpose from training or drilling themselves or from being trained or drilled.
Marginal note:General or special order
(2) An order that is made under subsection (1) may be general or may be made applicable to particular places, districts or assemblies to be specified in the order.
Marginal note:Punishment
(3) Every person who contravenes an order made under this section is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 70
- 1992, c. 1, s. 60(F)
- 2019, c. 25, s. 12
Duels
71 [Repealed, 2018, c. 29, s. 4]
Forcible Entry and Detainer
Marginal note:Forcible entry
72 (1) A person commits forcible entry when that person enters real property that is in the actual and peaceable possession of another in a manner that is likely to cause a breach of the peace or reasonable apprehension of a breach of the peace.
Marginal note:Matters not material
(1.1) For the purposes of subsection (1), it is immaterial whether or not a person is entitled to enter the real property or whether or not that person has any intention of taking possession of the real property.
Marginal note:Forcible detainer
(2) A person commits forcible detainer when, being in actual possession of real property without colour of right, he detains it in a manner that is likely to cause a breach of the peace or reasonable apprehension of a breach of the peace, against a person who is entitled by law to possession of it.
Marginal note:Questions of law
(3) The questions whether a person is in actual and peaceable possession or is in actual possession without colour of right are questions of law.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 72
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 10
- 1992, c. 1, s. 60(F)
Marginal note:Punishment
73 Every person who commits forcible entry or forcible detainer is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 73
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 11
- 1992, c. 1, s. 58
- 2019, c. 25, s. 13
Piracy
Marginal note:Piracy by law of nations
74 (1) Every one commits piracy who does any act that, by the law of nations, is piracy.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every one who commits piracy while in or out of Canada is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 75
- 1974-75-76, c. 105, s. 3
Marginal note:Piratical acts
75 Every one who, while in or out of Canada,
(a) steals a Canadian ship,
(b) steals or without lawful authority throws overboard, damages or destroys anything that is part of the cargo, supplies or fittings in a Canadian ship,
(c) does or attempts to do a mutinous act on a Canadian ship, or
(d) counsels a person to do anything mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c),
is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 75
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 7
Offences against Air or Maritime Safety
Marginal note:Hijacking
76 Every one who, unlawfully, by force or threat thereof, or by any other form of intimidation, seizes or exercises control of an aircraft with intent
(a) to cause any person on board the aircraft to be confined or imprisoned against his will,
(b) to cause any person on board the aircraft to be transported against his will to any place other than the next scheduled place of landing of the aircraft,
(c) to hold any person on board the aircraft for ransom or to service against his will, or
(d) to cause the aircraft to deviate in a material respect from its flight plan,
is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
- 1972, c. 13, s. 6
Marginal note:Endangering safety of aircraft or airport
77 Every one who
(a) on board an aircraft in flight, commits an act of violence against a person that is likely to endanger the safety of the aircraft,
(b) using a weapon, commits an act of violence against a person at an airport serving international civil aviation that causes or is likely to cause serious injury or death and that endangers or is likely to endanger safety at the airport,
(c) causes damage to an aircraft in service that renders the aircraft incapable of flight or that is likely to endanger the safety of the aircraft in flight,
(d) places or causes to be placed on board an aircraft in service anything that is likely to cause damage to the aircraft, that will render it incapable of flight or that is likely to endanger the safety of the aircraft in flight,
(e) causes damage to or interferes with the operation of any air navigation facility where the damage or interference is likely to endanger the safety of an aircraft in flight,
(f) using a weapon, substance or device, destroys or causes serious damage to the facilities of an airport serving international civil aviation or to any aircraft not in service located there, or causes disruption of services of the airport, that endangers or is likely to endanger safety at the airport, or
(g) endangers the safety of an aircraft in flight by communicating to any other person any information that the person knows to be false,
is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 77
- 1993, c. 7, s. 3
Marginal note:Offensive weapons and explosive substances
78 (1) Every one, other than a peace officer engaged in the execution of his duty, who takes on board a civil aircraft an offensive weapon or any explosive substance
(a) without the consent of the owner or operator of the aircraft or of a person duly authorized by either of them to consent thereto, or
(b) with the consent referred to in paragraph (a) but without complying with all terms and conditions on which the consent was given,
is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
Definition of civil aircraft
(2) For the purposes of this section, civil aircraft means all aircraft other than aircraft operated by the Canadian Forces, a police force in Canada or persons engaged in the administration or enforcement of the Customs Act, the Excise Act or the Excise Act, 2001.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 78
- R.S., 1985, c. 1 (2nd Supp.), s. 213
- 2002, c. 22, s. 325
Marginal note:Seizing control of ship or fixed platform
78.1 (1) Every one who seizes or exercises control over a ship or fixed platform by force or threat of force or by any other form of intimidation is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
Marginal note:Endangering safety of ship or fixed platform
(2) Every one who
(a) commits an act of violence against a person on board a ship or fixed platform,
(b) destroys or causes damage to a ship or its cargo or to a fixed platform,
(c) destroys or causes serious damage to or interferes with the operation of any maritime navigational facility, or
(d) places or causes to be placed on board a ship or fixed platform anything that is likely to cause damage to the ship or its cargo or to the fixed platform,
where that act is likely to endanger the safe navigation of a ship or the safety of a fixed platform, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
Marginal note:False communication
(3) Every one who communicates information that endangers the safe navigation of a ship, knowing the information to be false, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
Marginal note:Threats causing death or injury
(4) Every one who threatens to commit an offence under paragraph (2)(a), (b) or (c) in order to compel a person to do or refrain from doing any act, where the threat is likely to endanger the safe navigation of a ship or the safety of a fixed platform, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
Marginal note:Definitions
(5) In this section,
- fixed platform
fixed platform means an artificial island or a marine installation or structure that is permanently attached to the seabed for the purpose of exploration or exploitation of resources or for other economic purposes; (plate-forme fixe)
- ship
ship means every description of vessel not permanently attached to the seabed, other than a warship, a ship being used as a naval auxiliary or for customs or police purposes or a ship that has been withdrawn from navigation or is laid up. (navire)
- 1993, c. 7, s. 4
Dangerous Materials and Devices
Marginal note:Duty of care re explosive
79 Every one who has an explosive substance in his possession or under his care or control is under a legal duty to use reasonable care to prevent bodily harm or death to persons or damage to property by that explosive substance.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 77
Marginal note:Breach of duty
80 Every one who, being under a legal duty within the meaning of section 79, fails without lawful excuse to perform that duty, is guilty of an indictable offence and, if as a result an explosion of an explosive substance occurs that
(a) causes death or is likely to cause death to any person, is liable to imprisonment for life; or
(b) causes bodily harm or damage to property or is likely to cause bodily harm or damage to property, is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 78
Marginal note:Using explosives
81 (1) Every one commits an offence who
(a) does anything with intent to cause an explosion of an explosive substance that is likely to cause serious bodily harm or death to persons or is likely to cause serious damage to property;
(b) with intent to do bodily harm to any person
(i) causes an explosive substance to explode,
(ii) sends or delivers to a person or causes a person to take or receive an explosive substance or any other dangerous substance or thing, or
(iii) places or throws anywhere or at or on a person a corrosive fluid, explosive substance or any other dangerous substance or thing;
(c) with intent to destroy or damage property without lawful excuse, places or throws an explosive substance anywhere; or
(d) makes or has in his possession or has under his care or control any explosive substance with intent thereby
(i) to endanger life or to cause serious damage to property, or
(ii) to enable another person to endanger life or to cause serious damage to property.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every one who commits an offence under subsection (1) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable
(a) for an offence under paragraph (1)(a) or (b), to imprisonment for life; or
(b) for an offence under paragraph (1)(c) or (d), to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 79
Marginal note:Possession of explosive
82 (1) Every person who, without lawful excuse, makes or has in their possession or under their care or control any explosive substance is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Possession in association with criminal organization
(2) Every person who, without lawful excuse, makes or has in their possession or under their care or control any explosive substance for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 82
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 12
- 1997, c. 23, s. 2
- 2001, c. 32, s. 3(F)
- 2018, c. 29, s. 5
- 2019, c. 25, s. 14
Marginal note:Sentences to be served consecutively
82.1 A sentence imposed on a person for an offence under subsection 82(2) shall be served consecutively to any other punishment imposed on the person for an offence arising out of the same event or series of events and to any other sentence to which the person is subject at the time the sentence is imposed on the person for an offence under subsection 82(2).
- 1997, c. 23, s. 2
Definition of device
82.2 For the purposes of sections 82.3 to 82.5, device means any of the following:
(a) a nuclear explosive device;
(b) a device that disperses radioactive material;
(c) a device that emits ionizing radiation and that is capable of causing death, serious bodily harm or substantial damage to property or the environment.
- 2013, c. 13, s. 5
Marginal note:Possession, etc., of nuclear material, radioactive material or device
82.3 Everyone who, with intent to cause death, serious bodily harm or substantial damage to property or the environment, makes a device or possesses, uses, transfers, exports, imports, alters or disposes of nuclear material, radioactive material or a device or commits an act against a nuclear facility or an act that causes serious interference with or serious disruption of its operations, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
- 2013, c. 13, s. 5
Marginal note:Use or alteration of nuclear material, radioactive material or device
82.4 Everyone who, with intent to compel a person, government or international organization to do or refrain from doing any act, uses or alters nuclear material, radioactive material or a device or commits an act against a nuclear facility or an act that causes serious interference with or serious disruption of its operations, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
- 2013, c. 13, s. 5
Marginal note:Commission of indictable offence to obtain nuclear material, etc.
82.5 Everyone who commits an indictable offence under this or any other Act of Parliament, with intent to obtain nuclear material, radioactive material or a device or to obtain access to a nuclear facility, is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for life.
- 2013, c. 13, s. 5
Marginal note:Threats
82.6 Everyone who threatens to commit an offence under any of sections 82.3 to 82.5 is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.
- 2013, c. 13, s. 5
Marginal note:Armed forces
82.7 For greater certainty, sections 82.3 to 82.6 do not apply to an act that is committed during an armed conflict and that, at the time and in the place of its commission, is in accordance with customary international law or conventional international law applicable to the conflict, or to activities undertaken by military forces of a state in the exercise of their official duties, to the extent that those activities are governed by other rules of international law.
- 2013, c. 13, s. 5
Prize Fights
Marginal note:Engaging in prize fight
83 (1) Every one who
(a) engages as a principal in a prize fight,
(b) advises, encourages or promotes a prize fight, or
(c) is present at a prize fight as an aid, second, surgeon, umpire, backer or reporter,
is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Definition of prize fight
(2) In this section, prize fight means an encounter or fight with fists, hands or feet between two persons who have met for that purpose by previous arrangement made by or for them, but does not include
(a) a contest between amateur athletes in a combative sport with fists, hands or feet held in a province if the sport is on the programme of the International Olympic Committee or the International Paralympic Committee and, in the case where the province’s lieutenant governor in council or any other person or body specified by him or her requires it, the contest is held with their permission;
(b) a contest between amateur athletes in a combative sport with fists, hands or feet held in a province if the sport has been designated by the province’s lieutenant governor in council or by any other person or body specified by him or her and, in the case where the lieutenant governor in council or other specified person or body requires it, the contest is held with their permission;
(c) a contest between amateur athletes in a combative sport with fists, hands or feet held in a province with the permission of the province’s lieutenant governor in council or any other person or body specified by him or her; and
(d) a boxing contest or mixed martial arts contest held in a province with the permission or under the authority of an athletic board, commission or similar body established by or under the authority of the province’s legislature for the control of sport within the province.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 83
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 186
- 2013, c. 19, s. 1
PART II.1Terrorism
Interpretation
Marginal note:Definitions
83.01 (1) The following definitions apply in this Part.
- Canadian
Canadian means a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or a body corporate incorporated and continued under the laws of Canada or a province. (Canadien)
- entity
entity means a person, group, trust, partnership or fund or an unincorporated association or organization. (entité)
- listed entity
listed entity means an entity on a list established by the Governor in Council under section 83.05. (entité inscrite)
- terrorist activity
terrorist activity means
(a) an act or omission that is committed in or outside Canada and that, if committed in Canada, is one of the following offences:
(i) the offences referred to in subsection 7(2) that implement the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft, signed at The Hague on December 16, 1970,
(ii) the offences referred to in subsection 7(2) that implement the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation, signed at Montreal on September 23, 1971,
(iii) the offences referred to in subsection 7(3) that implement the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 14, 1973,
(iv) the offences referred to in subsection 7(3.1) that implement the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 17, 1979,
(v) the offences referred to in subsection 7(2.21) that implement the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, done at Vienna and New York on March 3, 1980, as amended by the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, done at Vienna on July 8, 2005 and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, done at New York on September 14, 2005,
(vi) the offences referred to in subsection 7(2) that implement the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports Serving International Civil Aviation, supplementary to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation, signed at Montreal on February 24, 1988,
(vii) the offences referred to in subsection 7(2.1) that implement the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, done at Rome on March 10, 1988,
(viii) the offences referred to in subsection 7(2.1) or (2.2) that implement the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf, done at Rome on March 10, 1988,
(ix) the offences referred to in subsection 7(3.72) that implement the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 15, 1997, and
(x) the offences referred to in subsection 7(3.73) that implement the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 9, 1999, or
(b) an act or omission, in or outside Canada,
(i) that is committed
(A) in whole or in part for a political, religious or ideological purpose, objective or cause, and
(B) in whole or in part with the intention of intimidating the public, or a segment of the public, with regard to its security, including its economic security, or compelling a person, a government or a domestic or an international organization to do or to refrain from doing any act, whether the public or the person, government or organization is inside or outside Canada, and
(ii) that intentionally
(A) causes death or serious bodily harm to a person by the use of violence,
(B) endangers a person’s life,
(C) causes a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or any segment of the public,
(D) causes substantial property damage, whether to public or private property, if causing such damage is likely to result in the conduct or harm referred to in any of clauses (A) to (C), or
(E) causes serious interference with or serious disruption of an essential service, facility or system, whether public or private, other than as a result of advocacy, protest, dissent or stoppage of work that is not intended to result in the conduct or harm referred to in any of clauses (A) to (C),
and includes a conspiracy, attempt or threat to commit any such act or omission, or being an accessory after the fact or counselling in relation to any such act or omission, but, for greater certainty, does not include an act or omission that is committed during an armed conflict and that, at the time and in the place of its commission, is in accordance with customary international law or conventional international law applicable to the conflict, or the activities undertaken by military forces of a state in the exercise of their official duties, to the extent that those activities are governed by other rules of international law. (activité terroriste)
- terrorist group
terrorist group means
(a) an entity that has as one of its purposes or activities facilitating or carrying out any terrorist activity, or
(b) a listed entity,
and includes an association of such entities. (groupe terroriste)
Marginal note:For greater certainty
(1.1) For greater certainty, the expression of a political, religious or ideological thought, belief or opinion does not come within paragraph (b) of the definition terrorist activity in subsection (1) unless it constitutes an act or omission that satisfies the criteria of that paragraph.
Marginal note:For greater certainty
(1.2) For greater certainty, a suicide bombing is an act that comes within paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition terrorist activity in subsection (1) if it satisfies the criteria of that paragraph.
Marginal note:Facilitation
(2) For the purposes of this Part, facilitation shall be construed in accordance with subsection 83.19(2).
- 2001, c. 41, ss. 4, 126
- 2010, c. 19, s. 1
- 2013, c. 13, s. 6
Financing of Terrorism
Marginal note:Providing or collecting property for certain activities
83.02 Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years who, directly or indirectly, wilfully and without lawful justification or excuse, provides or collects property intending that it be used or knowing that it will be used, in whole or in part, in order to carry out
(a) an act or omission that constitutes an offence referred to in subparagraphs (a)(i) to (ix) of the definition of terrorist activity in subsection 83.01(1), or
(b) any other act or omission intended to cause death or serious bodily harm to a civilian or to any other person not taking an active part in the hostilities in a situation of armed conflict, if the purpose of that act or omission, by its nature or context, is to intimidate the public, or to compel a government or an international organization to do or refrain from doing any act.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2019, c. 25, s. 15(E)
Marginal note:Providing, making available, etc., property or services for terrorist purposes
83.03 (1) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years who, directly or indirectly, wilfully and without lawful justification or excuse, collects property or provides, invites a person to provide or makes available property or financial or other related services, intending that they be used, or knowing that they will be used, in whole or in part, for the purpose of facilitating or carrying out any terrorist activity, or for the purpose of benefiting any person who is facilitating or carrying out such an activity.
Marginal note:Providing, making available, etc., property or services — use by terrorist group
(2) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years who, directly or indirectly, wilfully and without lawful justification or excuse, collects property or provides, invites a person to provide or makes available property or financial or other related services, knowing that, in whole or part, they will be used by or will benefit a terrorist group.
Marginal note:Exception — authorization
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a person who carries out any of the acts referred to in that subsection under and in accordance with an authorization granted under section 83.032.
Marginal note:Exception — humanitarian assistance activities
(4) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a person who carries out any of the acts referred to in those subsections for the sole purpose of carrying out humanitarian assistance activities conducted under the auspices of impartial humanitarian organizations in accordance with international law while using reasonable efforts to minimize any benefit to terrorist groups.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2019, c. 25, s. 16(E)
- 2023, c. 14, s. 1
Marginal note:Definition of Public Safety Minister
83.031 (1) In sections 83.032 to 83.0392, Public Safety Minister means the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
Marginal note:Designation
(2) Any Minister referred to in any of sections 83.032 to 83.0392 may designate a person to exercise a power, or perform a duty or function, conferred on that Minister under those sections.
Marginal note:Authorization
83.032 (1) On application, the Public Safety Minister may authorize an eligible person to carry out, in a specified geographic area that is controlled by a terrorist group, a specified activity that would otherwise be prohibited under subsection 83.03(2) — or a specified class of such activities — for any specified purpose from among the following:
(a) providing or supporting the provision of health services;
(b) providing or supporting the provision of education services;
(c) providing or supporting the provision of programs to assist individuals in earning a livelihood;
(d) providing or supporting the provision of programs to promote or protect human rights;
(e) providing or supporting the provision of services related to immigration, including services related to the resettlement of individuals and the safe passage of individuals from one geographic area to another; and
(f) supporting any operations of a federal minister or a department or agency of the Government of Canada that are conducted for a purpose other than one set out in any of paragraphs (a) to (e).
Marginal note:Control
(2) For the purposes of this section, a terrorist group controls a geographic area if the group exerts sufficient influence over the area such that the carrying out, in the area, of an activity involving property or financial or other related services could reasonably be expected to result in the terrorist group using or benefiting from the property or services, in whole or in part.
Marginal note:Minister’s obligation — information
(2.1) The Public Safety Minister must, at the request of an eligible person or an organization, provide to that person or organization information in writing about whether an authorization is required to carry out an activity or a class of activities in a given geographic area.
Marginal note:Limitation
(3) The Public Safety Minister must not, under subsection (1), authorize the making by a federal minister or a department or agency of the Government of Canada of a grant or contribution that is for the purpose of supporting any operations referred to in paragraph (1)(f).
Marginal note:Eligible persons
(4) A person is eligible to be granted an authorization if they are in Canada or are a Canadian outside Canada.
Marginal note:Referral
(5) The Public Safety Minister may consider an application only if it has been referred to them by
(a) the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, if the application is in respect of only the purpose set out in paragraph (1)(e);
(b) the Minister of Foreign Affairs, if the application is not in respect of the purpose set out in paragraph (1)(e); or
(c) both of those Ministers, if the application is in respect of two or more purposes set out in subsection (1), at least one of which is the purpose set out in paragraph (1)(e).
Marginal note:Conditions of referral
(6) The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration or both of those Ministers, as the case may be, may refer an application if they are satisfied that
(a) the application meets any requirements set out in the regulations;
(b) the geographic area identified in the application is controlled by a terrorist group;
(c) the activity proposed in the application is to be carried out for any of the purposes set out in paragraphs (1)(a) to (f);
(d) that activity responds to a real and important need in that geographic area; and
(e) the applicant is capable of administering funds, and reporting on that administration, in a manner that is transparent and accountable, in circumstances in which a terrorist group may use or benefit from property or financial or other related services.
Marginal note:Deemed withdrawal
(7) An application may be deemed to be withdrawn by the Minister or Ministers who may refer it if the applicant has, within 60 days after the day on which the request is made, failed to comply with a request to provide information that ought to have been included in the application.
Marginal note:Assessment
(8) The Minister who refers an application must, as part of the referral, set out their assessment of how the application meets the conditions set out in paragraphs (6)(a) to (e).
Marginal note:Conditions for grant
(9) The Public Safety Minister may grant the authorization under subsection (1) if they are satisfied that
(a) there is no practical way to carry out the activity proposed in the application without creating a risk that, in whole or in part, a terrorist group will use or benefit from the property or financial or related services at issue; and
(b) the benefits of carrying out of that activity outweigh that risk, taking into account
(i) the referral of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration or both of those Ministers, as the case may be,
(ii) the security review conducted by the Public Safety Minister under subsection (10),
(iii) any mitigation measures to minimize that risk, and any other terms and conditions, that may be included in the authorization, and
(iv) any other factor that the Public Safety Minister considers appropriate in the circumstances.
Marginal note:Security review
(10) In conducting a security review, the Public Safety Minister must assess the impact of granting the authorization on the financing of terrorism, and in doing so may consider, among other factors,
(a) whether the applicant or any person who is to be involved in carrying out the activity proposed in the application has any links to a terrorist group;
(b) the likelihood that the applicant or any person who is to be involved in carrying out that activity will be acting for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group in carrying out the activity; and
(c) whether the applicant or any person who is to be involved in carrying out that activity is being or has been investigated for having committed a terrorism offence or has ever been charged with a terrorism offence.
Marginal note:Additional information
(11) The Public Safety Minister may request that the applicant provide any additional information in respect of the application in the form and manner, and within the period, that are specified by that Minister. If the applicant fails, without reasonable excuse, to provide the information within the specified period, that Minister may deem the application to be withdrawn.
Marginal note:Terms and conditions
(12) The Public Safety Minister may make the authorization subject to any terms and conditions that, in their opinion, are required.
Marginal note:Third party involvement
(13) An authorization applies not only to the person to whom it is granted but also to any other person involved, directly or indirectly, in carrying out a specified activity in accordance with the authorization.
Marginal note:Period of validity
(14) An authorization is valid for the period of not more than five years that is specified in the authorization.
Marginal note:Decisions of the United Nations Security Council
(15) In the case of an activity proposed in an application in the course of which property or financial or other related services will be used by or will benefit a listed entity that is subject to a sanctions regime established by the Security Council of the United Nations, the Public Safety Minister may authorize the carrying out of that activity only if the Minister of Foreign Affairs confirms that
(a) the Security Council did not intend that the activity be prohibited;
(b) the Security Council or a Committee established by the Security Council has approved the activity in advance; or
(c) in the opinion of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, there is no obstacle in international law to granting the authorization.
Marginal note:Statutory Instruments Act
(16) The Statutory Instruments Act does not apply to an authorization.
Marginal note:Notice of refusal
83.033 (1) The Public Safety Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, as the case may be, must give notice of a decision to refuse an application made under section 83.032 to the applicant within a reasonable time.
Marginal note:Waiting period — new application
(2) An applicant whose application is refused is not permitted to make a new application in respect of the same activity until the end of the 30th day after the day on which the notice is given, unless the Minister who gave the notice is satisfied that there has been a material change of circumstances.
Marginal note:Consideration of new application without referral
(3) If the Public Safety Minister gave the notice and is satisfied as described in subsection (2), that Minister may consider the new application without it having been referred under subsection 83.032(5). In that case, that Minister may take into account the referral of the previous application for the purposes of subparagraph 83.032(9)(b)(i).
Marginal note:Additional security reviews
83.034 At any time during the period of validity of an authorization granted under section 83.032 or renewed under section 83.035, the Public Safety Minister may conduct additional security reviews under subsection 83.032(10) in respect of any person to whom the authorization applies. For the purpose of those reviews, that Minister may request that the person to whom the authorization is granted provide any additional information in the form and manner, and within the period, that are specified by that Minister, but the request must relate only to the authorization or its renewal.
Marginal note:Renewal of authorization
83.035 (1) The Public Safety Minister may renew an authorization granted under section 83.032 for successive periods of not more than five years each on application, for each renewal, made within any period set out in the regulations and before the authorization expires.
Marginal note:Exception
(2) Despite subsection (1), if an application for renewal is made after the authorization expires, the Public Safety Minister may renew the authorization if, in that Minister’s opinion, there are exceptional circumstances that justify why the application for renewal was not made before it expired.
Marginal note:Amendment to authorization
83.036 (1) The Public Safety Minister may amend an authorization granted under section 83.032 or renewed under section 83.035, including any terms and conditions included in it.
Marginal note:Exception
(2) Despite subsection (1), the Public Safety Minister is not permitted to amend an authorization if the amendment would be so significant as to change the essential nature of the authorization, including if the amendment would replace a purpose set out in subsection 83.032(1) and specified in the authorization or add another such purpose.
Marginal note:Supporting information
(3) The person to whom the authorization is granted must provide to the Public Safety Minister any information specified by that Minister in support of the amendment.
Marginal note:Authorization — suspension and revocation
83.037 The Public Safety Minister may, at any time after granting an authorization under section 83.032, suspend or revoke it or restrict its scope if
(a) a person to whom the authorization applies fails to comply with the authorization, including any terms and conditions included in it;
(b) the person to whom the authorization is granted fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with any reporting requirements or to provide any information requested under section 83.034; or
(c) the Public Safety Minister is no longer satisfied that the condition set out in paragraph 83.032(9)(b) is met.
Marginal note:Assistance to Public Safety Minister
83.038 (1) The following entities may assist the Public Safety Minister in the administration and enforcement of sections 83.031 to 83.0392, including by collecting information from and disclosing information to that Minister and each other:
(a) the Canadian Security Intelligence Service;
(b) the Royal Canadian Mounted Police;
(c) the Communications Security Establishment;
(d) the Department of National Defence;
(e) the Canadian Armed Forces;
(f) the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development;
(g) the Canada Revenue Agency;
(h) the Canada Border Services Agency;
(i) the Department of Citizenship and Immigration; and
(j) any other entity prescribed by regulation.
Marginal note:Use of information
(2) Any information collected or disclosed under subsection (1) must only be used for the administration and enforcement of sections 83.031 to 83.0392.
Marginal note:Compliance with subsection (2)
(3) The Public Safety Minister must take reasonable steps to ensure that any entity assisting that Minister under subsection (1) complies with subsection (2).
Marginal note:Judicial review
83.039 (1) The rules set out in subsection (2) apply to judicial review proceedings in respect of decisions made by the Public Safety Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration under sections 83.032 to 83.038.
Marginal note:Rules
(2) The following rules apply for the purposes of subsection (1):
(a) at any time during the proceeding, the judge must, on the request of the relevant Minister, hear submissions on evidence or other information in the absence of the public and of the applicant and their counsel if, in the judge’s opinion, the disclosure of the evidence or other information could be injurious to international relations, national defence or national security or could endanger the safety of any person;
(a.1) the judge may allow an amicus curiae who is appointed in respect of the proceeding to participate in a hearing under paragraph (a) and to review the evidence or other information that is the subject of the hearing;
(b) the judge must ensure the confidentiality of the evidence and other information provided by the relevant Minister if, in the judge’s opinion, its disclosure would be injurious to international relations, national defence or national security or would endanger the safety of any person;
(c) the judge must ensure that the applicant is provided with a summary of the evidence and other information available to the judge that enables the applicant to be reasonably informed of the reasons for the relevant Minister’s decision but that does not include anything that, in the judge’s opinion, would be injurious to international relations, national defence or national security or would endanger the safety of any person if disclosed;
(d) the judge must provide the applicant and the relevant Minister with an opportunity to be heard;
(e) the judge may base their decision on evidence or other information available to them even if a summary of that evidence or other information has not been provided to the applicant;
(f) if the judge determines that evidence or other information provided by the relevant Minister is not relevant or if the relevant Minister withdraws the evidence or other information, the judge must not base their decision on that evidence or other information and must return it to the relevant Minister; and
(g) the judge must ensure the confidentiality of all evidence and other information that the relevant Minister withdraws.
Marginal note:Protection of information on an appeal
(3) Subsection (2) applies to any appeal of a decision made by a judge in relation to the judicial review proceedings referred to in subsection (1) and to any further appeal, with any necessary modifications.
Marginal note:Definition of judge
(4) In this section, judge means the Chief Justice of the Federal Court or a judge of that Court designated by the Chief Justice.
Marginal note:Regulations
83.0391 The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Public Safety Minister, make regulations
(a) respecting applications for authorization referred to in subsection 83.032(1);
(a.1) respecting requests and the provision of information under subsection 83.032(2.1);
(b) respecting the granting, renewal, amendment, suspension, revocation or restriction of the scope of authorizations by the Public Safety Minister for the purposes of sections 83.032 and 83.035 to 83.037;
(c) respecting reporting by the person to whom an authorization is granted under section 83.032 for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the authorization and with any terms and conditions included in it under subsection 83.032(12); and
(d) prescribing any other entity for the purpose of paragraph 83.038(1)(j).
Marginal note:Annual report
83.0392 (1) The Public Safety Minister must prepare and cause to be laid before each House of Parliament, within 90 days after the first day of January of every year, a report on the operation of sections 83.031 to 83.0391 for the previous calendar year.
Marginal note:Number of applications for authorizations
(1.1) The report under subsection (1) must set out the number of applications for authorizations made, approved or refused in the previous calendar year.
Marginal note:Redactions
(1.2) If the report under subsection (1) contains any redactions, the Public Safety Minister must forward the unredacted report to the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians as well as the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency.
Marginal note:Comprehensive review and report
(2) A comprehensive review of sections 83.031 to 83.0391 and their operation must be conducted by the Public Safety Minister no later than the first anniversary of the day on which this section comes into force. The Public Safety Minister must cause a report to be laid before each House of Parliament within 180 days after that first anniversary and every five years thereafter.
Marginal note:Plan to remedy deficiencies
(3) If the report identifies any deficiencies in sections 83.031 to 83.0391 or their operation, the report must include a plan to remedy those deficiencies — including any proposed legislative amendments — and a timeline for its implementation.
Marginal note:Using or possessing property for terrorist purposes
83.04 Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years who
(a) uses property, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, for the purpose of facilitating or carrying out a terrorist activity, or
(b) possesses property intending that it be used or knowing that it will be used, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, for the purpose of facilitating or carrying out a terrorist activity.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2019, c. 25, s. 17(E)
List of Entities
Marginal note:Establishment of list
83.05 (1) The Governor in Council may, by regulation, establish a list on which the Governor in Council may place any entity if, on the recommendation of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Governor in Council is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that
(a) the entity has knowingly carried out, attempted to carry out, participated in or facilitated a terrorist activity; or
(b) the entity has knowingly acted on behalf of, at the direction of or in association with an entity referred to in paragraph (a).
Marginal note:Recommendation
(1.1) The Minister may make a recommendation referred to in subsection (1) only if he or she has reasonable grounds to believe that the entity to which the recommendation relates is an entity referred to in paragraph (1)(a) or (b).
Marginal note:Amendment to name of listed entity
(1.2) The Minister may, by regulation,
(a) change the name of a listed entity, or add to the list any other name by which a listed entity may also be or have been known, if the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the listed entity is using a name that is not on the list; and
(b) delete from the list any other name by which a listed entity may also have been known, if the entity is no longer using that name.
Marginal note:Application to Minister
(2) On application in writing by a listed entity to be removed from the list, the Minister shall decide whether the applicant should remain a listed entity or whether the Minister should recommend to the Governor in Council that the applicant be removed from the list, taking into account the grounds set out in subsection (1).
Marginal note:Deeming
(3) If the Minister does not make a decision on the application referred to in subsection (2) within 90 days after receipt of the application, or within any longer period that may be agreed to in writing by the Minister and the applicant, the Minister is deemed to have decided that the applicant should remain a listed entity.
Marginal note:Notice of the decision to the applicant
(4) The Minister shall give notice without delay to the applicant of any decision taken or deemed to have been taken respecting the application referred to in subsection (2).
Marginal note:Judicial review
(5) Within 60 days after the receipt of the notice of the decision referred to in subsection (4), the applicant may apply to a judge for judicial review of the decision.
Marginal note:Reference
(6) When an application is made under subsection (5), the judge shall, without delay
(a) examine, in private, any security or criminal intelligence reports considered in the making of the decision on whether the applicant should remain a listed entity and hear any other evidence or information that may be presented by or on behalf of the Minister and may, at his or her request, hear all or part of that evidence or information in the absence of the applicant and any counsel representing the applicant, if the judge is of the opinion that the disclosure of the information would injure national security or endanger the safety of any person;
(b) provide the applicant with a statement summarizing the information available to the judge so as to enable the applicant to be reasonably informed of the reasons for the decision, without disclosing any information the disclosure of which would, in the judge’s opinion, injure national security or endanger the safety of any person;
(c) provide the applicant with a reasonable opportunity to be heard; and
(d) determine whether the decision is reasonable on the basis of the information available to the judge and, if found not to be reasonable, order that the applicant no longer be a listed entity.
Marginal note:Evidence
(6.1) The judge may receive into evidence anything that, in the opinion of the judge, is reliable and appropriate, even if it would not otherwise be admissible under Canadian law, and may base his or her decision on that evidence.
Marginal note:Publication
(7) The Minister shall cause to be published, without delay, in the Canada Gazette notice of a final order of a court that the applicant no longer be a listed entity.
Marginal note:New application
(8) A listed entity may not make another application under subsection (2) except if, since the time when the entity made its last application,
(a) there has been a material change in its circumstances; or
(b) the Minister has completed a review under subsection (8.1) with respect to that entity.
Marginal note:Review — listed entity
(8.1) The Minister shall review whether there are still reasonable grounds, as set out in subsection (1), for an entity to be a listed entity and make a recommendation to the Governor in Council as to whether the entity should remain a listed entity
(a) within five years after
(i) the day on which this subsection comes into force, if the entity is a listed entity on that day, or
(ii) the day on which the entity is added to the list, if the entity is added to the list after the day on which this subsection comes into force; and
(b) subsequently, within five years after the most recent recommendation made under this subsection with respect to the entity.
Marginal note:Validity
(9) Reviews undertaken under subsection (8.1) do not affect the validity of the list.
Marginal note:Publication
(10) The Minister shall cause notice of the results of every review of a listed entity undertaken under subsection (8.1) to be published in the Canada Gazette within five years after the review is completed.
Definition of judge
(11) In this section, judge means the Chief Justice of the Federal Court or a judge of that Court designated by the Chief Justice.
- 2001, c. 41, ss. 4, 143
- 2005, c. 10, ss. 18, 34
- 2019, c. 13, s. 141
Marginal note:Admission of foreign information obtained in confidence
83.06 (1) For the purposes of subsection 83.05(6), in private and in the absence of the applicant or any counsel representing it,
(a) the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness may make an application to the judge for the admission of information obtained in confidence from a government, an institution or an agency of a foreign state, from an international organization of states or from an institution or an agency of an international organization of states; and
(b) the judge shall examine the information and provide counsel representing the Minister with a reasonable opportunity to be heard as to whether the information is relevant but should not be disclosed to the applicant or any counsel representing it because the disclosure would injure national security or endanger the safety of any person.
Marginal note:Return of information
(2) The information shall be returned to counsel representing the Minister and shall not be considered by the judge in making the determination under paragraph 83.05(6)(d), if
(a) the judge determines that the information is not relevant;
(b) the judge determines that the information is relevant but should be summarized in the statement to be provided under paragraph 83.05(6)(b); or
(c) the Minister withdraws the application.
Marginal note:Use of information
(3) If the judge decides that the information is relevant but that its disclosure would injure national security or endanger the safety of persons, the information shall not be disclosed in the statement mentioned in paragraph 83.05(6)(b), but the judge may base the determination under paragraph 83.05(6)(d) on it.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2005, c. 10, s. 19
Marginal note:Mistaken identity
83.07 (1) An entity whose name is the same as or similar to a name, appearing on the list, of a listed entity and who claims not to be that listed entity may apply in writing to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness for a certificate stating that it is not that listed entity.
Marginal note:Issuance of certificate
(2) The Minister shall, within 30 days after receiving the application, issue a certificate if he or she is satisfied that the applicant is not that listed entity.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2005, c. 10, s. 20
- 2019, c. 13, s. 142
Freezing of Property
Marginal note:Freezing of property
83.08 (1) No person in Canada and no Canadian outside Canada shall knowingly
(a) deal directly or indirectly in any property that is owned or controlled by or on behalf of a terrorist group;
(b) enter into or facilitate, directly or indirectly, any transaction in respect of property referred to in paragraph (a); or
(c) provide any financial or other related services in respect of property referred to in paragraph (a) to, for the benefit of or at the direction of a terrorist group.
Marginal note:No civil liability
(2) A person who acts reasonably in taking, or omitting to take, measures to comply with subsection (1) shall not be liable in any civil action arising from having taken or omitted to take the measures, if they took all reasonable steps to satisfy themselves that the relevant property was owned or controlled by or on behalf of a terrorist group.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2013, c. 9, s. 3
Marginal note:Exemptions
83.09 (1) The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, or a person designated by him or her, may authorize any person in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada to carry out a specified activity or transaction that is prohibited by section 83.08, or a class of such activities or transactions.
Marginal note:Ministerial authorization
(2) The Minister, or a person designated by him or her, may make the authorization subject to any terms and conditions that are required in their opinion and may amend, suspend, revoke or reinstate it.
Marginal note:Existing equities maintained
(3) All secured and unsecured rights and interests in the frozen property that are held by persons, other than terrorist groups or their agents, are entitled to the same ranking that they would have been entitled to had the property not been frozen.
Marginal note:Third party involvement
(4) If a person has obtained an authorization under subsection (1), any other person involved in carrying out the activity or transaction, or class of activities or transactions, to which the authorization relates is not subject to sections 83.08, 83.1 and 83.11 if the terms or conditions of the authorization that are imposed under subsection (2), if any, are met.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2005, c. 10, s. 21
Marginal note:Disclosure
83.1 (1) Every person in Canada and every Canadian outside Canada shall disclose without delay to the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or to the Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service
(a) the existence of property in their possession or control that they know is owned or controlled by or on behalf of a terrorist group; and
(b) information about a transaction or proposed transaction in respect of property referred to in paragraph (a).
Marginal note:Immunity
(2) No criminal or civil proceedings lie against a person for disclosure made in good faith under subsection (1).
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2013, c. 9, s. 4
Marginal note:Audit
83.11 (1) The following entities must determine on a continuing basis whether they are in possession or control of property owned or controlled by or on behalf of a listed entity:
(a) authorized foreign banks within the meaning of section 2 of the Bank Act in respect of their business in Canada, or banks to which that Act applies;
(b) cooperative credit societies, savings and credit unions and caisses populaires regulated by a provincial Act and associations regulated by the Cooperative Credit Associations Act;
(c) foreign companies within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Insurance Companies Act in respect of their insurance business in Canada;
(c.1) companies, provincial companies and societies within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Insurance Companies Act;
(c.2) fraternal benefit societies regulated by a provincial Act in respect of their insurance activities, and insurance companies and other entities engaged in the business of insuring risks that are regulated by a provincial Act;
(d) companies to which the Trust and Loan Companies Act applies;
(e) trust companies regulated by a provincial Act;
(f) loan companies regulated by a provincial Act; and
(g) entities authorized under provincial legislation to engage in the business of dealing in securities, or to provide portfolio management or investment counselling services.
Marginal note:Monthly report
(2) Subject to the regulations, every entity referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) to (g) must report, within the period specified by regulation or, if no period is specified, monthly, to the principal agency or body that supervises or regulates it under federal or provincial law either
(a) that it is not in possession or control of any property referred to in subsection (1), or
(b) that it is in possession or control of such property, in which case it must also report the number of persons, contracts or accounts involved and the total value of the property.
Marginal note:Immunity
(3) No criminal or civil proceedings lie against a person for making a report in good faith under subsection (2).
Marginal note:Regulations
(4) The Governor in Council may make regulations
(a) excluding any entity or class of entities from the requirement to make a report referred to in subsection (2), and specifying the conditions of exclusion; and
(b) specifying a period for the purposes of subsection (2).
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
Marginal note:Offences — freezing of property, disclosure or audit
83.12 (1) Every person who contravenes any of sections 83.08, 83.1 and 83.11 is guilty of an offence and liable
(a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years; or
(b) on summary conviction, to a fine of not more than $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day, or to both.
(2) [Repealed, 2013, c. 9, s. 5]
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2013, c. 9, s. 5
- 2019, c. 25, s. 18
Seizure and Restraint of Property
Marginal note:Seizure and restraint of assets
83.13 (1) Where a judge of the Federal Court, on an ex parte application by the Attorney General, after examining the application in private, is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there is in any building, receptacle or place any property in respect of which an order of forfeiture may be made under subsection 83.14(5), the judge may issue
(a) if the property is situated in Canada, a warrant authorizing a person named therein or a peace officer to search the building, receptacle or place for that property and to seize that property and any other property in respect of which that person or peace officer believes, on reasonable grounds, that an order of forfeiture may be made under that subsection; or
(b) if the property is situated in or outside Canada, a restraint order prohibiting any person from disposing of, or otherwise dealing with any interest in, that property other than as may be specified in the order.
Marginal note:Contents of application
(1.1) An affidavit in support of an application under subsection (1) may be sworn on information and belief, and, notwithstanding the Federal Court Rules, 1998, no adverse inference shall be drawn from a failure to provide evidence of persons having personal knowledge of material facts.
Marginal note:Appointment of manager
(2) On an application under subsection (1), at the request of the Attorney General, if a judge is of the opinion that the circumstances so require, the judge may
(a) appoint a person to take control of, and to manage or otherwise deal with, all or part of the property in accordance with the directions of the judge; and
(b) require any person having possession of that property to give possession of the property to the person appointed under paragraph (a).
Marginal note:Appointment of Minister of Public Works and Government Services
(3) When the Attorney General of Canada so requests, a judge appointing a person under subsection (2) shall appoint the Minister of Public Works and Government Services.
Marginal note:Power to manage
(4) The power to manage or otherwise deal with property under subsection (2) includes
(a) the power to make an interlocutory sale of perishable or rapidly depreciating property;
(b) the power to destroy, in accordance with subsections (5) to (8), property that has little or no value; and
(c) the power to have property, other than real property or a conveyance, forfeited to Her Majesty in accordance with subsection (8.1).
Marginal note:Application for destruction order
(5) Before a person who is appointed to manage property destroys property that has little or no value, they shall apply to a judge of the Federal Court for a destruction order.
Marginal note:Notice
(6) Before making a destruction order, a judge shall require notice in accordance with subsection (7) to be given to and may hear any person who, in the judge’s opinion, appears to have a valid interest in the property.
Marginal note:Manner of giving notice
(7) A notice shall
(a) be given in the manner that the judge directs or that may be specified in the rules of the Federal Court; and
(b) specify the effective period of the notice that the judge considers reasonable or that may be set out in the rules of the Federal Court.
Marginal note:Destruction order
(8) A judge shall order that the property be destroyed if they are satisfied that the property has little or no financial or other value.
Marginal note:Forfeiture order
(8.1) On application by a person who is appointed to manage the property, a judge of the Federal Court shall order that the property, other than real property or a conveyance, be forfeited to Her Majesty to be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the law if
(a) a notice is given or published in the manner that the judge directs or that may be specified in the rules of the Federal Court;
(b) the notice specifies a period of 60 days during which a person may make an application to the judge asserting their interest in the property; and
(c) during that period, no one makes such an application.
Marginal note:When management order ceases to have effect
(9) A management order ceases to have effect when the property that is the subject of the management order is returned in accordance with the law, destroyed or forfeited to Her Majesty.
Marginal note:For greater certainty
(9.1) For greater certainty, if property that is the subject of a management order is sold, the management order applies to the net proceeds of the sale.
Marginal note:Application to vary
(10) The Attorney General may at any time apply to a judge of the Federal Court to cancel or vary an order or warrant made under this section, other than an appointment made under subsection (3).
Marginal note:Procedure
(11) Subsections 462.32(4) and (6), sections 462.34 to 462.35 and 462.4, subsection 487(3) and section 488 apply, with any modifications that the circumstances require, to a warrant issued under paragraph (1)(a). Any peace officer who executes the warrant must have authority to act as a peace officer in the place where it is executed.
Marginal note:Procedure
(12) Subsections 462.33(4) and (6) to (11) and sections 462.34 to 462.35 and 462.4 apply, with such modifications as the circumstances require, to an order issued under paragraph (1)(b).
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2017, c. 7, s. 54
- 2019, c. 25, s. 19
Forfeiture of Property
Marginal note:Application for order of forfeiture
83.14 (1) The Attorney General may make an application to a judge of the Federal Court for an order of forfeiture in respect of
(a) property owned or controlled by or on behalf of a terrorist group; or
(b) property that has been or will be used, in whole or in part, to facilitate or carry out a terrorist activity.
Marginal note:Contents of application
(2) An affidavit in support of an application by the Attorney General under subsection (1) may be sworn on information and belief, and, notwithstanding the Federal Court Rules, 1998, no adverse inference shall be drawn from a failure to provide evidence of persons having personal knowledge of material facts.
Marginal note:Respondents
(3) The Attorney General is required to name as a respondent to an application under subsection (1) only those persons who are known to own or control the property that is the subject of the application.
Marginal note:Notice
(4) The Attorney General shall give notice of an application under subsection (1) to named respondents in such a manner as the judge directs or as provided in the rules of the Federal Court.
Marginal note:Granting of forfeiture order
(5) If a judge is satisfied on a balance of probabilities that property is property referred to in paragraph (1)(a) or (b), the judge shall order that the property be forfeited to Her Majesty to be disposed of as the Attorney General directs or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the law.
Marginal note:Use of proceeds
(5.1) Any proceeds that arise from the disposal of property under subsection (5) may be used to compensate victims of terrorist activities and to fund anti-terrorist initiatives in accordance with any regulations made by the Governor in Council under subsection (5.2).
Marginal note:Regulations
(5.2) The Governor in Council may make regulations for the purposes of specifying how the proceeds referred to in subsection (5.1) are to be distributed.
Marginal note:Order refusing forfeiture
(6) Where a judge refuses an application under subsection (1) in respect of any property, the judge shall make an order that describes the property and declares that it is not property referred to in that subsection.
Marginal note:Notice
(7) On an application under subsection (1), a judge may require notice to be given to any person who, in the opinion of the Court, appears to have an interest in the property, and any such person shall be entitled to be added as a respondent to the application.
Marginal note:Third party interests
(8) If a judge is satisfied that a person referred to in subsection (7) has an interest in property that is subject to an application, has exercised reasonable care to ensure that the property would not be used to facilitate or carry out a terrorist activity, and is not a member of a terrorist group, the judge shall order that the interest is not affected by the forfeiture. Such an order shall declare the nature and extent of the interest in question.
Marginal note:Dwelling-house
(9) Where all or part of property that is the subject of an application under subsection (1) is a dwelling-house, the judge shall also consider
(a) the impact of an order of forfeiture on any member of the immediate family of the person who owns or controls the dwelling-house, if the dwelling-house was the member’s principal residence at the time the dwelling-house was ordered restrained or at the time the forfeiture application was made and continues to be the member’s principal residence; and
(b) whether the member appears innocent of any complicity or collusion in the terrorist activity.
Marginal note:Motion to vary or set aside
(10) A person who claims an interest in property that was forfeited and who did not receive notice under subsection (7) may bring a motion to the Federal Court to vary or set aside an order made under subsection (5) not later than 60 days after the day on which the forfeiture order was made.
Marginal note:No extension of time
(11) The Court may not extend the period set out in subsection (10).
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2017, c. 7, s. 55(F)
Marginal note:Disposition of property
83.15 Subsection 462.42(6) and sections 462.43 and 462.46 apply, with such modifications as the circumstances require, to property subject to a warrant or restraint order issued under subsection 83.13(1) or ordered forfeited under subsection 83.14(5).
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
Marginal note:Interim preservation rights
83.16 (1) Pending any appeal of an order made under section 83.14, property restrained under an order issued under section 83.13 shall continue to be restrained, property seized under a warrant issued under that section shall continue to be detained, and any person appointed to manage, control or otherwise deal with that property under that section shall continue in that capacity.
Marginal note:Appeal of refusal to grant order
(2) Section 462.34 applies, with such modifications as the circumstances require, to an appeal taken in respect of a refusal to grant an order under subsection 83.14(5).
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
Marginal note:Other forfeiture provisions unaffected
83.17 (1) This Part does not affect the operation of any other provision of this or any other Act of Parliament respecting the forfeiture of property.
Marginal note:Priority for restitution to victims of crime
(2) Property is subject to forfeiture under subsection 83.14(5) only to the extent that it is not required to satisfy the operation of any other provision of this or any other Act of Parliament respecting restitution to, or compensation of, persons affected by the commission of offences.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
Participating, Facilitating, Instructing and Harbouring
Marginal note:Participation in activity of terrorist group
83.18 (1) Every person who knowingly participates in or contributes to, directly or indirectly, any activity of a terrorist group for the purpose of enhancing the ability of any terrorist group to facilitate or carry out a terrorist activity is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years.
Marginal note:Prosecution
(2) An offence may be committed under subsection (1) whether or not
(a) a terrorist group actually facilitates or carries out a terrorist activity;
(b) the participation or contribution of the accused actually enhances the ability of a terrorist group to facilitate or carry out a terrorist activity; or
(c) the accused knows the specific nature of any terrorist activity that may be facilitated or carried out by a terrorist group.
Marginal note:Meaning of participating or contributing
(3) Participating in or contributing to an activity of a terrorist group includes
(a) providing, receiving or recruiting a person to receive training;
(b) providing or offering to provide a skill or an expertise for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group;
(c) recruiting a person in order to facilitate or commit
(i) a terrorism offence, or
(ii) an act or omission outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would be a terrorism offence;
(d) entering or remaining in any country for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group; and
(e) making oneself, in response to instructions from any of the persons who constitute a terrorist group, available to facilitate or commit
(i) a terrorism offence, or
(ii) an act or omission outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would be a terrorism offence.
Marginal note:Factors
(4) In determining whether an accused participates in or contributes to any activity of a terrorist group, the court may consider, among other factors, whether the accused
(a) uses a name, word, symbol or other representation that identifies, or is associated with, the terrorist group;
(b) frequently associates with any of the persons who constitute the terrorist group;
(c) receives any benefit from the terrorist group; or
(d) repeatedly engages in activities at the instruction of any of the persons who constitute the terrorist group.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2019, c. 25, s. 20
Marginal note:Leaving Canada to participate in activity of terrorist group
83.181 Every person who leaves or attempts to leave Canada, or goes or attempts to go on board a conveyance with the intent to leave Canada, for the purpose of committing an act or omission outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would be an offence under subsection 83.18(1) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years.
- 2013, c. 9, s. 6
- 2019, c. 25, s. 21
Marginal note:Facilitating terrorist activity
83.19 (1) Every one who knowingly facilitates a terrorist activity is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
Marginal note:Facilitation
(2) For the purposes of this Part, a terrorist activity is facilitated whether or not
(a) the facilitator knows that a particular terrorist activity is facilitated;
(b) any particular terrorist activity was foreseen or planned at the time it was facilitated; or
(c) any terrorist activity was actually carried out.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
Marginal note:Leaving Canada to facilitate terrorist activity
83.191 Everyone who leaves or attempts to leave Canada, or goes or attempts to go on board a conveyance with the intent to leave Canada, for the purpose of committing an act or omission outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would be an offence under subsection 83.19(1) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.
- 2013, c. 9, s. 7
Marginal note:Commission of offence for terrorist group
83.2 Every one who commits an indictable offence under this or any other Act of Parliament for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
Marginal note:Leaving Canada to commit offence for terrorist group
83.201 Everyone who leaves or attempts to leave Canada, or goes or attempts to go on board a conveyance with the intent to leave Canada, for the purpose of committing an act or omission outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would be an indictable offence under this or any other Act of Parliament for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.
- 2013, c. 9, s. 8
Marginal note:Leaving Canada to commit offence that is terrorist activity
83.202 Everyone who leaves or attempts to leave Canada, or goes or attempts to go on board a conveyance with the intent to leave Canada, for the purpose of committing an act or omission outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would be an indictable offence under this or any other Act of Parliament if the act or omission constituting the offence also constitutes a terrorist activity is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.
- 2013, c. 9, s. 8
Marginal note:Instructing to carry out activity for terrorist group
83.21 (1) Every person who knowingly instructs, directly or indirectly, any person to carry out any activity for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group, for the purpose of enhancing the ability of any terrorist group to facilitate or carry out a terrorist activity, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
Marginal note:Prosecution
(2) An offence may be committed under subsection (1) whether or not
(a) the activity that the accused instructs to be carried out is actually carried out;
(b) the accused instructs a particular person to carry out the activity referred to in paragraph (a);
(c) the accused knows the identity of the person whom the accused instructs to carry out the activity referred to in paragraph (a);
(d) the person whom the accused instructs to carry out the activity referred to in paragraph (a) knows that it is to be carried out for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group;
(e) a terrorist group actually facilitates or carries out a terrorist activity;
(f) the activity referred to in paragraph (a) actually enhances the ability of a terrorist group to facilitate or carry out a terrorist activity; or
(g) the accused knows the specific nature of any terrorist activity that may be facilitated or carried out by a terrorist group.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
Marginal note:Instructing to carry out terrorist activity
83.22 (1) Every person who knowingly instructs, directly or indirectly, any person to carry out a terrorist activity is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
Marginal note:Prosecution
(2) An offence may be committed under subsection (1) whether or not
(a) the terrorist activity is actually carried out;
(b) the accused instructs a particular person to carry out the terrorist activity;
(c) the accused knows the identity of the person whom the accused instructs to carry out the terrorist activity; or
(d) the person whom the accused instructs to carry out the terrorist activity knows that it is a terrorist activity.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
Marginal note:Counselling commission of terrorism offence
83.221 (1) Every person who counsels another person to commit a terrorism offence without identifying a specific terrorism offence is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years.
Marginal note:Application
(2) An offence may be committed under subsection (1) whether or not a terrorism offence is committed by the person who is counselled.
- 2015, c. 20, s. 16
- 2019, c. 13, s. 143
Marginal note:Warrant of seizure
83.222 (1) A judge who is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds to believe that any publication, copies of which are kept for sale or distribution in premises within the court’s jurisdiction, is terrorist propaganda may issue a warrant authorizing seizure of the copies.
Marginal note:Summons to occupier
(2) Within seven days after the day on which the warrant is issued, the judge shall issue a summons to the premises’ occupier requiring the occupier to appear before the court and to show cause why the matter seized should not be forfeited to Her Majesty.
Marginal note:Owner and author may appear
(3) The owner and the author of the matter seized and alleged to be terrorist propaganda may appear and be represented before the court in order to oppose the making of an order for the forfeiture of the matter.
Marginal note:Order of forfeiture
(4) If the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that the publication is terrorist propaganda, it may make an order declaring that the matter be forfeited to Her Majesty, for disposal as the Attorney General may direct.
Marginal note:Disposal of matter
(5) If the court is not satisfied that the publication is terrorist propaganda, it may order that the matter be restored to the person from whom it was seized without delay after the time for final appeal has expired.
Marginal note:Appeal
(6) An appeal lies from an order made under subsection (4) or (5) by any person who appeared before the court, on any ground of appeal that involves a question of law or fact alone, or a question of mixed law and fact, as if it were an appeal against conviction or against a judgment or verdict of acquittal, as the case may be, on a question of law alone under Part XXI, and sections 673 to 696 apply with any modifications that the circumstances require.
Marginal note:Consent
(7) No proceeding under this section shall be instituted without the Attorney General’s consent.
Marginal note:Definitions
(8) The following definitions apply in this section.
- court
court has the same meaning as in subsection 320(8). (tribunal)
- judge
judge has the same meaning as in subsection 320(8). (juge)
- terrorist propaganda
terrorist propaganda means any writing, sign, visible representation or audio recording that counsels the commission of a terrorism offence. (propagande terroriste)
- 2015, c. 20, s. 16
- 2019, c. 13, s. 144
Marginal note:Order to computer system’s custodian
83.223 (1) If a judge is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there is material — that is terrorist propaganda or computer data that makes terrorist propaganda available — stored on and made available to the public through a computer system that is within the court’s jurisdiction, the judge may order the computer system’s custodian to
(a) give an electronic copy of the material to the court;
(b) ensure that the material is no longer stored on and made available through the computer system; and
(c) provide the information that is necessary to identify and locate the person who posted the material.
Marginal note:Notice to person who posted material
(2) Within a reasonable time after receiving the information referred to in paragraph (1)(c), the judge shall cause notice to be given to the person who posted the material, giving that person the opportunity to appear and be represented before the court and to show cause why the material should not be deleted. If the person cannot be identified or located or does not reside in Canada, the judge may order the computer system’s custodian to post the text of the notice at the location where the material was previously stored and made available, until the time set for the appearance.
Marginal note:Person who posted material may appear
(3) The person who posted the material may appear and be represented before the court in order to oppose the making of an order under subsection (5).
Marginal note:Non-appearance
(4) If the person who posted the material does not appear before the court, the court may proceed to hear and determine the proceedings in the absence of the person as fully and effectually as if the person had appeared.
Marginal note:Order of deletion
(5) If the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that the material is available to the public and is terrorist propaganda or computer data that makes terrorist propaganda available, it may order the computer system’s custodian to delete the material.
Marginal note:Destruction of electronic copy
(6) When the court makes the order for the deletion of the material, it may order the destruction of the electronic copy in the court’s possession.
Marginal note:Return of material
(7) If the court is not satisfied that the material is available to the public and is terrorist propaganda or computer data that makes terrorist propaganda available, the court shall order that the electronic copy be returned to the computer system’s custodian and terminate the order under paragraph (1)(b).
Marginal note:Appeal
(8) An appeal lies from an order made under subsection (5) or (6) by any person who appeared before the court, on any ground of appeal that involves a question of law or fact alone, or a question of mixed law and fact, as if it were an appeal against conviction or against a judgment or verdict of acquittal, as the case may be, on a question of law alone under Part XXI, and sections 673 to 696 apply with any modifications that the circumstances require.
Marginal note:Consent
(9) No proceeding under this section shall be instituted without the Attorney General’s consent.
Marginal note:When order takes effect
(10) No order made under any of subsections (5) to (7) takes effect until the time for final appeal has expired.
Marginal note:Definitions
(11) The following definitions apply in this section.
- computer data
computer data has the same meaning as in subsection 342.1(2). (données informatiques)
- computer system
computer system has the same meaning as in subsection 342.1(2). (ordinateur)
- court
court has the same meaning as in subsection 320(8). (tribunal)
- data
data[Repealed, 2015, c. 20, s. 35]
- judge
judge has the same meaning as in subsection 320(8). (juge)
- terrorist propaganda
terrorist propaganda has the same meaning as in subsection 83.222(8). (propagande terroriste)
- 2015, c. 20, ss. 16, 35
Marginal note:Concealing person who carried out terrorist activity
83.23 (1) Every person who knowingly harbours or conceals another person whom they know to be a person who has carried out a terrorist activity, for the purpose of enabling that other person to facilitate or carry out any terrorist activity, is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years, if the person who is harboured or concealed carried out a terrorist activity that is a terrorism offence for which that person is liable to imprisonment for life; and
(b) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years, if the person who is harboured or concealed carried out a terrorist activity that is a terrorism offence for which that person is liable to any other punishment.
Marginal note:Concealing person who is likely to carry out terrorist activity
(2) Every person who knowingly harbours or conceals another person whom they know to be a person who is likely to carry out a terrorist activity, for the purpose of enabling that other person to facilitate or carry out any terrorist activity, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2013, c. 9, s. 9
- 2019, c. 25, s. 22
Hoax Regarding Terrorist Activity
Marginal note:Hoax — terrorist activity
83.231 (1) Every one commits an offence who, without lawful excuse and with intent to cause any person to fear death, bodily harm, substantial damage to property or serious interference with the lawful use or operation of property,
(a) conveys or causes or procures to be conveyed information that, in all the circumstances, is likely to cause a reasonable apprehension that terrorist activity is occurring or will occur, without believing the information to be true; or
(b) commits an act that, in all the circumstances, is likely to cause a reasonable apprehension that terrorist activity is occurring or will occur, without believing that such activity is occurring or will occur.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every one who commits an offence under subsection (1) is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Causing bodily harm
(3) Every one who commits an offence under subsection (1) and thereby causes bodily harm to any other person is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Causing death
(4) Every one who commits an offence under subsection (1) and thereby causes the death of any other person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
- 2004, c. 15, s. 32
- 2019, c. 25, s. 23
Proceedings and Aggravated Punishment
Marginal note:Attorney General’s consent
83.24 Proceedings in respect of a terrorism offence or an offence under section 83.12 shall not be commenced without the consent of the Attorney General.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
Marginal note:Jurisdiction
83.25 (1) Where a person is alleged to have committed a terrorism offence or an offence under section 83.12, proceedings in respect of that offence may, whether or not that person is in Canada, be commenced at the instance of the Government of Canada and conducted by the Attorney General of Canada or counsel acting on his or her behalf in any territorial division in Canada, if the offence is alleged to have occurred outside the province in which the proceedings are commenced, whether or not proceedings have previously been commenced elsewhere in Canada.
Marginal note:Trial and punishment
(2) An accused may be tried and punished in respect of an offence referred to in subsection (1) in the same manner as if the offence had been committed in the territorial division where the proceeding is conducted.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
Marginal note:Sentences to be served consecutively
83.26 A sentence, other than one of life imprisonment, imposed on a person for an offence under any of sections 83.02 to 83.04 and 83.18 to 83.23 shall be served consecutively to
(a) any other punishment imposed on the person, other than a sentence of life imprisonment, for an offence arising out of the same event or series of events; and
(b) any other sentence, other than one of life imprisonment, to which the person is subject at the time the sentence is imposed on the person for an offence under any of those sections.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
Marginal note:Punishment for terrorist activity
83.27 (1) Notwithstanding anything in this Act, a person convicted of an indictable offence, other than an offence for which a sentence of imprisonment for life is imposed as a minimum punishment, where the act or omission constituting the offence also constitutes a terrorist activity, is liable to imprisonment for life.
Marginal note:Offender must be notified
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply unless the prosecutor satisfies the court that the offender, before making a plea, was notified that the application of that subsection would be sought.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
83.28 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 145]
83.29 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 145]
Recognizance with Conditions
Marginal note:Attorney General’s consent
83.3 (1) The Attorney General’s consent is required before a peace officer may lay an information under subsection (2).
Marginal note:Terrorist activity
(2) Subject to subsection (1), a peace officer may lay an information before a provincial court judge if the peace officer
(a) believes on reasonable grounds that a terrorist activity may be carried out; and
(b) suspects on reasonable grounds that the imposition of a recognizance with conditions on a person, or the arrest of a person, is necessary to prevent the carrying out of the terrorist activity.
Marginal note:Appearance
(3) The judge who receives the information may cause the person to appear before any provincial court judge.
Marginal note:Arrest without warrant
(4) Despite subsections (2) and (3), a peace officer may arrest a person without a warrant and cause the person to be detained in custody, in order to bring them before a provincial court judge in accordance with subsection (6), if
(a) either
(i) the grounds for laying an information referred to in paragraphs (2)(a) and (b) exist but, by reason of exigent circumstances, it would be impracticable to lay an information under subsection (2), or
(ii) an information has been laid under subsection (2) and a summons has been issued; and
(b) the peace officer suspects on reasonable grounds that the detention of the person in custody is necessary to prevent a terrorist activity.
Marginal note:Duty of peace officer
(5) If a peace officer arrests a person without a warrant in the circumstance described in subparagraph (4)(a)(i), the peace officer shall, within the time prescribed by paragraph (6)(a) or (b),
(a) lay an information in accordance with subsection (2); or
(b) release the person.
Marginal note:When person to be taken before judge
(6) Unless a peace officer is satisfied that a person should be released from custody without conditions before their appearance before a provincial court judge in accordance with the rules in paragraph (a) or (b), and so releases the person, the person detained in custody shall be taken before a provincial court judge in accordance with the following rules:
(a) if a provincial court judge is available within 24 hours after the person has been arrested, the person shall be taken before a provincial court judge without unreasonable delay and in any event within that period; and
(b) if a provincial court judge is not available within 24 hours after the person has been arrested, the person shall be taken before a provincial court judge as soon as feasible.
Marginal note:How person dealt with
(7) When a person is taken before a provincial court judge under subsection (6),
(a) if an information has not been laid under subsection (2), the judge shall order that the person be released; or
(b) if an information has been laid under subsection (2),
(i) the judge shall order that the person be released unless the peace officer who laid the information shows cause why the person’s detention in custody is justified on one or more of the following grounds:
(A) the detention is necessary to ensure the person’s appearance before a provincial court judge in order to be dealt with in accordance with subsection (8),
(B) the detention is necessary for the protection or safety of the public, including any witness, having regard to all the circumstances including
(I) the likelihood that, if the person is released from custody, a terrorist activity will be carried out, and
(II) any substantial likelihood that the person will, if released from custody, interfere with the administration of justice, and
(C) the detention is necessary to maintain confidence in the administration of justice, having regard to all the circumstances, including the apparent strength of the peace officer’s grounds under subsection (2), and the gravity of any terrorist activity that may be carried out, and
(ii) the judge may adjourn the matter for a hearing under subsection (8) but, if the person is not released under subparagraph (i), the adjournment may not exceed 48 hours.
Marginal note:Adjournment under subparagraph (7)(b)(ii)
(7.1) If a judge has adjourned the matter under subparagraph (7)(b)(ii) and the person remains in custody at the end of the period of adjournment, the person shall be taken before a provincial court judge who
(a) shall order that the person be released unless a peace officer shows cause why the person’s detention in custody is justified on one or more of the grounds set out in clauses (7)(b)(i)(A) to (C) and satisfies the judge that the investigation in relation to which the person is detained is being conducted diligently and expeditiously; and
(b) may adjourn the matter for a hearing under subsection (8) but, if the person is not released under paragraph (a), the adjournment may not exceed 48 hours.
Marginal note:Adjournment under paragraph (7.1)(b)
(7.2) If a judge has adjourned the matter under paragraph (7.1)(b) and the person remains in custody at the end of the period of adjournment, the person shall be taken before a provincial court judge who
(a) shall order that the person be released unless a peace officer shows cause why the person’s detention in custody is justified on one or more of the grounds set out in clauses (7)(b)(i)(A) to (C) and satisfies the judge that the investigation in relation to which the person is detained is being conducted diligently and expeditiously; and
(b) may adjourn the matter for a hearing under subsection (8) but, if the person is not released under paragraph (a), the adjournment may not exceed 48 hours.
Marginal note:Hearing before judge
(8) The judge before whom the person appears in accordance with subsection (3)
(a) may, if the judge is satisfied by the evidence adduced that the peace officer has reasonable grounds for the suspicion, order that the person enter into a recognizance, with or without sureties, to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for a period of not more than 12 months and to comply with any other reasonable conditions prescribed in the recognizance, including the conditions set out in subsections (10), (11.1) and (11.2), that the judge considers desirable for preventing the carrying out of a terrorist activity; and
(b) if the person was not released under subparagraph (7)(b)(i) or paragraph (7.1)(a) or (7.2)(a), shall order that the person be released, subject to the recognizance, if any, ordered under paragraph (a).
Marginal note:Duration extended
(8.1) However, if the judge is also satisfied that the person was convicted previously of a terrorism offence, the judge may order that the person enter into the recognizance for a period of not more than two years.
Marginal note:Refusal to enter into recognizance
(9) The judge may commit the person to prison for a term not exceeding 12 months if the person fails or refuses to enter into the recognizance.
Marginal note:Conditions — firearms
(10) Before making an order under paragraph (8)(a), the judge shall consider whether it is desirable, in the interests of the safety of the person or of any other person, to include as a condition of the recognizance that the person be prohibited from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, or all of those things, for any period specified in the recognizance, and if the judge decides that it is so desirable, they shall add the condition to the recognizance.
Marginal note:Surrender, etc.
(11) If the judge adds the condition described in subsection (10) to a recognizance, they shall specify in it the manner and method by which
(a) the things referred to in that subsection that are in the person’s possession shall be surrendered, disposed of, detained, stored or dealt with; and
(b) the authorizations, licences and registration certificates that are held by the person shall be surrendered.
Marginal note:Condition — passport
(11.1) The judge shall consider whether it is desirable, to prevent the carrying out of a terrorist activity, to include in the recognizance a condition that the person deposit, in the specified manner, any passport or other travel document issued in their name that is in their possession or control. If the judge decides that it is desirable, the judge shall add the condition to the recognizance and specify the period during which it applies.
Marginal note:Condition — specified geographic area
(11.2) The judge shall consider whether it is desirable, to prevent the carrying out of a terrorist activity, to include in the recognizance a condition that the person remain within a specified geographic area unless written permission to leave that area is obtained from the judge or any individual designated by the judge. If the judge decides that it is desirable, the judge shall add the condition to the recognizance and specify the period during which it applies.
Marginal note:Reasons
(12) If the judge does not add a condition described in subsection (10), (11.1) or (11.2) to a recognizance, the judge shall include in the record a statement of the reasons for not adding it.
Marginal note:Variance of conditions
(13) The judge, or any other judge of the same court, may, on application of the peace officer, the Attorney General or the person, vary the conditions fixed in the recognizance.
Marginal note:Other provisions to apply
(14) Subsections 810(4) and (5) apply, with any necessary modifications, to proceedings under this section.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2013, c. 9, s. 10
- 2015, c. 20, s. 17
- 2019, c. 13, s. 146
- 2019, c. 25, s. 24
83.31 (1) [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 147]
(1.1) [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 147]
Marginal note:Annual report (section 83.3)
(2) The Attorney General of Canada shall prepare and cause to be laid before Parliament and the Attorney General of every province shall publish or otherwise make available to the public an annual report for the previous year on the operation of section 83.3 that includes
(a) the number of consents to lay an information that were sought, and the number that were obtained, by virtue of subsections 83.3(1) and (2);
(b) the number of cases in which a summons or a warrant of arrest was issued for the purposes of subsection 83.3(3);
(c) the number of cases in which a person was not released under subsection 83.3(7), (7.1) or (7.2) pending a hearing;
(d) the number of cases in which an order to enter into a recognizance was made under paragraph 83.3(8)(a), and the types of conditions that were imposed;
(e) the number of times that a person failed or refused to enter into a recognizance, and the term of imprisonment imposed under subsection 83.3(9) in each case; and
(f) the number of cases in which the conditions fixed in a recognizance were varied under subsection 83.3(13).
Marginal note:Annual report (section 83.3)
(3) The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness shall prepare and cause to be laid before Parliament and the Minister responsible for policing in every province shall publish or otherwise make available to the public an annual report for the previous year on the operation of section 83.3 that includes
(a) the number of arrests without warrant that were made under subsection 83.3(4) and the period of the arrested person’s detention in custody in each case; and
(b) the number of cases in which a person was arrested without warrant under subsection 83.3(4) and was released
(i) by a peace officer under paragraph 83.3(5)(b), or
(ii) by a judge under paragraph 83.3(7)(a), (7.1)(a) or (7.2)(a).
Marginal note:Opinions
(3.1) The Attorney General of Canada and the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness shall include in their annual reports under subsections (2) and (3), respectively, their opinion, supported by reasons, on whether the operation of section 83.3 should be extended.
Marginal note:Limitation
(4) The annual report shall not contain any information the disclosure of which would
(a) compromise or hinder an ongoing investigation of an offence under an Act of Parliament;
(b) endanger the life or safety of any person;
(c) prejudice a legal proceeding; or
(d) otherwise be contrary to the public interest.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2005, c. 10, s. 34
- 2013, c. 9, s. 11
- 2015, c. 20, s. 18
- 2019, c. 13, s. 147
Marginal note:Sunset provision
83.32 (1) Section 83.3 ceases to have effect at the end of the fifth anniversary of the day on which the National Security Act, 2017 receives royal assent unless, before the end of that fifth anniversary, the operation of that section is extended by resolution — whose text is established under subsection (2) — passed by both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the rules set out in subsection (3).
Marginal note:Review
(1.1) A comprehensive review of section 83.3 and its operation shall be undertaken by any committee of the Senate, of the House of Commons or of both Houses of Parliament that may be designated or established by the Senate or the House of Commons, or by both Houses of Parliament, as the case may be, for that purpose.
Marginal note:Report
(1.2) The committee shall, no later than one year before the fifth anniversary referred to subsection (1), submit a report on the review to the appropriate House of Parliament, or to both Houses, as the case may be, including its recommendation with respect to extending the operation of section 83.3.
Marginal note:Order in council
(2) The Governor in Council may, by order, establish the text of a resolution that provides for the extension of the operation of section 83.3 and that specifies the period of the extension, which may not exceed five years from the first day on which the resolution has been passed by both Houses of Parliament.
Marginal note:Rules
(3) A motion for the adoption of the resolution may be debated in both Houses of Parliament but may not be amended. At the conclusion of the debate, the Speaker of the House of Parliament shall immediately put every question necessary to determine whether or not the motion is concurred in.
Marginal note:Subsequent extensions
(4) The operation of section 83.3 may be further extended in accordance with this section, but
(a) the reference to “at the end of the fifth anniversary of the day on which the National Security Act, 2017 receives royal assent unless, before the end of that fifth anniversary” in subsection (1) is to be read as a reference to “on the expiry of the most recent extension under this section unless, before that extension expires”; and
(b) the reference to “the fifth anniversary referred to subsection (1)” in subsection (1.2) is to be read as a reference to “the expiry of the most recent extension under this section”.
(5) [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 148]
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2013, c. 9, s. 12
- 2019, c. 13, s. 148
83.33 (1) [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 149]
Marginal note:Transitional provision — section 83.3
(2) In the event that section 83.3 ceases to have effect in accordance with section 83.32, a person detained in custody under section 83.3 shall be released when that section ceases to have effect, except that subsections 83.3(7) to (14) continue to apply to a person who was taken before a judge under subsection 83.3(6) before section 83.3 ceased to have effect.
- 2001, c. 41, s. 4
- 2013, c. 9, s. 13
- 2019, c. 13, s. 149
PART IIIFirearms and Other Weapons
Interpretation
Marginal note:Definitions
84 (1) In this Part,
- ammunition
ammunition means a cartridge containing a projectile designed to be discharged from a firearm and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, includes a caseless cartridge and a shot shell; (munitions)
- antique firearm
antique firearm means
(a) any firearm manufactured before 1898 that was not designed to discharge rim-fire or centre-fire ammunition and that has not been redesigned to discharge such ammunition, or
(b) any firearm that is prescribed to be an antique firearm; (arme à feu historique)
- authorization
authorization means an authorization issued under the Firearms Act; (autorisation)
- automatic firearm
automatic firearm means a firearm that is capable of, or assembled or designed and manufactured with the capability of, discharging projectiles in rapid succession during one pressure of the trigger; (arme automatique)
- cartridge magazine
cartridge magazine means a device or container from which ammunition may be fed into the firing chamber of a firearm; (chargeur)
- chief firearms officer
chief firearms officer means a chief firearms officer as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Firearms Act; (contrôleur des armes à feu)
- Commissioner of Firearms
Commissioner of Firearms means the Commissioner of Firearms appointed under section 81.1 of the Firearms Act; (commissaire aux armes à feu)
- cross-bow
cross-bow means a device with a bow and a bowstring mounted on a stock that is designed to propel an arrow, a bolt, a quarrel or any similar projectile on a trajectory guided by a barrel or groove and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person; (arbalète)
- export
export means export from Canada and, for greater certainty, includes the exportation of goods from Canada that are imported into Canada and shipped in transit through Canada; (exporter)
- firearms officer
firearms officer means a firearms officer as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Firearms Act; (préposé aux armes à feu)
- handgun
handgun means a firearm that is designed, altered or intended to be aimed and fired by the action of one hand, whether or not it has been redesigned or subsequently altered to be aimed and fired by the action of both hands; (arme de poing)
- imitation firearm
imitation firearm means any thing that imitates a firearm, and includes a replica firearm; (fausse arme à feu)
- import
import means import into Canada and, for greater certainty, includes the importation of goods into Canada that are shipped in transit through Canada and exported from Canada; (importer)
- licence
licence means a licence issued under the Firearms Act; (permis)
- non-restricted firearm
non-restricted firearm means a firearm that is neither a prohibited firearm nor a restricted firearm; (arme à feu sans restriction)
- prescribed
prescribed means prescribed by the regulations; (Version anglaise seulement)
- prohibited ammunition
prohibited ammunition means ammunition, or a projectile of any kind, that is prescribed to be prohibited ammunition; (munitions prohibées)
- prohibited device
prohibited device means
(a) any component or part of a weapon, or any accessory for use with a weapon, that is prescribed to be a prohibited device,
(b) a handgun barrel that is equal to or less than 105 mm in length, but does not include any such handgun barrel that is prescribed, where the handgun barrel is for use in international sporting competitions governed by the rules of the International Shooting Union,
(c) a device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm,
(d) a cartridge magazine that is prescribed to be a prohibited device, or
(e) a replica firearm; (dispositif prohibé)
- prohibited firearm
prohibited firearm means
(a) a handgun that
(i) has a barrel equal to or less than 105 mm in length, or
(ii) is designed or adapted to discharge a 25 or 32 calibre cartridge,
but does not include any such handgun that is prescribed, where the handgun is for use in international sporting competitions governed by the rules of the International Shooting Union,
(b) a firearm that is adapted from a rifle or shotgun, whether by sawing, cutting or any other alteration, and that, as so adapted,
(i) is less than 660 mm in length, or
(ii) is 660 mm or greater in length and has a barrel less than 457 mm in length,
(c) an automatic firearm, whether or not it has been altered to discharge only one projectile with one pressure of the trigger,
(d) any firearm that is prescribed to be a prohibited firearm, or
(e) any unlawfully manufactured firearm regardless of the means or method of manufacture;
(e) a firearm that is not a handgun and that
(i) discharges centre-fire ammunition in a semi-automatic manner,
(ii) was originally designed with a detachable cartridge magazine with a capacity of six cartridges or more, and
(iii) is designed and manufactured on or after the day on which this paragraph comes into force; (arme à feu prohibée)
- prohibited weapon
prohibited weapon means
(a) a knife that has a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife, or
(b) any weapon, other than a firearm, that is prescribed to be a prohibited weapon; (arme prohibée)
- prohibition order
prohibition order means an order made under this Act or any other Act of Parliament prohibiting a person from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, or all such things; (ordonnance d’interdiction)
- Registrar
Registrar means the Registrar of Firearms appointed under section 82 of the Firearms Act; (directeur)
- registration certificate
registration certificate means a registration certificate issued under the Firearms Act; (certificat d’enregistrement)
- replica firearm
replica firearm means any device that is designed or intended to exactly resemble, or to resemble with near precision, a firearm that is designed or adapted to discharge a shot, bullet or other projectile at a muzzle velocity exceeding 152.4 m per second and at a muzzle energy exceeding 5.7 Joules, and that itself is not a firearm, but does not include any such device that is designed or intended to exactly resemble, or to resemble with near precision, an antique firearm; (réplique)
- restricted firearm
restricted firearm means
(a) a handgun that is not a prohibited firearm,
(b) a firearm that
(i) is not a prohibited firearm,
(ii) has a barrel less than 470 mm in length, and
(iii) is capable of discharging centre-fire ammunition in a semi-automatic manner,
(c) a firearm that is designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660 mm by folding, telescoping or otherwise, or
(d) a firearm of any other kind that is prescribed to be a restricted firearm; (arme à feu à autorisation restreinte)
- restricted weapon
restricted weapon means any weapon, other than a firearm, that is prescribed to be a restricted weapon; (arme à autorisation restreinte)
- semi-automatic
semi-automatic, in respect of a firearm, means that the firearm that is equipped with a mechanism that, following the discharge of a cartridge, automatically operates to complete any part of the reloading cycle necessary to prepare for the discharge of the next cartridge; (semi-automatique)
- superior court
superior court means
(a) in Ontario, the Superior Court of Justice, sitting in the region, district or county or group of counties where the relevant adjudication was made,
(b) in Quebec, the Superior Court,
(c) in New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Court of Queen’s Bench,
(d) in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and a territory, the Supreme Court, and
(e) in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Trial Division of the Supreme Court; (cour supérieure)
- transfer
transfer means sell, provide, barter, give, lend, rent, send, transport, ship, distribute or deliver. (cession)
Marginal note:Barrel length
(2) For the purposes of this Part, the length of a barrel of a firearm is
(a) in the case of a revolver, the distance from the muzzle of the barrel to the breach end immediately in front of the cylinder, and
(b) in any other case, the distance from the muzzle of the barrel to and including the chamber,
but does not include the length of any component, part or accessory including any component, part or accessory designed or intended to suppress the muzzle flash or reduce recoil.
Marginal note:Certain weapons deemed not to be firearms
(3) For the purposes of sections 91 to 95, 99 to 101, 103 to 107 and 117.03 of this Act and the provisions of the Firearms Act, the following weapons are deemed not to be firearms:
(a) any antique firearm;
(b) any device that is
(i) designed exclusively for signalling, for notifying of distress, for firing blank cartridges or for firing stud cartridges, explosive-driven rivets or other industrial projectiles, and
(ii) intended by the person in possession of it to be used exclusively for the purpose for which it is designed;
(c) any shooting device that is
(i) designed exclusively for the slaughtering of domestic animals, the tranquillizing of animals or the discharging of projectiles with lines attached to them, and
(ii) intended by the person in possession of it to be used exclusively for the purpose for which it is designed; and
(d) any other barrelled weapon, where it is proved that the weapon is not designed or adapted to discharge
(i) a shot, bullet or other projectile at a muzzle velocity exceeding 152.4 m per second or at a muzzle energy exceeding 5.7 Joules, or
(ii) a shot, bullet or other projectile that is designed or adapted to attain a velocity exceeding 152.4 m per second or an energy exceeding 5.7 Joules.
Marginal note:Exception — antique firearms
(3.1) Notwithstanding subsection (3), an antique firearm is a firearm for the purposes of regulations made under paragraph 117(h) of the Firearms Act and subsection 86(2) of this Act.
Meaning of holder
(4) For the purposes of this Part, a person is the holder of
(a) an authorization or a licence if the authorization or licence has been issued to the person and the person continues to hold it; and
(b) a registration certificate for a firearm if
(i) the registration certificate has been issued to the person and the person continues to hold it, or
(ii) the person possesses the registration certificate with the permission of its lawful holder.
Marginal note:Subsequent offences
(5) In determining, for the purpose of subsection 99(2), 100(2) or 103(2), whether a convicted person has committed a second or subsequent offence, if the person was earlier convicted of any of the following offences, that offence is to be considered as an earlier offence:
(a) an offence under section 85, 95, 96, 98, 98.1, 99, 100, 102 or 103 or subsection 117.01(1);
(b) an offence under section 244 or 244.2; or
(c) an offence under section 220, 236, 239, 272 or 273, subsection 279(1) or section 279.1, 344 or 346 if a firearm was used in the commission of the offence.
However, an earlier offence shall not be taken into account if 10 years have elapsed between the day on which the person was convicted of the earlier offence and the day on which the person was convicted of the offence for which sentence is being imposed, not taking into account any time in custody.
Marginal note:Sequence of convictions only
(6) For the purposes of subsection (5), the only question to be considered is the sequence of convictions and no consideration shall be given to the sequence of commission of offences or whether any offence occurred before or after any conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 84
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), ss. 185(F), 186
- 1991, c. 40, s. 2
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 1998, c. 30, s. 16
- 2003, c. 8, s. 2
- 2008, c. 6, s. 2
- 2009, c. 22, s. 2
- 2015, c. 3, s. 45, c. 27, s. 18
- 2019, c. 9, s. 16
- 2022, c. 15, s. 1
- 2023, c. 32, s. 1
Use Offences
Marginal note:Using firearm in commission of offence
85 (1) Every person commits an offence who uses a firearm, whether or not the person causes or means to cause bodily harm to any person as a result of using the firearm,
(a) while committing an indictable offence, other than an offence under section 220 (criminal negligence causing death), 236 (manslaughter), 239 (attempted murder), 244 (discharging firearm with intent), 244.2 (discharging firearm — recklessness), 272 (sexual assault with a weapon) or 273 (aggravated sexual assault), subsection 279(1) (kidnapping) or section 279.1 (hostage taking), 344 (robbery) or 346 (extortion);
(b) while attempting to commit an indictable offence; or
(c) during flight after committing or attempting to commit an indictable offence.
Marginal note:Using imitation firearm in commission of offence
(2) Every person commits an offence who uses an imitation firearm
(a) while committing an indictable offence,
(b) while attempting to commit an indictable offence, or
(c) during flight after committing or attempting to commit an indictable offence,
whether or not the person causes or means to cause bodily harm to any person as a result of using the imitation firearm.
Marginal note:Punishment
(3) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.
Marginal note:Sentences to be served consecutively
(4) A sentence imposed on a person for an offence under subsection (1) or (2) shall be served consecutively to any other punishment imposed on the person for an offence arising out of the same event or series of events and to any other sentence to which the person is subject at the time the sentence is imposed on the person for an offence under subsection (1) or (2).
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 85
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2003, c. 8, s. 3
- 2008, c. 6, s. 3
- 2009, c. 22, s. 3
- 2022, c. 15, s. 2
Marginal note:Careless use of firearm, etc.
86 (1) Every person commits an offence who, without lawful excuse, uses, carries, handles, ships, transports or stores a firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any ammunition or prohibited ammunition in a careless manner or without reasonable precautions for the safety of other persons.
Marginal note:Contravention of storage regulations, etc.
(2) Every person commits an offence who contravenes a regulation made under paragraph 117(h) of the Firearms Act respecting the storage, handling, transportation, shipping, display, advertising and mail-order sales of firearms and restricted weapons.
Marginal note:Punishment
(3) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment
(i) in the case of a first offence, for a term not exceeding two years, and
(ii) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 86
- 1991, c. 40, s. 3
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Marginal note:Pointing a firearm
87 (1) Every person commits an offence who, without lawful excuse, points a firearm at another person, whether the firearm is loaded or unloaded.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 87
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Possession Offences
Marginal note:Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
88 (1) Every person commits an offence who carries or possesses a weapon, an imitation of a weapon, a prohibited device or any ammunition or prohibited ammunition for a purpose dangerous to the public peace or for the purpose of committing an offence.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 88
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Marginal note:Carrying weapon while attending public meeting
89 (1) Every person commits an offence who, without lawful excuse, carries a weapon, a prohibited device or any ammunition or prohibited ammunition while the person is attending or is on the way to attend a public meeting.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 89
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Marginal note:Carrying concealed weapon
90 (1) Every person commits an offence who carries a weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition concealed, unless the person is authorized under the Firearms Act to carry it concealed.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 90
- 1991, c. 28, s. 6, c. 40, ss. 4, 35
- 1994, c. 44, s. 6
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Marginal note:Unauthorized possession of firearm
91 (1) Subject to subsection (4), every person commits an offence who possesses a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm or a non-restricted firearm without being the holder of
(a) a licence under which the person may possess it; and
(b) in the case of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm, a registration certificate for it.
Marginal note:Unauthorized possession of prohibited weapon or restricted weapon
(2) Subject to subsection (4), every person commits an offence who possesses a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, other than a replica firearm, or any prohibited ammunition, without being the holder of a licence under which the person may possess it.
Marginal note:Punishment
(3) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Exceptions
(4) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to
(a) a person who possesses a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition while the person is under the direct and immediate supervision of a person who may lawfully possess it, for the purpose of using it in a manner in which the supervising person may lawfully use it; or
(b) a person who comes into possession of a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition by the operation of law and who, within a reasonable period after acquiring possession of it,
(i) lawfully disposes of it, or
(ii) obtains a licence under which the person may possess it and, in the case of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm, a registration certificate for it.
(5) [Repealed, 2012, c. 6, s. 2]
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 91
- 1991, c. 28, s. 7, c. 40, ss. 5, 36
- 1995, c. 22, s. 10, c. 39, s. 139
- 2008, c. 6, s. 4
- 2012, c. 6, s. 2
- 2015, c. 27, s. 19
Marginal note:Possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
92 (1) Subject to subsection (4), every person commits an offence who possesses a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm or a non-restricted firearm knowing that the person is not the holder of
(a) a licence under which the person may possess it; and
(b) in the case of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm, a registration certificate for it.
Marginal note:Possession of prohibited weapon, device or ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized
(2) Subject to subsection (4), every person commits an offence who possesses a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, other than a replica firearm, or any prohibited ammunition knowing that the person is not the holder of a licence under which the person may possess it.
Marginal note:Punishment
(3) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years.
Marginal note:Exceptions
(4) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to
(a) a person who possesses a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition while the person is under the direct and immediate supervision of a person who may lawfully possess it, for the purpose of using it in a manner in which the supervising person may lawfully use it; or
(b) a person who comes into possession of a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition by the operation of law and who, within a reasonable period after acquiring possession of it,
(i) lawfully disposes of it, or
(ii) obtains a licence under which the person may possess it and, in the case of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm, a registration certificate for it.
(5) and (6) [Repealed, 2012, c. 6, s. 3]
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 92
- R.S., 1985, c. 1 (2nd Supp.), s. 213
- 1991, c. 40, s. 7
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2008, c. 6, s. 5
- 2012, c. 6, s. 3
- 2015, c. 27, s. 20
- 2022, c. 15, s. 3
Marginal note:Possession at unauthorized place
93 (1) Subject to subsection (3), every person commits an offence who, being the holder of an authorization or a licence under which the person may possess a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or prohibited ammunition, possesses them at a place that is
(a) indicated on the authorization or licence as being a place where the person may not possess it;
(b) other than a place indicated on the authorization or licence as being a place where the person may possess it; or
(c) other than a place where it may be possessed under the Firearms Act.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Exception
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who possesses a replica firearm.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 93
- 1991, c. 40, s. 8
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2008, c. 6, s. 6
- 2015, c. 27, s. 21
Marginal note:Unauthorized possession in motor vehicle
94 (1) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), every person commits an offence who is an occupant of a motor vehicle in which the person knows there is a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, other than a replica firearm, or any prohibited ammunition, unless
(a) in the case of a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm or a non-restricted firearm,
(i) the person or any other occupant of the motor vehicle is the holder of
(A) a licence under which the person or other occupant may possess the firearm, and
(B) in the case of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm, an authorization and a registration certificate for it,
(ii) the person had reasonable grounds to believe that any other occupant of the motor vehicle was the holder of
(A) a licence under which that other occupant may possess the firearm, and
(B) in the case of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm, an authorization and a registration certificate for it, or
(iii) the person had reasonable grounds to believe that any other occupant of the motor vehicle was a person who could not be convicted of an offence under this Act by reason of sections 117.07 to 117.1 or any other Act of Parliament; and
(b) in the case of a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition,
(i) the person or any other occupant of the motor vehicle is the holder of an authorization or a licence under which the person or other occupant may transport the prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device or prohibited ammunition, or
(ii) the person had reasonable grounds to believe that any other occupant of the motor vehicle was
(A) the holder of an authorization or a licence under which the other occupant may transport the prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device or prohibited ammunition, or
(B) a person who could not be convicted of an offence under this Act by reason of sections 117.07 to 117.1 or any other Act of Parliament.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Exception
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to an occupant of a motor vehicle who, on becoming aware of the presence of the firearm, weapon, device or ammunition in the motor vehicle, attempted to leave the motor vehicle, to the extent that it was feasible to do so, or actually left the motor vehicle.
Marginal note:Exception
(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to an occupant of a motor vehicle when the occupant or any other occupant of the motor vehicle is a person who came into possession of the firearm, weapon, device or ammunition by the operation of law.
(5) [Repealed, 2012, c. 6, s. 4]
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 94
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2008, c. 6, s. 7
- 2012, c. 6, s. 4
- 2015, c. 27, s. 22
Marginal note:Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
95 (1) Subject to subsection (3), every person commits an offence who, in any place, possesses a loaded prohibited firearm or restricted firearm, or an unloaded prohibited firearm or restricted firearm together with readily accessible ammunition that is capable of being discharged in the firearm, without being the holder of
(a) an authorization or a licence under which the person may possess the firearm in that place; and
(b) the registration certificate for the firearm.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Exception
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who is using the firearm under the direct and immediate supervision of another person who is lawfully entitled to possess it and is using the firearm in a manner in which that other person may lawfully use it.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 95
- 1991, c. 28, s. 8, c. 40, ss. 9, 37
- 1993, c. 25, s. 93
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2008, c. 6, s. 8
- 2012, c. 6, s. 5(E)
- 2019, c. 25, s. 25
- 2022, c. 15, s. 4
- 2023, c. 32, s. 14
- 2023, c. 32, s. 71
Marginal note:Possession of weapon obtained by commission of offence
96 (1) Subject to subsection (3), every person commits an offence who possesses a firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition that the person knows was obtained by the commission in Canada of an offence or by an act or omission anywhere that, if it had occurred in Canada, would have constituted an offence.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Exception
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who comes into possession of anything referred to in that subsection by the operation of law and who lawfully disposes of it within a reasonable period after acquiring possession of it.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 96
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2019, c. 25, s. 26
- 2022, c. 15, s. 5
- 2023, c. 32, s. 14
- 2023, c. 32, s. 71
97 [Repealed before coming into force, 2008, c. 20, s. 3]
Marginal note:Breaking and entering to steal firearm
98 (1) Every person commits an offence who
(a) breaks and enters a place with intent to steal a firearm located in it;
(b) breaks and enters a place and steals a firearm located in it; or
(c) breaks out of a place after
(i) stealing a firearm located in it, or
(ii) entering the place with intent to steal a firearm located in it.
Definitions of break and place
(2) In this section, break has the same meaning as in section 321, and place means any building or structure — or part of one — and any motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, railway vehicle, container or trailer.
Marginal note:Entrance
(3) For the purposes of this section,
(a) a person enters as soon as any part of his or her body or any part of an instrument that he or she uses is within any thing that is being entered; and
(b) a person is deemed to have broken and entered if he or she
(i) obtained entrance by a threat or an artifice or by collusion with a person within, or
(ii) entered without lawful justification or excuse by a permanent or temporary opening.
Marginal note:Punishment
(4) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 98
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 13
- 1991, c. 40, s. 11
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2008, c. 6, s. 9
Marginal note:Robbery to steal firearm
98.1 Every person who commits a robbery within the meaning of section 343 with intent to steal a firearm or in the course of which he or she steals a firearm commits an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for life.
- 2008, c. 6, s. 9
Trafficking Offences
Marginal note:Weapons trafficking
99 (1) Every person commits an offence who
(a) manufactures or transfers, whether or not for consideration, or
(b) offers to do anything referred to in paragraph (a) in respect of
a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, any ammunition or any prohibited ammunition knowing that the person is not authorized to do so under the Firearms Act or any other Act of Parliament or any regulations made under any Act of Parliament.
Marginal note:Punishment — firearm
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) when the object in question is a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited device, any ammunition or any prohibited ammunition is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of
(a) in the case of a first offence, three years; and
(b) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, five years.
Marginal note:Punishment — other cases
(3) In any other case, a person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 99
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2008, c. 6, s. 10
- 2015, c. 27, s. 23
- 2022, c. 15, s. 6
- 2023, c. 32, s. 14
- 2023, c. 32, s. 71
Marginal note:Possession for purpose of weapons trafficking
100 (1) Every person commits an offence who possesses a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, any ammunition or any prohibited ammunition for the purpose of
(a) transferring it, whether or not for consideration, or
(b) offering to transfer it,
knowing that the person is not authorized to transfer it under the Firearms Act or any other Act of Parliament or any regulations made under any Act of Parliament.
Marginal note:Punishment — firearm
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) when the object in question is a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited device, any ammunition or any prohibited ammunition is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of
(a) in the case of a first offence, three years; and
(b) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, five years.
Marginal note:Punishment — other cases
(3) In any other case, a person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 100
- R.S., 1985, c. 11 (1st Supp.), s. 2, c. 27 (1st Supp.), ss. 14, 203, c. 27 (2nd Supp.), s. 10, c. 1 (4th Supp.), s. 18(F)
- 1990, c. 16, s. 2, c. 17, s. 8
- 1991, c. 40, s. 12
- 1992, c. 51, s. 33
- 1995, c. 22, ss. 10, 18(F), c. 39, s. 139
- 1996, c. 19, s. 65
- 2008, c. 6, s. 11
- 2015, c. 27, s. 24
- 2022, c. 15, s. 7
- 2023, c. 32, s. 14
- 2023, c. 32, s. 71
Marginal note:Transfer without authority
101 (1) Every person commits an offence who transfers a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, any ammunition or any prohibited ammunition to any person otherwise than under the authority of the Firearms Act or any other Act of Parliament or any regulations made under an Act of Parliament.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 101
- 1991, c. 40, s. 13
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2015, c. 27, s. 25
Assembling Offence
Marginal note:Making automatic firearm
102 (1) Every person commits an offence who, without lawful excuse, alters a firearm so that it is capable of, or manufactures or assembles any firearm that is capable of, discharging projectiles in rapid succession during one pressure of the trigger.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 102
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 203
- 1991, c. 28, s. 9, c. 40, s. 14
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2019, c. 25, s. 27
Computer Data Offence
Marginal note:Possession of computer data
102.1 (1) Every person commits an offence who possesses or accesses computer data that pertain to a firearm — other than a firearm that is deemed under subsection 84(3) not to be a firearm — or a prohibited device and that are capable of being used with a 3D printer, metal milling machine or similar computer system for the purpose of manufacturing or trafficking a firearm or prohibited device derived from that computer data otherwise than under the authority of the Firearms Act or any other Act of Parliament or any regulations made under an Act of Parliament.
Marginal note:Distribution of computer data
(2) Every person commits an offence who distributes, publishes or makes available computer data that pertain to a firearm — other than a firearm that is deemed under subsection 84(3) not to be a firearm — or a prohibited device and that are capable of being used with a 3D printer, metal milling machine or similar computer system knowing that the computer data are intended to be used for the purpose of manufacturing or trafficking a firearm or prohibited device derived from that computer data otherwise than under the authority of the Firearms Act or any other Act of Parliament or any regulations made under an Act of Parliament.
Marginal note:Punishment
(3) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Definitions of computer data and computer system
(4) In this section, computer data and computer system have the same meaning as in subsection 342.1(2).
Export and Import Offences
Marginal note:Importing or exporting knowing it is unauthorized
103 (1) Every person commits an offence who imports or exports
(a) a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition, or
(b) any component or part designed exclusively for use in the manufacture of or assembly into an automatic firearm,
knowing that the person is not authorized to do so under the Firearms Act or any other Act of Parliament or any regulations made under an Act of Parliament.
Marginal note:Punishment — firearm
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) when the object in question is a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of
(a) in the case of a first offence, three years; and
(b) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, five years.
Marginal note:Punishment — other cases
(2.1) In any other case, a person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.
(3) [Repealed, 2019, c. 25, s. 28]
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 103
- 1991, c. 40, s. 15
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2008, c. 6, s. 12
- 2015, c. 27, s. 26
- 2019, c. 25, s. 28
- 2022, c. 15, s. 8
- 2023, c. 32, s. 14
- 2023, c. 32, s. 71
Marginal note:Unauthorized importing or exporting
104 (1) Every person commits an offence who imports or exports
(a) a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition, or
(b) any component or part designed exclusively for use in the manufacture of or assembly into an automatic firearm,
otherwise than under the authority of the Firearms Act or any other Act of Parliament or any regulations made under an Act of Parliament.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
(3) [Repealed, 2019, c. 25, s. 29]
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 104
- 1991, c. 40, s. 16
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2015, c. 27, s. 27
- 2019, c. 25, s. 29
Offence Relating to Altering Cartridge Magazine
Marginal note:Altering cartridge magazine
104.1 (1) Every person commits an offence who, without lawful excuse, alters a cartridge magazine that is not a prohibited device so that it becomes a prohibited device.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Offences relating to Lost, Destroyed or Defaced Weapons, etc.
Marginal note:Losing or finding
105 (1) Every person commits an offence who
(a) having lost a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, any prohibited ammunition, an authorization, a licence or a registration certificate, or having had it stolen from the person’s possession, does not with reasonable despatch report the loss to a peace officer, to a firearms officer or a chief firearms officer; or
(b) on finding a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition that the person has reasonable grounds to believe has been lost or abandoned, does not with reasonable despatch deliver it to a peace officer, a firearms officer or a chief firearms officer or report the finding to a peace officer, a firearms officer or a chief firearms officer.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 105
- 1991, c. 28, s. 10, c. 40, ss. 18, 39
- 1994, c. 44, s. 7
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2015, c. 27, s. 28
Marginal note:Destroying
106 (1) Every person commits an offence who
(a) after destroying any prohibited firearm, restricted firearm, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device or prohibited ammunition, or
(b) on becoming aware of the destruction of any prohibited firearm, restricted firearm, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device or prohibited ammunition that was in the person’s possession before its destruction,
does not with reasonable despatch report the destruction to a peace officer, firearms officer or chief firearms officer.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 106
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 203
- 1991, c. 40, s. 19
- 1995, c. 22, s. 10, c. 39, s. 139
- 2012, c. 6, s. 6
Marginal note:False statements
107 (1) Every person commits an offence who knowingly makes, before a peace officer, firearms officer or chief firearms officer, a false report or statement concerning the loss, theft or destruction of a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a non-restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, any prohibited ammunition, an authorization, a licence or a registration certificate.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Definition of report or statement
(3) In this section, report or statement means an assertion of fact, opinion, belief or knowledge, whether material or not and whether admissible or not.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 107
- 1991, c. 40, s. 20
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2015, c. 27, s. 29
Marginal note:Tampering with serial number
108 (1) Every person commits an offence who, without lawful excuse,
(a) alters, defaces or removes a serial number on a firearm; or
(b) possesses a firearm knowing that the serial number on it has been altered, defaced or removed.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Exception
(3) No person is guilty of an offence under paragraph (1)(b) by reason only of possessing a prohibited firearm or restricted firearm the serial number on which has been altered, defaced or removed, if that serial number has been replaced and a registration certificate in respect of the firearm has been issued setting out a new serial number for the firearm.
Marginal note:Evidence
(4) In proceedings for an offence under subsection (1), evidence that a person possesses a firearm the serial number on which has been wholly or partially obliterated otherwise than through normal use over time is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof that the person possesses the firearm knowing that the serial number on it has been altered, defaced or removed.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 108
- 1991, c. 40, s. 20
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2012, c. 6, s. 7
- 2018, c. 29, s. 6
Prohibition Orders
Marginal note:Mandatory prohibition order
109 (1) Where a person is convicted, or discharged under section 730, of
(a) an indictable offence in the commission of which violence against a person was used, threatened or attempted and for which the person may be sentenced to imprisonment for ten years or more,
(a.1) an indictable offence in the commission of which violence was used, threatened or attempted against
(i) the person’s intimate partner,
(ii) a child or parent of the person or of anyone referred to in subparagraph (i), or
(iii) any person who resides with the person or with anyone referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii),
(b) an offence under subsection 85(1) (using firearm in commission of offence), 85(2) (using imitation firearm in commission of offence), 95(1) (possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition), 99(1) (weapons trafficking), 100(1) (possession for purpose of weapons trafficking), 102(1) (making automatic firearm), 102.1(1) (possession of computer data), 102.1(2) (distribution of computer data), 103(1) (importing or exporting knowing it is unauthorized) or 104.1(1) (altering cartridge magazine) or section 264 (criminal harassment),
(c) an offence relating to the contravention of subsection 5(1) or (2), 6(1) or (2) or 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act,
(c.1) an offence relating to the contravention of subsection 9(1) or (2), 10(1) or (2), 11(1) or (2), 12(1), (4), (5), (6) or (7), 13(1) or 14(1) of the Cannabis Act, or
(d) an offence that involves, or the subject-matter of which is, a firearm, a cross-bow, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, any ammunition, any prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance and, at the time of the offence, the person was prohibited by any order made under this Act or any other Act of Parliament from possessing any such thing,
the court that sentences the person or directs that the person be discharged, as the case may be, shall, in addition to any other punishment that may be imposed for that offence or any other condition prescribed in the order of discharge, make an order prohibiting the person from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition and explosive substance during the period specified in the order as determined in accordance with subsection (2) or (3), as the case may be.
Marginal note:Duration of prohibition order — first offence
(2) An order made under subsection (1) shall, in the case of a first conviction for or discharge from the offence to which the order relates, prohibit the person from possessing
(a) any firearm, other than a prohibited firearm or restricted firearm, and any crossbow, restricted weapon, ammunition and explosive substance during the period that
(i) begins on the day on which the order is made, and
(ii) ends not earlier than ten years after the person’s release from imprisonment after conviction for the offence or, if the person is not then imprisoned or subject to imprisonment, after the person’s conviction for or discharge from the offence; and
(b) any prohibited firearm, restricted firearm, prohibited weapon, prohibited device and prohibited ammunition for life.
Marginal note:Duration of prohibition order — subsequent offences
(3) An order made under subsection (1) shall, in any case other than a case described in subsection (2), prohibit the person from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, restricted weapon, ammunition and explosive substance for life.
Marginal note:Definition of release from imprisonment
(4) In subparagraph (2)(a)(ii), release from imprisonment means release from confinement by reason of expiration of sentence, commencement of statutory release or grant of parole.
Marginal note:Application of ss. 113 to 117
(5) Sections 113 to 117 apply in respect of every order made under subsection (1).
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 109
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 185(F)
- 1991, c. 40, s. 21
- 1995, c. 39, ss. 139, 190
- 1996, c. 19, s. 65.1
- 2003, c. 8, s. 4
- 2015, c. 27, s. 30
- 2018, c. 16, s. 208
- 2019, c. 25, s. 30
- 2023, c. 32, s. 3
Marginal note:Discretionary prohibition order
110 (1) Where a person is convicted, or discharged under section 730, of
(a) an offence, other than an offence referred to in any of paragraphs 109(1)(a) to (c.1), in the commission of which violence against a person was used, threatened or attempted, or
(b) an offence that involves, or the subject-matter of which is, a firearm, a cross-bow, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance and, at the time of the offence, the person was not prohibited by any order made under this Act or any other Act of Parliament from possessing any such thing,
the court that sentences the person or directs that the person be discharged, as the case may be, shall, in addition to any other punishment that may be imposed for that offence or any other condition prescribed in the order of discharge, consider whether it is desirable, in the interests of the safety of the person or of any other person, to make an order prohibiting the person from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, or all such things, and where the court decides that it is so desirable, the court shall so order.
Marginal note:Duration of prohibition order
(2) An order made under subsection (1) against a person begins on the day on which the order is made and ends not later than ten years after the person’s release from imprisonment after conviction for the offence to which the order relates or, if the person is not then imprisoned or subject to imprisonment, after the person’s conviction for or discharge from the offence.
Marginal note:Exception
(2.1) Despite subsection (2), an order made under subsection (1) may be imposed for life or for any shorter duration if, in the commission of the offence, violence was used, threatened or attempted against
(a) the person’s intimate partner;
(b) a child or parent of the person or of anyone referred to in paragraph (a); or
(c) any person who resides with the person or with anyone referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).
Marginal note:Reasons
(3) Where the court does not make an order under subsection (1), or where the court does make such an order but does not prohibit the possession of everything referred to in that subsection, the court shall include in the record a statement of the court’s reasons for not doing so.
Marginal note:Definition of release from imprisonment
(4) In subsection (2), release from imprisonment means release from confinement by reason of expiration of sentence, commencement of statutory release or grant of parole.
Marginal note:Application of ss. 113 to 117
(5) Sections 113 to 117 apply in respect of every order made under subsection (1).
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 110
- 1991, c. 40, ss. 23, 40
- 1995, c. 39, ss. 139, 190
- 2015, c. 27, s. 31
- 2018, c. 16, s. 209
- 2019, c. 25, s. 31
Marginal note:Application for emergency prohibition order
110.1 (1) Any person may make an ex parte application to a provincial court judge for an order prohibiting another person from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, or all such things, if the person believes on reasonable grounds that it is not desirable in the interests of the safety of the person against whom the order is sought or of any other person that the person against whom the order is sought should possess any such thing.
Marginal note:Hearing in private
(2) The provincial court judge may hold the hearing of an application made under subsection (1) in private if the judge considers that it is necessary to protect the security of the applicant or of anyone known to the applicant.
Marginal note:Emergency prohibition order
(3) If, at the conclusion of a hearing of an application made under subsection (1), the provincial court judge is satisfied that the circumstances referred to in that subsection exist and that an order should be made without delay to ensure the immediate protection of any person, the judge shall make an order prohibiting the person against whom the order is sought from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, or all such things, for a period not exceeding 30 days, as is specified in the order, beginning on the day on which the order is made.
Marginal note:Service of order
(4) A copy of the order shall be served on the person to whom the order is addressed in the manner that the provincial court judge directs or in accordance with the rules of court.
Marginal note:Warrant to search and seize
(5) If a provincial court judge is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a person who is subject to an order made under subsection (3) possesses, in a building, receptacle or place, any thing the possession of which is prohibited by the order and that it is not desirable in the interests of the safety of the person, or of any other person, for the person to possess the thing, the judge may issue a warrant authorizing a peace officer to search the building, receptacle or place and seize any such thing, and every authorization, licence or registration certificate relating to any such thing, that is held by or in the possession of the person.
Marginal note:Search and seizure without warrant
(6) If, in respect of a person who is subject to an order made under subsection (3), a peace officer is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that it is not desirable, in the interests of the safety of the person, or of any other person, for the person to possess any thing the possession of which is prohibited by the order, the peace officer may — if the grounds for obtaining a warrant under subsection (5) exist but, by reason of a possible danger to the safety of the person or any other person, it would not be practicable to obtain a warrant — search for and seize any such thing, and any authorization, licence or registration certificate relating to any such thing, that is held by or in the possession of the person.
Marginal note:Return to provincial court judge or justice
(7) A peace officer who executes a warrant referred to in subsection (5) or who conducts a search without a warrant under subsection (6) shall immediately make a return to the provincial court judge who issued the warrant or, if no warrant was issued, to a justice who might otherwise have issued a warrant, showing
(a) in the case of an execution of a warrant, the things or documents, if any, seized and the date of execution of the warrant; and
(b) in the case of a search conducted without a warrant, the grounds on which it was concluded that the peace officer was entitled to conduct the search, and the things or documents, if any, seized.
Marginal note:Return of things and documents
(8) Any things or documents seized under subsection (5) or (6) from a person against whom an order has been made under subsection (3) shall be returned to the person and any things or documents surrendered by the person in accordance with the order shall be returned to the person
(a) if no date is fixed under subsection 110.4(1) for the hearing of an application made under subsection 111(1) in respect of the person, as soon as feasible after the end of the period specified in the order made against the person under subsection (3);
(b) if a date is fixed for the hearing but no order is made against the person under subsection 111(5), as soon as feasible after the final disposition of the application; or
(c) despite paragraphs (a) and (b), if the order made against the person under subsection (3) is revoked, as soon as feasible after the day on which it is revoked.
Marginal note:Application of sections 113, 114 and 116
(9) Sections 113, 114 and 116 apply in respect of every order made under subsection (3).
Marginal note:Definition of provincial court judge
(10) In this section and sections 110.4, 111, 112, 117.0101, 117.0104, 117.011 and 117.012, provincial court judge means a provincial court judge having jurisdiction in the territorial division where the person against whom the application for an order was brought resides.
- 2015, c. 27, s. 32
- 2019, c. 25, s. 32
- 2023, c. 32, s. 4
Marginal note:Order denying access to information
110.2 (1) If an order is made under subsection 110.1(3), a provincial court judge may, on application by the person who applied for the order or on the judge’s own motion, if the judge considers that it is necessary to protect the security of the person or of anyone known to the person, make an order prohibiting access to, and the disclosure of, any or all of the following:
(a) any information relating to the order made under that subsection;
(b) any information relating to a warrant issued under subsection 110.1(5);
(c) any information relating to a search and seizure conducted without a warrant under subsection 110.1(6); and
(d) any information relating to the order made under this subsection.
Marginal note:Expiry of order
(2) Unless an order made under subsection (1) is revoked earlier, it expires on the day on which the order made under subsection 110.1(3) expires or is revoked.
Marginal note:Exception
(3) Despite subsection (2), if, before the order made under subsection 110.1(3) expires or is revoked, a date is fixed under subsection 110.4(1) for the hearing of an application made under subsection 111(1), an order made under subsection (1) ceases to have effect on
(a) the date fixed under subsection 110.4(1); or
(b) if the order made under subsection 110.1(3) is revoked before that date, the day on which it is revoked.
Marginal note:Procedure
(4) If an order is made under subsection (1), all documents relating to, as the case may be, the order made under that subsection, the order made under subsection 110.1(3), the warrant issued under subsection 110.1(5) or, in the case of a search and seizure conducted without a warrant under subsection 110.1(6), the return made under subsection 110.1(7) shall — subject to any terms and conditions that the provincial court judge considers desirable in the circumstances, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any term or condition concerning partial disclosure of a document, deletion of any information or the occurrence of a condition — be immediately placed in a packet and sealed by the judge, and the packet shall be kept in the custody of the court in a place to which the public has no access or in any other place that the judge may authorize and shall not be dealt with except in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the order or as varied under subsection (5).
Marginal note:Revocation or variance of order
(5) An application to revoke an order made under subsection (1) or vary any of its terms and conditions may be made to the provincial court judge who made the order or to another provincial court judge.
Marginal note:Order to delete identifying information
110.3 (1) If an order is made under subsection 110.1(3) or 110.2(1), a provincial court judge may, on application by the person who applied for the order referred to in subsection 110.1(3) or on the judge’s own motion, if the judge considers that it is necessary to protect the security of the person or of anyone known to the person, make an order, subject to any terms and conditions that the judge considers desirable in the circumstances, directing that
(a) copies be made of any documents relating to the order made under subsection 110.1(3) or 110.2(1), as the case may be, including the order itself;
(b) any information that could identify the person who applied for the order referred to in subsection 110.1(3) or anyone known to the person be deleted from those copies; and
(c) the documents relating to the order made under subsection 110.1(3) or 110.2(1), as the case may be, including the order itself, to which the public has access or that are made available to or required to be served on any person are to be the edited copies referred to in paragraph (b).
Marginal note:Duration of order
(2) An order made under subsection (1) may be for any period — definite or indefinite — that the provincial court judge considers necessary to protect the security of the person who applied for the order referred to in subsection 110.1(3) or of anyone known to the person.
Marginal note:Procedure
(3) If an order is made under subsection (1), the originals of all documents that are the subject of the order shall — subject to any terms and conditions that the provincial court judge considers desirable in the circumstances — be immediately placed in a packet and sealed by the judge, and the packet shall be kept in the custody of the court in a place to which the public has no access or in any other place that the judge may authorize and shall not be dealt with except in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the order or as varied under subsection (4).
Marginal note:Revocation or variance of order
(4) An application to revoke an order made under subsection (1) or vary any of its terms and conditions may be made to the provincial court judge who made the order or to another provincial court judge.
Marginal note:Clarification
(5) For greater certainty, if a date is fixed under subsection 110.4(1) for the hearing of an application made under subsection 111(1), any order made under this section that is still in force applies in respect of that hearing.
Marginal note:Order under subsection 111(5)
110.4 (1) If a provincial court judge makes an order under subsection 110.1(3), the judge may, on the judge’s own motion, fix a date for the hearing of an application made under subsection 111(1) and shall direct that notice of the hearing be given, in the manner that the judge may specify, to the person against whom an order under subsection 111(5) is sought.
Marginal note:Clarification — application for order
(2) For the purpose of this section,
(a) the application for the order referred to in subsection 110.1(3) is deemed, except for the purpose of subsection 111(2), to be an application made under subsection 111(1); and
(b) if a person other than a peace officer, firearms officer or chief firearms officer made the application for the order referred to in subsection 110.1(3), the Attorney General of the province in which the application was made — or, if the application was made in a territory, the Attorney General of Canada — becomes the applicant, in their place, in the application made under subsection 111(1).
Marginal note:Date for hearing
(3) The date fixed for the hearing must be before the end of the period for which the order made under subsection 110.1(3) is in force. However, a provincial court judge may, before or at any time during the hearing, on application by the applicant or the person against whom an order under subsection 111(5) is sought, adjourn the hearing.
Marginal note:Requirement — notice
(4) If the Attorney General becomes, under paragraph (2)(b), the applicant in an application made under subsection 111(1), the provincial court judge shall, as soon as feasible but not later than 15 days before the date fixed under subsection (1), cause notice of that application and of that date to be served on that Attorney General.
Marginal note:Cancellation of hearing
(5) If a provincial court judge revokes an order made under subsection 110.1(3) against a person before the application for an order sought under subsection 111(5) against the person is heard, the judge shall cancel the hearing.
Marginal note:Application for prohibition order
111 (1) A peace officer, firearms officer or chief firearms officer may apply to a provincial court judge for an order prohibiting a person from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, or all such things, where the peace officer, firearms officer or chief firearms officer believes on reasonable grounds that it is not desirable in the interests of the safety of the person against whom the order is sought or of any other person that the person against whom the order is sought should possess any such thing.
Marginal note:Date for hearing and notice
(2) On receipt of an application made under subsection (1), the provincial court judge shall fix a date for the hearing of the application and direct that notice of the hearing be given, in such manner as the provincial court judge may specify, to the person against whom the order is sought.
Marginal note:Hearing of application
(3) Subject to subsection (4), at the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), the provincial court judge shall hear all relevant evidence presented by or on behalf of the applicant and the person against whom the order is sought.
Marginal note:Where hearing may proceed ex parte
(4) A provincial court judge may proceed ex parte to hear and determine an application made under subsection (1) in the absence of the person against whom the order is sought in the same circumstances as those in which a summary conviction court may, under Part XXVII, proceed with a trial in the absence of the defendant.
Marginal note:Prohibition order
(5) Where, at the conclusion of a hearing of an application made under subsection (1), the provincial court judge is satisfied that the circumstances referred to in that subsection exist, the provincial court judge shall make an order prohibiting the person from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, or all such things, for such period, not exceeding five years, as is specified in the order, beginning on the day on which the order is made.
Marginal note:Reasons
(6) Where a provincial court judge does not make an order under subsection (1), or where a provincial court judge does make such an order but does not prohibit the possession of everything referred to in that subsection, the provincial court judge shall include in the record a statement of the court’s reasons.
Marginal note:Application of ss. 113 to 117
(7) Sections 113 to 117 apply in respect of every order made under subsection (5).
Marginal note:Appeal by person or Attorney General
(8) Where a provincial court judge makes an order under subsection (5), the person to whom the order relates, or the Attorney General, may appeal to the superior court against the order.
Marginal note:Appeal by Attorney General
(9) Where a provincial court judge does not make an order under subsection (5), the Attorney General may appeal to the superior court against the decision not to make an order.
Marginal note:Application of Part XXVII to appeals
(10) The provisions of Part XXVII, except sections 785 to 812, 816 to 819 and 829 to 838, apply in respect of an appeal made under subsection (8) or (9), with such modifications as the circumstances require and as if each reference in that Part to the appeal court were a reference to the superior court.
(11) [Repealed, 2023, c. 32, s. 5]
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 111
- 1991, c. 40, s. 24
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2023, c. 32, s. 5
Marginal note:Revocation of prohibition order under subsection 110.1(3) or 111(5)
112 A provincial court judge may, on application by the person against whom an order is made under subsection 110.1(3) or 111(5), revoke the order if satisfied that the circumstances for which it was made have ceased to exist.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 112
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 203
- 1991, c. 40, s. 26
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2023, c. 32, s. 6
Marginal note:Lifting of prohibition order for sustenance or employment
113 (1) Where a person who is or will be a person against whom a prohibition order is made establishes to the satisfaction of a competent authority that
(a) the person needs a firearm or restricted weapon to hunt or trap in order to sustain the person or the person’s family, or
(b) a prohibition order against the person would constitute a virtual prohibition against employment in the only vocation open to the person,
the competent authority may, notwithstanding that the person is or will be subject to a prohibition order, make an order authorizing a chief firearms officer or the Registrar to issue, in accordance with such terms and conditions as the competent authority considers appropriate, an authorization, a licence or a registration certificate, as the case may be, to the person for sustenance or employment purposes.
Marginal note:Factors
(2) A competent authority may make an order under subsection (1) only after taking the following factors into account:
(a) the criminal record, if any, of the person;
(b) the nature and circumstances of the offence, if any, in respect of which the prohibition order was or will be made; and
(c) the safety of the person and of other persons.
Marginal note:Effect of order
(3) Where an order is made under subsection (1),
(a) an authorization, a licence or a registration certificate may not be denied to the person in respect of whom the order was made solely on the basis of a prohibition order against the person or the commission of an offence in respect of which a prohibition order was made against the person; and
(b) an authorization and a licence may, for the duration of the order, be issued to the person in respect of whom the order was made only for sustenance or employment purposes and, where the order sets out terms and conditions, only in accordance with those terms and conditions, but, for greater certainty, the authorization or licence may also be subject to terms and conditions set by the chief firearms officer that are not inconsistent with the purpose for which it is issued and any terms and conditions set out in the order.
Marginal note:When order can be made
(4) For greater certainty, an order under subsection (1) may be made during proceedings for an order under subsection 109(1), 110(1), 110.1(3), 111(5), 117.05(4) or 515(2), paragraph 732.1(3)(d) or subsection 810(3).
Meaning of competent authority
(5) In this section, competent authority means the competent authority that made or has jurisdiction to make the prohibition order.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 113
- 1991, c. 40, s. 27(E)
- 1995, c. 22, s. 10, c. 39, ss. 139, 190
- 2023, c. 32, s. 7
Marginal note:Requirement to surrender
114 A competent authority that makes a prohibition order against a person may, in the order, require the person to surrender to a peace officer, a firearms officer or a chief firearms officer
(a) any thing the possession of which is prohibited by the order that is in the possession of the person on the commencement of the order, and
(b) every authorization, licence and registration certificate relating to any thing the possession of which is prohibited by the order that is held by the person on the commencement of the order,
and where the competent authority does so, it shall specify in the order a reasonable period for surrendering such things and documents and during which section 117.01 does not apply to that person.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 114
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 203
- 1995, c. 22, s. 10, c. 39, s. 139
Marginal note:Forfeiture
115 (1) Unless a prohibition order against a person specifies otherwise, every thing the possession of which is prohibited by the order is forfeited to Her Majesty if, on the commencement of the order, the thing is in the person’s possession or has been seized and detained by, or surrendered to, a peace officer.
Marginal note:Exception
(1.1) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of an order made under subsection 110.1(3) or section 515.
Marginal note:Disposal
(2) Every thing forfeited to Her Majesty under subsection (1) shall be disposed of or otherwise dealt with as the Attorney General directs.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 115
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2003, c. 8, s. 5
- 2019, c. 9, s. 17
- 2023, c. 32, s. 8
Marginal note:Authorizations revoked or amended
116 (1) Subject to subsection (2), every authorization, licence and registration certificate relating to any thing the possession of which is prohibited by a prohibition order and issued to a person against whom the prohibition order is made is, on the commencement of the prohibition order, revoked, or amended, as the case may be, to the extent of the prohibitions in the order.
Marginal note:Duration of revocation or amendment
(2) An authorization, a licence and a registration certificate relating to a thing the possession of which is prohibited by an order made under subsection 110.1(3) or section 515 is revoked, or amended, as the case may be, only in respect of the period during which the order is in force.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 116
- 1991, c. 28, s. 11, c. 40, ss. 28, 41
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2003, c. 8, s. 6
- 2023, c. 32, s. 9
Marginal note:Return to owner
117 Where the competent authority that makes a prohibition order or that would have had jurisdiction to make the order is, on application for an order under this section, satisfied that a person, other than the person against whom a prohibition order was or will be made,
(a) is the owner of any thing that is or may be forfeited to Her Majesty under subsection 115(1) and is lawfully entitled to possess it, and
(b) in the case of a prohibition order under subsection 109(1) or 110(1), had no reasonable grounds to believe that the thing would or might be used in the commission of the offence in respect of which the prohibition order was made,
the competent authority shall order that the thing be returned to the owner or the proceeds of any sale of the thing be paid to that owner or, if the thing was destroyed, that an amount equal to the value of the thing be paid to the owner.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 117
- 1991, c. 40, s. 29
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Marginal note:Possession contrary to order
117.01 (1) Subject to subsection (4), every person commits an offence who possesses a firearm, a cross-bow, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, any ammunition, any prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance while the person is prohibited from doing so by any order made under this Act or any other Act of Parliament.
Marginal note:Failure to surrender authorization, etc.
(2) Every person commits an offence who wilfully fails to surrender to a peace officer, a firearms officer or a chief firearms officer any authorization, licence or registration certificate held by the person when the person is required to do so by any order made under this Act or any other Act of Parliament.
Marginal note:Punishment
(3) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Exception
(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who possessed a firearm in accordance with an authorization or licence issued to the person as the result of an order made under subsection 113(1).
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Limitations on Access
Marginal note:Application for emergency limitations on access order
117.0101 (1) Any person may make an ex parte application to a provincial court judge for an order under this section if the person believes on reasonable grounds that
(a) the person against whom the order is sought cohabits with, or is an associate of, another person who is prohibited by any order made under this Act or any other Act of Parliament from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, or all such things; and
(b) the other person would or might have access to any such thing that is in the possession of the person against whom the order is sought.
Marginal note:Hearing in private
(2) The provincial court judge may hold the hearing of an application made under subsection (1) in private if the judge considers that it is necessary to protect the security of the applicant or of anyone known to the applicant.
Marginal note:Emergency limitations on access order
(3) If, at the conclusion of a hearing of an application made under subsection (1), the provincial court judge is satisfied that the circumstances referred to in that subsection exist and that an order should be made without delay to ensure the immediate protection of any person, the judge shall make an order in respect of the person against whom the order is sought, for a period not exceeding 30 days, as is specified in the order, beginning on the day on which the order is made, imposing any terms and conditions on the person’s use and possession of any thing referred to in subsection (1) that the judge considers appropriate.
Marginal note:Service of order
(4) A copy of the order shall be served on the person to whom the order is addressed in the manner that the provincial court judge directs or in accordance with the rules of court.
Marginal note:Terms and conditions
(5) In determining terms and conditions under subsection (3), the provincial court judge shall impose terms and conditions that are the least intrusive as possible, bearing in mind the purpose of the order.
Marginal note:Warrant to search and seize
(6) If a provincial court judge is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a person who is subject to an order made under subsection (3) possesses, in a building, receptacle or place, any thing the use and possession of which is subject to terms and conditions under the order, and that it is not desirable in the interests of the safety of the person, or of any other person, for the person to possess the thing, the judge may issue a warrant authorizing a peace officer to search the building, receptacle or place and seize any such thing that is in the possession of the person.
Marginal note:Search and seizure without warrant
(7) If, in respect of a person who is subject to an order made under subsection (3), a peace officer is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that it is not desirable, in the interests of the safety of the person, or of any other person, for the person to possess any thing the use and possession of which is subject to terms and conditions under the order, the peace officer may — if the grounds for obtaining a warrant under subsection (6) exist but, by reason of a possible danger to the safety of the person or any other person, it would not be practicable to obtain a warrant — search for and seize any such thing that is in the possession of the person.
Marginal note:Return to provincial court judge or justice
(8) A peace officer who executes a warrant referred to in subsection (6) or who conducts a search without a warrant under subsection (7) shall immediately make a return to the provincial court judge who issued the warrant or, if no warrant was issued, to a justice who might otherwise have issued a warrant, showing
(a) in the case of an execution of a warrant, the things, if any, seized and the date of execution of the warrant; and
(b) in the case of a search conducted without a warrant, the grounds on which it was concluded that the peace officer was entitled to conduct the search, and the things, if any, seized.
Marginal note:Requirement to surrender
(9) A provincial court judge who makes an order against a person under subsection (3) may, in the order, require the person to surrender to a peace officer, a firearms officer or a chief firearms officer any thing the use or possession of which is subject to terms and conditions under the order that is in the possession of the person on the day on which the order is made, if the judge is satisfied by information on oath that it is not desirable in the interests of the safety of any person for the person to possess the thing, and if the judge does so, they shall specify in the order a reasonable period for surrendering the thing.
Marginal note:Condition
(10) A provincial court judge may issue a warrant under subsection (6) or include in an order made under subsection (3) a requirement set out in subsection (9) only if they are satisfied that there is no other way to ensure that the terms and conditions of that order can reasonably be complied with.
Marginal note:Return of things before expiry or revocation of order
(11) A peace officer who has seized any thing under subsection (6) or (7), and a peace officer, a firearms officer or a chief firearms officer to whom any thing has been surrendered in accordance with subsection (9), may, before the expiry or revocation of the order made under subsection (3), on being issued a receipt for it, return the thing to the person from whom it was seized or who surrendered it, if the peace officer, firearms officer or chief firearms officer, as the case may be, has reasonable grounds to believe that the person will comply with the terms and conditions of the order as to the use and possession of the thing.
Marginal note:Return of things after expiry or revocation of order
(12) Any things seized under subsection (6) or (7) from a person against whom an order has been made under subsection (3) and any things surrendered by the person in accordance with subsection (9) shall, unless already returned under subsection (11), be returned to the person
(a) if the order made against the person under subsection (3) is revoked, as soon as feasible after the day on which it is revoked; or
(b) in any other case, as soon as feasible after the end of the period specified in the order made against the person under subsection (3).
Marginal note:Order denying access to information
117.0102 (1) If an order is made under subsection 117.0101(3), a provincial court judge may, on application by the person who applied for the order or on the judge’s own motion, if the judge considers that it is necessary to protect the security of the person or of anyone known to the person, make an order prohibiting access to, and the disclosure of, any or all of the following:
(a) any information relating to the order made under that subsection;
(b) any information relating to a warrant issued under subsection 117.0101(6);
(c) any information relating to a search and seizure conducted without a warrant under subsection 117.0101(7); and
(d) any information relating to the order made under this subsection.
Marginal note:Expiry of order
(2) Unless an order made under subsection (1) is revoked earlier, it expires on the day on which the order made under subsection 117.0101(3) expires or is revoked.
Marginal note:Exception
(3) Despite subsection (2), if, before the order made under subsection 117.0101(3) expires or is revoked, a date is fixed under subsection 117.0104(1) for the hearing of an application made under subsection 117.011(1), an order made under subsection (1) ceases to have effect on
(a) the date fixed under subsection 117.0104(1); or
(b) if the order made under subsection 117.0101(3) is revoked before that date, the day on which it is revoked.
Marginal note:Procedure
(4) If an order is made under subsection (1), all documents relating to, as the case may be, the order made under that subsection, the order made under subsection 117.0101(3), the warrant issued under subsection 117.0101(6) or, in the case of a search and seizure conducted without a warrant under subsection 117.0101(7), the return made under subsection 117.0101(8) shall — subject to any terms and conditions that the provincial court judge considers desirable in the circumstances, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any term or condition concerning partial disclosure of a document, deletion of any information or the occurrence of a condition — be immediately placed in a packet and sealed by the judge, and the packet shall be kept in the custody of the court in a place to which the public has no access or in any other place that the judge may authorize and shall not be dealt with except in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the order or as varied under subsection (5).
Marginal note:Revocation or variance of order
(5) An application to revoke an order made under subsection (1) or vary any of its terms and conditions may be made to the provincial court judge who made the order or to another provincial court judge.
Marginal note:Order to delete identifying information
117.0103 (1) If an order is made under subsection 117.0101(3) or 117.0102(1), a provincial court judge may, on application by the person who applied for the order referred to in subsection 117.0101(3) or on the judge’s own motion, if the judge considers that it is necessary to protect the security of the person or of anyone known to the person, make an order, subject to any terms and conditions that the judge considers desirable in the circumstances, directing that
(a) copies be made of any documents relating to the order made under subsection 117.0101(3) or 117.0102(1), as the case may be, including the order itself;
(b) any information that could identify the person who applied for the order referred to in subsection 117.0101(3) or anyone known to the person be deleted from those copies; and
(c) the documents relating to the order made under subsection 117.0101(3) or 117.0102(1), as the case may be, including the order itself, to which the public has access or that are made available to or required to be served on any person are to be the edited copies referred to in paragraph (b).
Marginal note:Duration of order
(2) An order made under subsection (1) may be for any period — definite or indefinite — that the provincial court judge considers necessary to protect the security of the person who applied for the order referred to in subsection 117.0101(3) or of anyone known to the person.
Marginal note:Procedure
(3) If an order is made under subsection (1), the originals of all documents that are the subject of the order shall — subject to any terms and conditions that the provincial court judge considers desirable in the circumstances — be immediately placed in a packet and sealed by the judge, and the packet shall be kept in the custody of the court in a place to which the public has no access or in any other place that the judge may authorize and shall not be dealt with except in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the order or as varied under subsection (4).
Marginal note:Revocation or variance of order
(4) An application to revoke an order made under subsection (1) or vary any of its terms and conditions may be made to the provincial court judge who made the order or to another provincial court judge.
Marginal note:Clarification
(5) For greater certainty, if a date is fixed under subsection 117.0104(1) for the hearing of an application made under subsection 117.011(1), any order made under this section that is still in force applies in respect of that hearing.
Marginal note:Order under subsection 117.011(5)
117.0104 (1) If a provincial court judge makes an order under subsection 117.0101(3), the judge may, on the judge’s own motion, fix a date for the hearing of an application made under subsection 117.011(1) and shall direct that notice of the hearing be given, in the manner that the judge may specify, to the person against whom an order under subsection 117.011(5) is sought.
Marginal note:Clarification — application for order
(2) For the purpose of this section,
(a) the application for the order referred to in subsection 117.0101(3) is deemed, except for the purpose of subsection 117.011(2), to be an application made under subsection 117.011(1); and
(b) if a person other than a peace officer, firearms officer or chief firearms officer made the application for the order referred to in subsection 117.0101(3), the Attorney General of the province in which the application was made — or, if the application was made in a territory, the Attorney General of Canada — becomes the applicant, in their place, in the application made under subsection 117.011(1).
Marginal note:Date for hearing
(3) The date fixed for the hearing must be before the end of the period for which the order made under subsection 117.0101(3) is in force. However, a provincial court judge may, before or at any time during the hearing, on application by the applicant or the person against whom an order under subsection 117.011(5) is sought, adjourn the hearing.
Marginal note:Requirement — notice
(4) If the Attorney General becomes, under paragraph (2)(b), the applicant in an application made under subsection 117.011(1), the provincial court judge shall, as soon as feasible but not later than 15 days before the date fixed under subsection (1), cause notice of that application and of that date to be served on that Attorney General.
Marginal note:Cancellation of hearing
(5) If a provincial court judge revokes an order made under subsection 117.0101(3) against a person before the application for an order sought under subsection 117.011(5) against the person is heard, the judge shall cancel the hearing.
Marginal note:Application for order
117.011 (1) A peace officer, firearms officer or chief firearms officer may apply to a provincial court judge for an order under this section where the peace officer, firearms officer or chief firearms officer believes on reasonable grounds that
(a) the person against whom the order is sought cohabits with, or is an associate of, another person who is prohibited by any order made under this Act or any other Act of Parliament from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, or all such things; and
(b) the other person would or might have access to any such thing that is in the possession of the person against whom the order is sought.
Marginal note:Date for hearing and notice
(2) On receipt of an application made under subsection (1), the provincial court judge shall fix a date for the hearing of the application and direct that notice of the hearing be given, in such manner as the provincial court judge may specify, to the person against whom the order is sought.
Marginal note:Hearing of application
(3) Subject to subsection (4), at the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), the provincial court judge shall hear all relevant evidence presented by or on behalf of the applicant and the person against whom the order is sought.
Marginal note:Where hearing may proceed ex parte
(4) A provincial court judge may proceed ex parte to hear and determine an application made under subsection (1) in the absence of the person against whom the order is sought in the same circumstances as those in which a summary conviction court may, under Part XXVII, proceed with a trial in the absence of the defendant.
Marginal note:Order
(5) Where, at the conclusion of a hearing of an application made under subsection (1), the provincial court judge is satisfied that the circumstances referred to in that subsection exist, the provincial court judge shall make an order in respect of the person against whom the order was sought imposing such terms and conditions on the person’s use and possession of anything referred to in subsection (1) as the provincial court judge considers appropriate.
Marginal note:Terms and conditions
(6) In determining terms and conditions under subsection (5), the provincial court judge shall impose terms and conditions that are the least intrusive as possible, bearing in mind the purpose of the order.
Marginal note:Appeal by person or Attorney General
(7) Where a provincial court judge makes an order under subsection (5), the person to whom the order relates, or the Attorney General, may appeal to the superior court against the order.
Marginal note:Appeal by Attorney General
(8) Where a provincial court judge does not make an order under subsection (5), the Attorney General may appeal to the superior court against the decision not to make an order.
Marginal note:Application of Part XXVII to appeals
(9) The provisions of Part XXVII, except sections 785 to 812, 816 to 819 and 829 to 838, apply in respect of an appeal made under subsection (7) or (8), with such modifications as the circumstances require and as if each reference in that Part to the appeal court were a reference to the superior court.
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Marginal note:Revocation of order under subsection 117.0101(3) or 117.011(5)
117.012 A provincial court judge may, on application by the person against whom an order is made under subsection 117.0101(3) or 117.011(5), revoke the order if satisfied that the circumstances for which it was made have ceased to exist.
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2023, c. 32, s. 11
Search and Seizure
Marginal note:Search and seizure without warrant where offence committed
117.02 (1) Where a peace officer believes on reasonable grounds
(a) that a weapon, an imitation firearm, a prohibited device, any ammunition, any prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance was used in the commission of an offence, or
(b) that an offence is being committed, or has been committed, under any provision of this Act that involves, or the subject-matter of which is, a firearm, an imitation firearm, a cross-bow, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance,
and evidence of the offence is likely to be found on a person, in a vehicle or in any place or premises other than a dwelling-house, the peace officer may, where the conditions for obtaining a warrant exist but, by reason of exigent circumstances, it would not be practicable to obtain a warrant, search, without warrant, the person, vehicle, place or premises, and seize any thing by means of or in relation to which that peace officer believes on reasonable grounds the offence is being committed or has been committed.
Marginal note:Disposition of seized things
(2) Any thing seized pursuant to subsection (1) shall be dealt with in accordance with sections 490 and 491.
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Marginal note:Seizure on failure to produce authorization
117.03 (1) Despite section 117.02, a peace officer who finds
(a) a person in possession of a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm or a non-restricted firearm who fails, on demand, to produce, for inspection by the peace officer, an authorization or a licence under which the person may lawfully possess the firearm and, in the case of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm, a registration certificate for it, or
(b) a person in possession of a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition who fails, on demand, to produce, for inspection by the peace officer, an authorization or a licence under which the person may lawfully possess it,
may seize the firearm, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device or prohibited ammunition unless its possession by the person in the circumstances in which it is found is authorized by any provision of this Part, or the person is under the direct and immediate supervision of another person who may lawfully possess it.
Marginal note:Return of seized thing on production of authorization
(2) If a person from whom any thing is seized under subsection (1) claims the thing within 14 days after the seizure and produces for inspection by the peace officer by whom it was seized, or any other peace officer having custody of it,
(a) a licence under which the person is lawfully entitled to possess it, and
(b) in the case of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm, an authorization and registration certificate for it,
the thing shall without delay be returned to that person.
Marginal note:Forfeiture of seized thing
(3) Where any thing seized pursuant to subsection (1) is not claimed and returned as and when provided by subsection (2), a peace officer shall forthwith take the thing before a provincial court judge, who may, after affording the person from whom it was seized or its owner, if known, an opportunity to establish that the person is lawfully entitled to possess it, declare it to be forfeited to Her Majesty, to be disposed of or otherwise dealt with as the Attorney General directs.
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2012, c. 6, s. 8
- 2015, c. 27, s. 33
Marginal note:Application for warrant to search and seize
117.04 (1) Where, pursuant to an application made by a peace officer with respect to any person, a justice is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the person possesses a weapon, a prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance in a building, receptacle or place and that it is not desirable in the interests of the safety of the person, or of any other person, for the person to possess the weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, the justice may issue a warrant authorizing a peace officer to search the building, receptacle or place and seize any such thing, and any authorization, licence or registration certificate relating to any such thing, that is held by or in the possession of the person.
Marginal note:Search and seizure without warrant
(2) Where, with respect to any person, a peace officer is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that it is not desirable, in the interests of the safety of the person or any other person, for the person to possess any weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, the peace officer may, where the grounds for obtaining a warrant under subsection (1) exist but, by reason of a possible danger to the safety of that person or any other person, it would not be practicable to obtain a warrant, search for and seize any such thing, and any authorization, licence or registration certificate relating to any such thing, that is held by or in the possession of the person.
Marginal note:Report to justice
(3) A peace officer who executes a warrant referred to in subsection (1) or who conducts a search without a warrant under subsection (2) shall immediately make a report to a justice having jurisdiction in respect of the matter and, in the case of an execution of a warrant, jurisdiction in the province in which the warrant was issued, showing
(a) in the case of an execution of a warrant, the things or documents, if any, seized and the date of execution of the warrant; and
(b) in the case of a search conducted without a warrant, the grounds on which it was concluded that the peace officer was entitled to conduct the search, and the things or documents, if any, seized.
Marginal note:Authorizations, etc., revoked
(4) Where a peace officer who seizes any thing under subsection (1) or (2) is unable at the time of the seizure to seize an authorization or a licence under which the person from whom the thing was seized may possess the thing and, in the case of a seized firearm, a registration certificate for the firearm, every authorization, licence and registration certificate held by the person is, as at the time of the seizure, revoked.
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2004, c. 12, s. 3
- 2022, c. 17, s. 2
Marginal note:Application for disposition
117.05 (1) If any thing or document has been seized under subsection 117.04(1) or (2), a justice having jurisdiction in respect of the matter and, in the case of an execution of a warrant, jurisdiction in the province in which the warrant was issued shall, on application for an order for the disposition of the thing or document so seized made by a peace officer within 30 days after the date of execution of the warrant or of the seizure without a warrant, as the case may be, fix a date for the hearing of the application and direct that notice of the hearing be given to the persons or in the manner that the justice may specify.
Marginal note:Ex parte hearing
(2) A justice may proceed ex parte to hear and determine an application made under subsection (1) in the absence of the person from whom the thing or document was seized in the same circumstances as those in which a summary conviction court may, under Part XXVII, proceed with a trial in the absence of the defendant.
Marginal note:Hearing of application
(3) At the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), the justice shall hear all relevant evidence, including evidence respecting the value of the thing in respect of which the application was made.
Marginal note:Forfeiture and prohibition order on finding
(4) Where, following the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), the justice finds that it is not desirable in the interests of the safety of the person from whom the thing was seized or of any other person that the person should possess any weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition and explosive substance, or any such thing, the justice shall
(a) order that any thing seized be forfeited to Her Majesty or be otherwise disposed of; and
(b) where the justice is satisfied that the circumstances warrant such an action, order that the possession by that person of any weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition and explosive substance, or of any such thing, be prohibited during any period, not exceeding five years, that is specified in the order, beginning on the making of the order.
Marginal note:Reasons
(5) Where a justice does not make an order under subsection (4), or where a justice does make such an order but does not prohibit the possession of all of the things referred to in that subsection, the justice shall include in the record a statement of the justice’s reasons.
Marginal note:Application of ss. 113 to 117
(6) Sections 113 to 117 apply in respect of every order made under subsection (4).
Marginal note:Appeal by person
(7) Where a justice makes an order under subsection (4) in respect of a person, or in respect of any thing that was seized from a person, the person may appeal to the superior court against the order.
Marginal note:Appeal by Attorney General
(8) Where a justice does not make a finding as described in subsection (4) following the hearing of an application under subsection (1), or makes the finding but does not make an order to the effect described in paragraph (4)(b), the Attorney General may appeal to the superior court against the failure to make the finding or to make an order to the effect so described.
Marginal note:Application of Part XXVII to appeals
(9) The provisions of Part XXVII, except sections 785 to 812, 816 to 819 and 829 to 838, apply in respect of an appeal made under subsection (7) or (8) with such modifications as the circumstances require and as if each reference in that Part to the appeal court were a reference to the superior court.
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2022, c. 17, s. 3
Marginal note:Where no finding or application
117.06 (1) Any thing or document seized pursuant to subsection 117.04(1) or (2) shall be returned to the person from whom it was seized if
(a) no application is made under subsection 117.05(1) within thirty days after the date of execution of the warrant or of the seizure without a warrant, as the case may be; or
(b) an application is made under subsection 117.05(1) within the period referred to in paragraph (a), and the justice does not make a finding as described in subsection 117.05(4).
Marginal note:Restoration of authorizations
(2) Where, pursuant to subsection (1), any thing is returned to the person from whom it was seized and an authorization, a licence or a registration certificate, as the case may be, is revoked pursuant to subsection 117.04(4), the justice referred to in paragraph (1)(b) may order that the revocation be reversed and that the authorization, licence or registration certificate be restored.
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Exempted Persons
Marginal note:Public officers
117.07 (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, but subject to section 117.1, no public officer is guilty of an offence under this Act or the Firearms Act by reason only that the public officer
(a) possesses a firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, any prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance in the course of or for the purpose of the public officer’s duties or employment;
(b) manufactures or transfers, or offers to manufacture or transfer, a firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, any ammunition or any prohibited ammunition in the course of the public officer’s duties or employment;
(c) exports or imports a firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition in the course of the public officer’s duties or employment;
(d) exports or imports a component or part designed exclusively for use in the manufacture of or assembly into an automatic firearm in the course of the public officer’s duties or employment;
(e) in the course of the public officer’s duties or employment, alters a firearm so that it is capable of, or manufactures or assembles any firearm with intent to produce a firearm that is capable of, discharging projectiles in rapid succession during one pressure of the trigger;
(f) fails to report the loss, theft or finding of any firearm, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance that occurs in the course of the public officer’s duties or employment or the destruction of any such thing in the course of the public officer’s duties or employment; or
(g) alters a serial number on a firearm in the course of the public officer’s duties or employment.
Definition of public officer
(2) In this section, public officer means
(a) a peace officer;
(b) a member of the Canadian Forces or of the armed forces of a state other than Canada who is attached or seconded to any of the Canadian Forces;
(c) an operator of a museum established by the Chief of the Defence Staff or a person employed in any such museum;
(d) a member of a cadet organization under the control and supervision of the Canadian Forces;
(e) a person training to become a police officer or a peace officer under the control and supervision of
(i) a police force, or
(ii) a police academy or similar institution designated by the Attorney General of Canada or the lieutenant governor in council of a province;
(f) a member of a visiting force, within the meaning of section 2 of the Visiting Forces Act, who is authorized under paragraph 14(a) of that Act to possess and carry explosives, ammunition and firearms;
(g) a person, or member of a class of persons, employed in the federal public administration or by the government of a province or municipality who is prescribed to be a public officer;
(h) the Commissioner of Firearms, the Registrar, a chief firearms officer, any firearms officer and any person designated under section 100 of the Firearms Act;
(i) a person employed by the Bank of Canada or the Royal Canadian Mint who is responsible for the security of its facilities; or
(j) a person employed by any federal agency or body, other than a person employed in the federal public administration, who is responsible for the security of that agency’s or body’s facilities and is prescribed to be a public officer.
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2003, c. 8, s. 7, c. 22, s. 224(E)
- 2023, c. 32, s. 12
Marginal note:Preclearance officers
117.071 Despite any other provision of this Act, but subject to section 117.1, no preclearance officer, as defined in section 5 of the Preclearance Act, 2016, is guilty of an offence under this Act or the Firearms Act by reason only that the preclearance officer
(a) possesses a firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition in the course of or for the purpose of their duties or employment;
(b) transfers or offers to transfer a firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, any ammunition or any prohibited ammunition in the course of their duties or employment;
(c) exports or imports a firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition in the course of their duties or employment; or
(d) fails to report the loss, theft or finding of any firearm, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance that occurs in the course of their duties or employment or the destruction of any such thing in the course of their duties or employment.
Marginal note:Individuals acting for police force, Canadian Forces and visiting forces
117.08 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, but subject to section 117.1, no individual is guilty of an offence under this Act or the Firearms Act by reason only that the individual
(a) possesses a firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, any prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance,
(b) manufactures or transfers, or offers to manufacture or transfer, a firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, any ammunition or any prohibited ammunition,
(c) exports or imports a firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition,
(d) exports or imports a component or part designed exclusively for use in the manufacture of or assembly into an automatic firearm,
(e) alters a firearm so that it is capable of, or manufactures or assembles any firearm with intent to produce a firearm that is capable of, discharging projectiles in rapid succession during one pressure of the trigger,
(f) fails to report the loss, theft or finding of any firearm, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance or the destruction of any such thing, or
(g) alters a serial number on a firearm,
if the individual does so on behalf of, and under the authority of, a police force, the Canadian Forces, a visiting force, within the meaning of section 2 of the Visiting Forces Act, or a department of the Government of Canada or of a province.
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Marginal note:Employees of business with licence
117.09 (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, but subject to section 117.1, no individual who is the holder of a licence to possess and acquire restricted firearms and who is employed by a business as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Firearms Act that itself is the holder of a licence that authorizes the business to carry out specified activities in relation to prohibited firearms, prohibited weapons, prohibited devices or prohibited ammunition is guilty of an offence under this Act or the Firearms Act by reason only that the individual, in the course of the individual’s duties or employment in relation to those specified activities,
(a) possesses a prohibited firearm, a prohibited weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition;
(b) manufactures or transfers, or offers to manufacture or transfer, a prohibited weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition;
(c) alters a firearm so that it is capable of, or manufactures or assembles any firearm with intent to produce a firearm that is capable of, discharging projectiles in rapid succession during one pressure of the trigger; or
(d) alters a serial number on a firearm.
Marginal note:Employees of business with licence
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, but subject to section 117.1, no individual who is employed by a business as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Firearms Act that itself is the holder of a licence is guilty of an offence under this Act or the Firearms Act by reason only that the individual, in the course of the individual’s duties or employment, possesses, manufactures or transfers, or offers to manufacture or transfer, a partially manufactured barrelled weapon that, in its unfinished state, is not a barrelled weapon from which any shot, bullet or other projectile can be discharged and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person.
Marginal note:Employees of carriers
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, but subject to section 117.1, no individual who is employed by a carrier, as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Firearms Act, is guilty of an offence under this Act or that Act by reason only that the individual, in the course of the individual’s duties or employment, possesses any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition or prohibited ammunition or transfers, or offers to transfer any such thing.
Marginal note:Employees of museums handling functioning imitation antique firearm
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, but subject to section 117.1, no individual who is employed by a museum as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Firearms Act that itself is the holder of a licence is guilty of an offence under this Act or the Firearms Act by reason only that the individual, in the course of the individual’s duties or employment, possesses or transfers a firearm that is designed or intended to exactly resemble, or to resemble with near precision, an antique firearm if the individual has been trained to handle and use such a firearm.
Marginal note:Employees of museums handling firearms generally
(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, but subject to section 117.1, no individual who is employed by a museum as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Firearms Act that itself is the holder of a licence is guilty of an offence under this Act or the Firearms Act by reason only that the individual possesses or transfers a firearm in the course of the individual’s duties or employment if the individual is designated, by name, by a provincial minister within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Firearms Act.
Marginal note:Public safety
(6) A provincial minister shall not designate an individual for the purpose of subsection (5) where it is not desirable, in the interests of the safety of any person, to designate the individual.
Marginal note:Conditions
(7) A provincial minister may attach to a designation referred to in subsection (5) any reasonable condition that the provincial minister considers desirable in the particular circumstances and in the interests of the safety of any person.
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Marginal note:Restriction
117.1 Sections 117.07 to 117.09 do not apply if the public officer or the individual is subject to a prohibition order and acts contrary to that order or to an authorization or a licence issued under the authority of an order made under subsection 113(1).
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
General
Marginal note:Onus on the accused
117.11 Where, in any proceedings for an offence under any of sections 89, 90, 91, 93, 97, 101, 104 and 105, any question arises as to whether a person is the holder of an authorization, a licence or a registration certificate, the onus is on the accused to prove that the person is the holder of the authorization, licence or registration certificate.
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Marginal note:Authorizations, etc., as evidence
117.12 (1) In any proceedings under this Act or any other Act of Parliament, a document purporting to be an authorization, a licence or a registration certificate is evidence of the statements contained therein.
Marginal note:Certified copies
(2) In any proceedings under this Act or any other Act of Parliament, a copy of any authorization, licence or registration certificate is, if certified as a true copy by the Registrar or a chief firearms officer, admissible in evidence and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, has the same probative force as the authorization, licence or registration certificate would have had if it had been proved in the ordinary way.
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Marginal note:Certificate of analyst
117.13 (1) A certificate purporting to be signed by an analyst stating that the analyst has analyzed any weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, or any part or component of such a thing, and stating the results of the analysis is evidence in any proceedings in relation to any of those things under this Act or under section 19 of the Export and Import Permits Act in relation to subsection 15(2) of that Act without proof of the signature or official character of the person appearing to have signed the certificate.
Marginal note:Attendance of analyst
(2) The party against whom a certificate of an analyst is produced may, with leave of the court, require the attendance of the analyst for the purposes of cross-examination.
Marginal note:Notice of intention to produce certificate
(3) No certificate of an analyst may be admitted in evidence unless the party intending to produce it has, before the trial, given to the party against whom it is intended to be produced reasonable notice of that intention together with a copy of the certificate.
(4) and (5) [Repealed, 2008, c. 18, s. 2]
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2008, c. 18, s. 2
Marginal note:Amnesty period
117.14 (1) The Governor in Council may, by order, declare for any purpose referred to in subsection (2) any period as an amnesty period with respect to any weapon, prohibited device, prohibited ammunition, explosive substance or component or part designed exclusively for use in the manufacture of or assembly into an automatic firearm.
Marginal note:Purposes of amnesty period
(2) An order made under subsection (1) may declare an amnesty period for the purpose of
(a) permitting any person in possession of any thing to which the order relates to do anything provided in the order, including, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, delivering the thing to a peace officer, a firearms officer or a chief firearms officer, registering it, destroying it or otherwise disposing of it; or
(b) permitting alterations to be made to any prohibited firearm, prohibited weapon, prohibited device or prohibited ammunition to which the order relates so that it no longer qualifies as a prohibited firearm, a prohibited weapon, a prohibited device or prohibited ammunition, as the case may be.
Marginal note:Reliance on amnesty period
(3) No person who, during an amnesty period declared by an order made under subsection (1) and for a purpose described in the order, does anything provided for in the order, is, by reason only of the fact that the person did that thing, guilty of an offence under this Part.
Marginal note:Proceedings are a nullity
(4) Any proceedings taken under this Part against any person for anything done by the person in reliance of this section are a nullity.
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
Marginal note:Regulations
117.15 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Governor in Council may make regulations prescribing anything that by this Part is to be or may be prescribed.
Marginal note:Restriction
(2) In making regulations, the Governor in Council may not prescribe any thing to be a prohibited firearm, a restricted firearm, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device or prohibited ammunition if, in the opinion of the Governor in Council, the thing to be prescribed is reasonable for use in Canada for hunting or sporting purposes.
(3) [Repealed, 2019, c. 9, s. 18]
(4) [Repealed, 2019, c. 9, s. 18]
- 1995, c. 39, s. 139
- 2015, c. 27, s. 34
- 2019, c. 9, s. 18
PART IVOffences Against the Administration of Law and Justice
Interpretation
Marginal note:Definitions
118 In this Part,
- evidence
evidence or statement means an assertion of fact, opinion, belief or knowledge, whether material or not and whether admissible or not; (témoignage, déposition ou déclaration)
- government
government means
(a) the Government of Canada,
(b) the government of a province, or
(c) Her Majesty in right of Canada or a province; (gouvernement)
- judicial proceeding
judicial proceeding means a proceeding
(a) in or under the authority of a court of justice,
(b) before the Senate or House of Commons or a committee of the Senate or House of Commons, or before a legislative council, legislative assembly or house of assembly or a committee thereof that is authorized by law to administer an oath,
(c) before a court, judge, justice, provincial court judge or coroner,
(d) before an arbitrator or umpire, or a person or body of persons authorized by law to make an inquiry and take evidence therein under oath, or
(e) before a tribunal by which a legal right or legal liability may be established,
whether or not the proceeding is invalid for want of jurisdiction or for any other reason; (procédure judiciaire)
- office
office includes
(a) an office or appointment under the government,
(b) a civil or military commission, and
(c) a position or an employment in a public department; (charge ou emploi)
- official
official means a person who
(a) holds an office, or
(b) is appointed or elected to discharge a public duty; (fonctionnaire)
- witness
witness means a person who gives evidence orally under oath or by affidavit in a judicial proceeding, whether or not he is competent to be a witness, and includes a child of tender years who gives evidence but does not give it under oath, because, in the opinion of the person presiding, the child does not understand the nature of an oath. (témoin)
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 118
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), ss. 15, 203
- 2007, c. 13, s. 2
Corruption and Disobedience
Marginal note:Bribery of judicial officers, etc.
119 (1) Every one is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years who
(a) being the holder of a judicial office, or being a member of Parliament or of the legislature of a province, directly or indirectly, corruptly accepts, obtains, agrees to accept or attempts to obtain, for themselves or another person, any money, valuable consideration, office, place or employment in respect of anything done or omitted or to be done or omitted by them in their official capacity, or
(b) directly or indirectly, corruptly gives or offers to a person mentioned in paragraph (a), or to anyone for the benefit of that person, any money, valuable consideration, office, place or employment in respect of anything done or omitted or to be done or omitted by that person in their official capacity.
Marginal note:Consent of Attorney General
(2) No proceedings against a person who holds a judicial office shall be instituted under this section without the consent in writing of the Attorney General of Canada.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 119
- 2007, c. 13, s. 3
Marginal note:Bribery of officers
120 Every one is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years who
(a) being a justice, police commissioner, peace officer, public officer or officer of a juvenile court, or being employed in the administration of criminal law, directly or indirectly, corruptly accepts, obtains, agrees to accept or attempts to obtain, for themselves or another person, any money, valuable consideration, office, place or employment with intent
(i) to interfere with the administration of justice,
(ii) to procure or facilitate the commission of an offence, or
(iii) to protect from detection or punishment a person who has committed or who intends to commit an offence; or
(b) directly or indirectly, corruptly gives or offers to a person mentioned in paragraph (a), or to anyone for the benefit of that person, any money, valuable consideration, office, place or employment with intent that the person should do anything mentioned in subparagraph (a)(i), (ii) or (iii).
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 120
- 2007, c. 13, s. 4
Marginal note:Frauds on the government
121 (1) Every one commits an offence who
(a) directly or indirectly
(i) gives, offers or agrees to give or offer to an official or to any member of his family, or to any one for the benefit of an official, or
(ii) being an official, demands, accepts or offers or agrees to accept from any person for himself or another person,
a loan, reward, advantage or benefit of any kind as consideration for cooperation, assistance, exercise of influence or an act or omission in connection with
(iii) the transaction of business with or any matter of business relating to the government, or
(iv) a claim against Her Majesty or any benefit that Her Majesty is authorized or is entitled to bestow,
whether or not, in fact, the official is able to cooperate, render assistance, exercise influence or do or omit to do what is proposed, as the case may be;
(b) having dealings of any kind with the government, directly or indirectly pays a commission or reward to or confers an advantage or benefit of any kind on an employee or official of the government with which the dealings take place, or to any member of the employee’s or official’s family, or to anyone for the benefit of the employee or official, with respect to those dealings, unless the person has the consent in writing of the head of the branch of government with which the dealings take place;
(c) being an official or employee of the government, directly or indirectly demands, accepts or offers or agrees to accept from a person who has dealings with the government a commission, reward, advantage or benefit of any kind for themselves or another person, unless they have the consent in writing of the head of the branch of government that employs them or of which they are an official;
(d) having or pretending to have influence with the government or with a minister of the government or an official, directly or indirectly demands, accepts or offers or agrees to accept, for themselves or another person, a reward, advantage or benefit of any kind as consideration for cooperation, assistance, exercise of influence or an act or omission in connection with
(i) anything mentioned in subparagraph (a)(iii) or (iv), or
(ii) the appointment of any person, including themselves, to an office;
(e) directly or indirectly gives or offers, or agrees to give or offer, to a minister of the government or an official, or to anyone for the benefit of a minister or an official, a reward, advantage or benefit of any kind as consideration for cooperation, assistance, exercise of influence, or an act or omission, by that minister or official, in connection with
(i) anything mentioned in subparagraph (a)(iii) or (iv), or
(ii) the appointment of any person, including themselves, to an office; or
(f) having made a tender to obtain a contract with the government,
(i) directly or indirectly gives or offers, or agrees to give or offer, to another person who has made a tender, to a member of that person’s family or to another person for the benefit of that person, a reward, advantage or benefit of any kind as consideration for the withdrawal of the tender of that person, or
(ii) directly or indirectly demands, accepts or offers or agrees to accept from another person who has made a tender a reward, advantage or benefit of any kind for themselves or another person as consideration for the withdrawal of their own tender.
Marginal note:Contractor subscribing to election fund
(2) Every one commits an offence who, in order to obtain or retain a contract with the government, or as a term of any such contract, whether express or implied, directly or indirectly subscribes or gives, or agrees to subscribe or give, to any person any valuable consideration
(a) for the purpose of promoting the election of a candidate or a class or party of candidates to Parliament or the legislature of a province; or
(b) with intent to influence or affect in any way the result of an election conducted for the purpose of electing persons to serve in Parliament or the legislature of a province.
Marginal note:Punishment
(3) Every person who commits an offence under this section is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 121
- 2007, c. 13, s. 5
- 2019, c. 25, s. 33
Marginal note:Selling, etc., of tobacco products and raw leaf tobacco
121.1 (1) No person shall sell, offer for sale, transport, deliver, distribute or have in their possession for the purpose of sale a tobacco product, or raw leaf tobacco that is not packaged, unless it is stamped. The terms tobacco product, raw leaf tobacco, packaged and stamped have the same meanings as in section 2 of the Excise Act, 2001.
Marginal note:Exceptions — subsections 30(2) and 32(2) and (3) of Excise Act, 2001
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in any of the circumstances described in any of subsections 30(2) and 32(2) and (3) of the Excise Act, 2001.
Marginal note:Exception — section 31 of Excise Act, 2001
(3) A tobacco grower does not contravene subsection (1) by reason only that they have in their possession raw leaf tobacco described in paragraph 31(a), (b) or (c) of the Excise Act, 2001.
Marginal note:Punishment
(4) Every person who contravenes subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
(5) [Repealed, 2022, c. 15, s. 9]
- 2014, c. 23, s. 3
- 2019, c. 25, s. 34
- 2022, c. 15, s. 9
Marginal note:Breach of trust by public officer
122 Every official who, in connection with the duties of their office, commits fraud or a breach of trust, whether or not the fraud or breach of trust would be an offence if it were committed in relation to a private person, is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 122
- 2019, c. 25, s. 35
Marginal note:Municipal corruption
123 (1) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who directly or indirectly gives, offers or agrees to give or offer to a municipal official or to anyone for the benefit of a municipal official — or, being a municipal official, directly or indirectly demands, accepts or offers or agrees to accept from any person for themselves or another person — a loan, reward, advantage or benefit of any kind as consideration for the official
(a) to abstain from voting at a meeting of the municipal council or a committee of the council;
(b) to vote in favour of or against a measure, motion or resolution;
(c) to aid in procuring or preventing the adoption of a measure, motion or resolution; or
(d) to perform or fail to perform an official act.
Marginal note:Influencing municipal official
(2) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who influences or attempts to influence a municipal official to do anything mentioned in paragraphs (1)(a) to (d) by
(a) suppression of the truth, in the case of a person who is under a duty to disclose the truth;
(b) threats or deceit; or
(c) any unlawful means.
Definition of municipal official
(3) In this section, municipal official means a member of a municipal council or a person who holds an office under a municipal government.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 123
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 16
- 2007, c. 13, s. 6
- 2019, c. 25, s. 36
Marginal note:Selling or purchasing office
124 Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who
(a) purports to sell or agrees to sell an appointment to or a resignation from an office, or a consent to any such appointment or resignation, or receives or agrees to receive a reward or profit from the purported sale thereof, or
(b) purports to purchase or gives a reward or profit for the purported purchase of any such appointment, resignation or consent, or agrees or promises to do so.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 124
- 2019, c. 25, s. 37
Marginal note:Influencing or negotiating appointments or dealing in offices
125 Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who
(a) receives, agrees to receive, gives or procures to be given, directly or indirectly, a reward, advantage or benefit of any kind as consideration for cooperation, assistance or exercise of influence to secure the appointment of any person to an office,
(b) solicits, recommends or negotiates in any manner with respect to an appointment to or resignation from an office, in expectation of a direct or indirect reward, advantage or benefit, or
(c) keeps without lawful authority a place for transacting or negotiating any business relating to
(i) the filling of vacancies in offices,
(ii) the sale or purchase of offices, or
(iii) appointments to or resignations from offices.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 125
- 2018, c. 29, s. 7
- 2019, c. 25, s. 38
Marginal note:Disobeying a statute
126 (1) Every person who, without lawful excuse, contravenes an Act of Parliament by intentionally doing anything that it forbids or by intentionally omitting to do anything that it requires to be done is, unless a punishment is expressly provided by law, guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Attorney General of Canada may act
(2) Any proceedings in respect of a contravention of or conspiracy to contravene an Act mentioned in subsection (1), other than this Act, may be instituted at the instance of the Government of Canada and conducted by or on behalf of that Government.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 126
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 185(F)
- 2019, c. 25, s. 39
Marginal note:Disobeying order of court
127 (1) Every one who, without lawful excuse, disobeys a lawful order made by a court of justice or by a person or body of persons authorized by any Act to make or give the order, other than an order for the payment of money, is, unless a punishment or other mode of proceeding is expressly provided by law, guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Attorney General of Canada may act
(2) Where the order referred to in subsection (1) was made in proceedings instituted at the instance of the Government of Canada and conducted by or on behalf of that Government, any proceedings in respect of a contravention of or conspiracy to contravene that order may be instituted and conducted in like manner.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 127
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 185(F)
- 2005, c. 32, s. 1
Marginal note:Misconduct of officers executing process
128 Every peace officer or coroner is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who, being entrusted with the execution of a process, intentionally
(a) misconducts himself in the execution of the process, or
(b) makes a false return to the process.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 128
- 2019, c. 25, s. 40
Marginal note:Offences relating to public or peace officer
129 Every one who
(a) resists or wilfully obstructs a public officer or peace officer in the execution of his duty or any person lawfully acting in aid of such an officer,
(b) omits, without reasonable excuse, to assist a public officer or peace officer in the execution of his duty in arresting a person or in preserving the peace, after having reasonable notice that he is required to do so, or
(c) resists or wilfully obstructs any person in the lawful execution of a process against lands or goods or in making a lawful distress or seizure,
is guilty of
(d) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or
(e) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 118
- 1972, c. 13, s. 7
Marginal note:Personating peace officer
130 (1) Everyone commits an offence who
(a) falsely represents himself to be a peace officer or a public officer; or
(b) not being a peace officer or public officer, uses a badge or article of uniform or equipment in a manner that is likely to cause persons to believe that he is a peace officer or a public officer, as the case may be.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Everyone who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 130
- 2009, c. 28, s. 2
Marginal note:Aggravating circumstance
130.1 If a person is convicted of an offence under section 130, the court imposing the sentence on the person shall consider as an aggravating circumstance the fact that the accused personated a peace officer or a public officer, as the case may be, for the purpose of facilitating the commission of another offence.
- 2014, c. 10, s. 1
Misleading Justice
Marginal note:Perjury
131 (1) Subject to subsection (3), every one commits perjury who, with intent to mislead, makes before a person who is authorized by law to permit it to be made before him a false statement under oath or solemn affirmation, by affidavit, solemn declaration or deposition or orally, knowing that the statement is false.
Marginal note:Video links, etc.
(1.1) Subject to subsection (3), every person who gives evidence under subsection 46(2) of the Canada Evidence Act, or gives evidence or a statement pursuant to an order made under section 22.2 of the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, commits perjury who, with intent to mislead, makes a false statement knowing that it is false, whether or not the false statement was made under oath or solemn affirmation in accordance with subsection (1), so long as the false statement was made in accordance with any formalities required by the law of the place outside Canada in which the person is virtually present or heard.
Marginal note:Idem
(2) Subsection (1) applies, whether or not a statement referred to in that subsection is made in a judicial proceeding.
Marginal note:Application
(3) Subsections (1) and (1.1) do not apply to a statement referred to in either of those subsections that is made by a person who is not specially permitted, authorized or required by law to make that statement.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 131
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 17
- 1999, c. 18, s. 92
Marginal note:Punishment
132 Every one who commits perjury is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 132
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 17
- 1998, c. 35, s. 119
Marginal note:Corroboration
133 No person shall be convicted of an offence under section 132 on the evidence of only one witness unless the evidence of that witness is corroborated in a material particular by evidence that implicates the accused.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 133
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 17
Marginal note:Idem
134 (1) Subject to subsection (2), every one who, not being specially permitted, authorized or required by law to make a statement under oath or solemn affirmation, makes such a statement, by affidavit, solemn declaration or deposition or orally before a person who is authorized by law to permit it to be made before him, knowing that the statement is false, is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Application
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a statement referred to in that subsection that is made in the course of a criminal investigation.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 134
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 17
135 [Repealed, R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 17]
Marginal note:Witness giving contradictory evidence
136 (1) Every one who, being a witness in a judicial proceeding, gives evidence with respect to any matter of fact or knowledge and who subsequently, in a judicial proceeding, gives evidence that is contrary to his previous evidence is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years, whether or not the prior or later evidence or either is true, but no person shall be convicted under this section unless the court, judge or provincial court judge, as the case may be, is satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused, in giving evidence in either of the judicial proceedings, intended to mislead.
Marginal note:Evidence in specific cases
(1.1) Evidence given under section 714.1, 714.2 or 714.3 or under subsection 46(2) of the Canada Evidence Act or evidence or a statement given under an order made under section 22.2 of the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act is deemed to be evidence given by a witness in a judicial proceeding for the purposes of subsection (1).
Definition of evidence
(2) Notwithstanding the definition evidence in section 118, evidence, for the purposes of this section, does not include evidence that is not material.
Marginal note:Proof of former trial
(2.1) Where a person is charged with an offence under this section, a certificate specifying with reasonable particularity the proceeding in which that person is alleged to have given the evidence in respect of which the offence is charged, is evidence that it was given in a judicial proceeding, without proof of the signature or official character of the person by whom the certificate purports to be signed if it purports to be signed by the clerk of the court or other official having the custody of the record of that proceeding or by his lawful deputy.
Marginal note:Consent required
(3) No proceedings shall be instituted under this section without the consent of the Attorney General.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 136
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), ss. 18, 203
- 1999, c. 18, s. 93
- 2019, c. 25, s. 41
Marginal note:Fabricating evidence
137 Every one who, with intent to mislead, fabricates anything with intent that it shall be used as evidence in a judicial proceeding, existing or proposed, by any means other than perjury or incitement to perjury is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 125
Marginal note:Offences relating to affidavits
138 Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who
(a) signs a writing that purports to be an affidavit or statutory declaration and to have been sworn or declared before him when the writing was not so sworn or declared or when he knows that he has no authority to administer the oath or declaration,
(b) uses or offers for use any writing purporting to be an affidavit or statutory declaration that he knows was not sworn or declared, as the case may be, by the affiant or declarant or before a person authorized in that behalf, or
(c) signs as affiant or declarant a writing that purports to be an affidavit or statutory declaration and to have been sworn or declared by him, as the case may be, when the writing was not so sworn or declared.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 138
- 2019, c. 25, s. 42
Marginal note:Obstructing justice
139 (1) Every one who wilfully attempts in any manner to obstruct, pervert or defeat the course of justice in a judicial proceeding,
(a) by indemnifying or agreeing to indemnify a surety, in any way and either in whole or in part, or
(b) where he is a surety, by accepting or agreeing to accept a fee or any form of indemnity whether in whole or in part from or in respect of a person who is released or is to be released from custody,
is guilty of
(c) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or
(d) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Idem
(2) Every person who intentionally attempts in any manner other than a manner described in subsection (1) to obstruct, pervert or defeat the course of justice is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Idem
(3) Without restricting the generality of subsection (2), every one shall be deemed wilfully to attempt to obstruct, pervert or defeat the course of justice who in a judicial proceeding, existing or proposed,
(a) dissuades or attempts to dissuade a person by threats, bribes or other corrupt means from giving evidence;
(b) influences or attempts to influence by threats, bribes or other corrupt means a person in his conduct as a juror; or
(c) accepts or obtains, agrees to accept or attempts to obtain a bribe or other corrupt consideration to abstain from giving evidence, or to do or to refrain from doing anything as a juror.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 139
- 2019, c. 25, s. 43
Marginal note:Public mischief
140 (1) Every one commits public mischief who, with intent to mislead, causes a peace officer to enter on or continue an investigation by
(a) making a false statement that accuses some other person of having committed an offence;
(b) doing anything intended to cause some other person to be suspected of having committed an offence that the other person has not committed, or to divert suspicion from himself;
(c) reporting that an offence has been committed when it has not been committed; or
(d) reporting or in any other way making it known or causing it to be made known that he or some other person has died when he or that other person has not died.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every one who commits public mischief
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 140
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 19
Marginal note:Compounding indictable offence
141 (1) Every person who asks for or obtains or agrees to receive or obtain any valuable consideration for themselves or any other person by agreeing to compound or conceal an indictable offence is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Exception for diversion agreements
(2) No offence is committed under subsection (1) where valuable consideration is received or obtained or is to be received or obtained under an agreement for compensation or restitution or personal services that is
(a) entered into with the consent of the Attorney General; or
(b) made as part of a program, approved by the Attorney General, to divert persons charged with indictable offences from criminal proceedings.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 141
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 19
- 2019, c. 25, s. 44
Marginal note:Corruptly taking reward for recovery of goods
142 Every person who corruptly accepts any valuable consideration, directly or indirectly, under pretence or on account of helping any person to recover anything obtained by the commission of an indictable offence is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 142
- 2019, c. 25, s. 45
143 [Repealed, 2018, c. 29, s. 8]
Escapes and Rescues
Marginal note:Prison breach
144 Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who
(a) by force or violence breaks a prison with intent to set at liberty himself or any other person confined therein, or
(b) with intent to escape forcibly breaks out of, or makes any breach in, a cell or other place within a prison in which he is confined.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 144
- 2019, c. 25, s. 46
Marginal note:Escape and being at large without excuse
145 (1) Every person who escapes from lawful custody or who is, before the expiration of a term of imprisonment to which they were sentenced, at large in or outside Canada without lawful excuse, is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Failure to attend court or surrender
(2) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who,
(a) is at large on a release order and who fails, without lawful excuse, to attend court in accordance with the release order;
(b) having appeared before a court, justice or judge, fails, without lawful excuse, to subsequently attend court as required by the court, justice or judge;
(c) fails to surrender themselves in accordance with an order of the court, justice or judge, as the case may be; or
(d) fails, without lawful excuse, to comply with an order made under section 515.01.
Marginal note:Failure to comply with appearance notice or summons
(3) Every person who is named in an appearance notice that has been confirmed by a justice under section 508 or who is served with a summons and who fails, without lawful excuse, to appear at the time and place stated in the notice or the summons, as the case may be, for the purposes of the Identification of Criminals Act, or to attend court in accordance with the notice or the summons, as the case may be, is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Failure to comply with undertaking
(4) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years or an offence punishable on summary conviction who,
(a) is at large on an undertaking and who fails, without lawful excuse, to comply with a condition of that undertaking; or
(b) is at large on an undertaking that has been confirmed by a justice under section 508 and who fails, without lawful excuse, to appear at the time and place stated in the undertaking for the purposes of the Identification of Criminals Act or to attend court in accordance with the undertaking.
Marginal note:Failure to comply with order
(5) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years, or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction, who
(a) is at large on a release order and who fails, without lawful excuse, to comply with a condition of that release order other than the condition to attend court; or
(b) is bound to comply with an order under subsection 515(12), 516(2) or 522(2.1) and who fails, without lawful excuse, to comply with that order.
(5.1) [Repealed, 2019, c. 25, s. 47]
Marginal note:Not an excuse
(6) For the purposes of subsections (3) and (4), it is not a lawful excuse that an appearance notice or undertaking states defectively the substance of the alleged offence.
(7) [Repealed, R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 20]
Marginal note:Election of Crown under Contraventions Act
(8) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(a) and subsections (3) to (5), it is a lawful excuse to fail to attend court in accordance with a summons, appearance notice, undertaking or release order, to comply with a condition of an undertaking or release order or to fail to appear at the time and place stated in a summons, an appearance notice or an undertaking for the purposes of the Identification of Criminals Act if — before the failure — the Attorney General, within the meaning of the Contraventions Act, makes an election under section 50 of that Act.
Marginal note:Proof of certain facts by certificate
(9) In any proceedings under subsections (2) to (4), a certificate of the clerk of the court or a judge of the court before which the accused is alleged to have failed to attend or of the person in charge of the place at which it is alleged the accused failed to attend for the purposes of the Identification of Criminals Act is evidence of the statements contained in the certificate without proof of the signature or the official character of the person appearing to have signed the certificate if the certificate states that,
(a) in the case of proceedings under subsection (2), the accused failed to attend court as required by the release order or, having attended court, failed to subsequently attend court as required by the court, judge or justice or failed to surrender in accordance with an order of the court, judge or justice, as the case may be;
(b) in the case of proceedings under subsection (3), the accused was named in an appearance notice that was confirmed by a justice under section 508 and the accused failed to attend court in accordance with the notice or failed to appear at the time and place stated in the notice for the purposes of the Identification of Criminals Act, as the case may be;
(c) in the case of proceedings under subsection (3), a summons was issued to and served on the accused and the accused failed to attend court in accordance with the summons or failed to appear at the time and place stated in the summons for the purposes of the Identification of Criminals Act, as the case may be; and
(d) in the case of proceedings under subsection (4), the accused was at large on an undertaking that was confirmed by a justice under section 508, and the accused failed to attend court in accordance with the undertaking or failed to appear at the time and place stated in the undertaking for the purposes of the Identification of Criminals Act, as the case may be.
Marginal note:Attendance and right to cross-examination
(10) An accused against whom a certificate described in subsection (9) is produced may, with leave of the court, require the attendance of the person making the certificate for the purposes of cross-examination.
Marginal note:Notice of intention to produce
(11) No certificate shall be received in evidence pursuant to subsection (9) unless the party intending to produce it has, before the trial, given to the accused reasonable notice of his intention together with a copy of the certificate.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 145
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 20
- 1992, c. 47, s. 68
- 1994, c. 44, s. 8
- 1996, c. 7, s. 38
- 1997, c. 18, s. 3
- 2008, c. 18, s. 3
- 2018, c. 29, s. 9
- 2019, c. 25, s. 47
- 2022, c. 17, s. 4
Marginal note:Permitting or assisting escape
146 Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who
(a) permits a person whom he has in lawful custody to escape, by failing to perform a legal duty,
(b) conveys or causes to be conveyed into a prison anything, with intent to facilitate the escape of a person imprisoned therein, or
(c) directs or procures, under colour of pretended authority, the discharge of a prisoner who is not entitled to be discharged.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 146
- 2019, c. 25, s. 48
Marginal note:Rescue or permitting escape
147 Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who
(a) rescues any person from lawful custody or assists any person in escaping or attempting to escape from lawful custody,
(b) being a peace officer, wilfully permits a person in his lawful custody to escape, or
(c) being an officer of or an employee in a prison, wilfully permits a person to escape from lawful custody therein.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 147
- 2019, c. 25, s. 49
Marginal note:Assisting prisoner of war to escape
148 Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who knowingly
(a) assists a prisoner of war in Canada to escape from a place where he is detained, or
(b) assists a prisoner of war, who is permitted to be at large on parole in Canada, to escape from the place where he is at large on parole.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 148
- 2019, c. 25, s. 50
Marginal note:Service of term for escape
149 (1) Notwithstanding section 743.1, a court that convicts a person for an escape committed while undergoing imprisonment may order that the term of imprisonment be served in a penitentiary, even if the time to be served is less than two years.
Definition of escape
(2) In this section, escape means breaking prison, escaping from lawful custody or, without lawful excuse, being at large before the expiration of a term of imprisonment to which a person has been sentenced.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 149
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 203
- 1992, c. 20, s. 199
- 1995, c. 22, s. 1
PART VSexual Offences, Public Morals and Disorderly Conduct
Interpretation
Marginal note:Definitions
150 In this Part,
- guardian
guardian includes any person who has in law or in fact the custody or control of another person; (tuteur)
- public place
public place includes any place to which the public have access as of right or by invitation, express or implied; (endroit public)
- theatre
theatre includes any place that is open to the public where entertainments are given, whether or not any charge is made for admission. (théâtre)
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 138
Sexual Offences
Marginal note:Consent no defence
150.1 (1) Subject to subsections (2) to (2.2), when an accused is charged with an offence under section 151 or 152 or subsection 153(1), 160(3) or 173(2) or is charged with an offence under section 271, 272 or 273 in respect of a complainant under the age of 16 years, it is not a defence that the complainant consented to the activity that forms the subject-matter of the charge.
Marginal note:Exception — complainant aged 12 or 13
(2) When an accused is charged with an offence under section 151 or 152, subsection 173(2) or section 271 in respect of a complainant who is 12 years of age or more but under the age of 14 years, it is a defence that the complainant consented to the activity that forms the subject-matter of the charge if the accused
(a) is less than two years older than the complainant; and
(b) is not in a position of trust or authority towards the complainant, is not a person with whom the complainant is in a relationship of dependency and is not in a relationship with the complainant that is exploitative of the complainant.
Marginal note:Exception — complainant aged 14 or 15
(2.1) If an accused is charged with an offence under section 151 or 152, subsection 173(2) or section 271 in respect of a complainant who is 14 years of age or more but under the age of 16 years, it is a defence that the complainant consented to the activity that forms the subject-matter of the charge if the accused
(a) is less than five years older than the complainant; and
(b) is not in a position of trust or authority towards the complainant, is not a person with whom the complainant is in a relationship of dependency and is not in a relationship with the complainant that is exploitative of the complainant.
Marginal note:Exception for transitional purposes
(2.2) When the accused referred to in subsection (2.1) is five or more years older than the complainant, it is a defence that the complainant consented to the activity that forms the subject-matter of the charge if, on the day on which this subsection comes into force,
(a) the accused is the common-law partner of the complainant, or has been cohabiting with the complainant in a conjugal relationship for a period of less than one year and they have had or are expecting to have a child as a result of the relationship; and
(b) the accused is not in a position of trust or authority towards the complainant, is not a person with whom the complainant is in a relationship of dependency and is not in a relationship with the complainant that is exploitative of the complainant.
Marginal note:Exception for transitional purposes
(2.3) If, immediately before the day on which this subsection comes into force, the accused referred to in subsection (2.1) is married to the complainant, it is a defence that the complainant consented to the activity that forms the subject-matter of the charge.
Marginal note:Exemption for accused aged twelve or thirteen
(3) No person aged twelve or thirteen years shall be tried for an offence under section 151 or 152 or subsection 173(2) unless the person is in a position of trust or authority towards the complainant, is a person with whom the complainant is in a relationship of dependency or is in a relationship with the complainant that is exploitative of the complainant.
Marginal note:Mistake of age
(4) It is not a defence to a charge under section 151 or 152, subsection 160(3) or 173(2), or section 271, 272 or 273 that the accused believed that the complainant was 16 years of age or more at the time the offence is alleged to have been committed unless the accused took all reasonable steps to ascertain the age of the complainant.
Marginal note:Idem
(5) It is not a defence to a charge under section 153, 170, 171 or 172 or subsection 286.1(2), 286.2(2) or 286.3(2) that the accused believed that the complainant was 18 years of age or more at the time the offence is alleged to have been committed unless the accused took all reasonable steps to ascertain the age of the complainant.
Marginal note:Mistake of age
(6) An accused cannot raise a mistaken belief in the age of the complainant in order to invoke a defence under subsection (2) or (2.1) unless the accused took all reasonable steps to ascertain the age of the complainant.
- R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 1
- 2005, c. 32, s. 2
- 2008, c. 6, ss. 13, 54
- 2014, c. 25, s. 4
- 2015, c. 29, s. 6
- 2019, c. 25, s. 51
Marginal note:Sexual interference
151 Every person who, for a sexual purpose, touches, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, any part of the body of a person under the age of 16 years
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of 90 days.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 151
- R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 1
- 2005, c. 32, s. 3
- 2008, c. 6, s. 54
- 2012, c. 1, s. 11
- 2015, c. 23, s. 2
Marginal note:Invitation to sexual touching
152 Every person who, for a sexual purpose, invites, counsels or incites a person under the age of 16 years to touch, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, the body of any person, including the body of the person who so invites, counsels or incites and the body of the person under the age of 16 years,
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of 90 days.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 152
- R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 1
- 2005, c. 32, s. 3
- 2008, c. 6, s. 54
- 2012, c. 1, s. 12
- 2015, c. 23, s. 3
Marginal note:Sexual exploitation
153 (1) Every person commits an offence who is in a position of trust or authority towards a young person, who is a person with whom the young person is in a relationship of dependency or who is in a relationship with a young person that is exploitative of the young person, and who
(a) for a sexual purpose, touches, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, any part of the body of the young person; or
(b) for a sexual purpose, invites, counsels or incites a young person to touch, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, the body of any person, including the body of the person who so invites, counsels or incites and the body of the young person.
Marginal note:Punishment
(1.1) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of 90 days.
Marginal note:Inference of sexual exploitation
(1.2) A judge may infer that a person is in a relationship with a young person that is exploitative of the young person from the nature and circumstances of the relationship, including
(a) the age of the young person;
(b) the age difference between the person and the young person;
(c) the evolution of the relationship; and
(d) the degree of control or influence by the person over the young person.
Definition of young person
(2) In this section, young person means a person 16 years of age or more but under the age of eighteen years.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 153
- R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 1
- 2005, c. 32, s. 4
- 2008, c. 6, s. 54
- 2012, c. 1, s. 13
- 2015, c. 23, s. 4
Marginal note:Sexual exploitation of person with disability
153.1 (1) Every person who is in a position of trust or authority towards a person with a mental or physical disability or who is a person with whom a person with a mental or physical disability is in a relationship of dependency and who, for a sexual purpose, counsels or incites that person to touch, without that person’s consent, his or her own body, the body of the person who so counsels or incites, or the body of any other person, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Definition of consent
(2) Subject to subsection (3), consent means, for the purposes of this section, the voluntary agreement of the complainant to engage in the sexual activity in question.
Marginal note:Consent
(2.1) Consent must be present at the time the sexual activity in question takes place.
Marginal note:Question of law
(2.2) The question of whether no consent is obtained under subsection (3) or (4) or 265(3) is a question of law.
Marginal note:When no consent obtained
(3) For the purposes of this section, no consent is obtained if
(a) the agreement is expressed by the words or conduct of a person other than the complainant;
(a.1) the complainant is unconscious;
(b) the complainant is incapable of consenting to the activity for any reason other than the one referred to in paragraph (a.1);
(c) the accused counsels or incites the complainant to engage in the activity by abusing a position of trust, power or authority;
(d) the complainant expresses, by words or conduct, a lack of agreement to engage in the activity; or
(e) the complainant, having consented to engage in sexual activity, expresses, by words or conduct, a lack of agreement to continue to engage in the activity.
Marginal note:Subsection (3) not limiting
(4) Nothing in subsection (3) shall be construed as limiting the circumstances in which no consent is obtained.
Marginal note:When belief in consent not a defence
(5) It is not a defence to a charge under this section that the accused believed that the complainant consented to the activity that forms the subject-matter of the charge if
(a) the accused’s belief arose from
(i) the accused’s self-induced intoxication,
(ii) the accused’s recklessness or wilful blindness, or
(iii) any circumstance referred to in subsection (3) or (4) or 265(3) in which no consent is obtained;
(b) the accused did not take reasonable steps, in the circumstances known to the accused at the time, to ascertain that the complainant was consenting; or
(c) there is no evidence that the complainant’s voluntary agreement to the activity was affirmatively expressed by words or actively expressed by conduct.
Marginal note:Accused’s belief as to consent
(6) If an accused alleges that he or she believed that the complainant consented to the conduct that is the subject-matter of the charge, a judge, if satisfied that there is sufficient evidence and that, if believed by the jury, the evidence would constitute a defence, shall instruct the jury, when reviewing all the evidence relating to the determination of the honesty of the accused’s belief, to consider the presence or absence of reasonable grounds for that belief.
- 1998, c. 9, s. 2
- 2018, c. 29, s. 10
- 2019, c. 25, s. 52
- 2023, c. 28, s. 1
154 [Repealed, R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 1]
Marginal note:Incest
155 (1) Every one commits incest who, knowing that another person is by blood relationship his or her parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent or grandchild, as the case may be, has sexual intercourse with that person.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Everyone who commits incest is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and, if the other person is under the age of 16 years, to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of five years.
Marginal note:Defence
(3) No accused shall be determined by a court to be guilty of an offence under this section if the accused was under restraint, duress or fear of the person with whom the accused had the sexual intercourse at the time the sexual intercourse occurred.
Definition of brother and sister
(4) In this section, brother and sister, respectively, include half-brother and half-sister.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 155
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 21
- 2012, c. 1, s. 14
Marginal note:Historical offences
156 No person shall be convicted of any sexual offence under this Act as it read from time to time before January 4, 1983 unless the conduct alleged would be an offence under this Act if it occurred on the day on which the charge was laid.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 156
- R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 2
- 2019, c. 25, s. 53
157 and 158 [Repealed, R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 2]
159 [Repealed, 2019, c. 25, s. 54]
Marginal note:Bestiality
160 (1) Every person who commits bestiality is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Compelling the commission of bestiality
(2) Every person who compels another to commit bestiality is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Bestiality in presence of or by child
(3) Despite subsection (1), every person who commits bestiality in the presence of a person under the age of 16 years, or who incites a person under the age of 16 years to commit bestiality,
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of six months.
Marginal note:Order of prohibition or restitution
(4) The court may, in addition to any other sentence that it may impose under any of subsections (1) to (3),
(a) make an order prohibiting the accused from owning, having the custody or control of or residing in the same premises as an animal during any period that the court considers appropriate but, in the case of a second or subsequent offence, for a minimum of five years; and
(b) on application of the Attorney General or on its own motion, order that the accused pay to a person or an organization that has taken care of an animal as a result of the commission of the offence the reasonable costs that the person or organization incurred in respect of the animal, if the costs are readily ascertainable.
Marginal note:Breach of order
(5) Every person who contravenes an order made under paragraph (4)(a) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Application
(6) Sections 740 to 741.2 apply, with any modifications that the circumstances require, to orders made under paragraph (4)(b).
Marginal note:Definition of bestiality
(7) In this section, bestiality means any contact, for a sexual purpose, with an animal.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 160
- R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 3
- 2008, c. 6, s. 54
- 2012, c. 1, s. 15
- 2015, c. 23, s. 5
- 2019, c. 17, s. 1
Marginal note:Order of prohibition
161 (1) When an offender is convicted, or is discharged on the conditions prescribed in a probation order under section 730, of an offence referred to in subsection (1.1) in respect of a person who is under the age of 16 years, the court that sentences the offender or directs that the accused be discharged, as the case may be, in addition to any other punishment that may be imposed for that offence or any other condition prescribed in the order of discharge, shall consider making and may make, subject to the conditions or exemptions that the court directs, an order prohibiting the offender from
(a) attending a public park or public swimming area where persons under the age of 16 years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or a daycare centre, schoolground, playground or community centre;
(a.1) being within two kilometres, or any other distance specified in the order, of any dwelling-house where the victim identified in the order ordinarily resides or of any other place specified in the order;
(b) seeking, obtaining or continuing any employment, whether or not the employment is remunerated, or becoming or being a volunteer in a capacity, that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under the age of 16 years;
(c) having any contact — including communicating by any means — with a person who is under the age of 16 years, unless the offender does so under the supervision of a person whom the court considers appropriate; or
(d) using the Internet or other digital network, unless the offender does so in accordance with conditions set by the court.
Marginal note:Offences
(1.1) The offences for the purpose of subsection (1) are
(a) an offence under section 151, 152 or 155, subsection 160(2) or (3), section 163.1, 170, 171, 171.1, 172.1 or 172.2, subsection 173(2), section 271, 272, 273 or 279.011, subsection 279.02(2) or 279.03(2), section 280 or 281 or subsection 286.1(2), 286.2(2) or 286.3(2);
(b) an offence under section 144 (rape), 145 (attempt to commit rape), 149 (indecent assault on female), 156 (indecent assault on male) or 245 (common assault) or subsection 246(1) (assault with intent) of the Criminal Code, chapter C-34 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1970, as it read immediately before January 4, 1983;
(c) an offence under subsection 146(1) (sexual intercourse with a female under 14) or section 153 (sexual intercourse with step-daughter), 155 (buggery or bestiality), 157 (gross indecency), 166 (parent or guardian procuring defilement) or 167 (householder permitting defilement) of the Criminal Code, chapter C-34 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1970, as it read immediately before January 1, 1988; or
(d) an offence under subsection 212(1) (procuring), 212(2) (living on the avails of prostitution of person under 18 years), 212(2.1) (aggravated offence in relation to living on the avails of prostitution of person under 18 years) or 212(4) (prostitution of person under 18 years) of this Act, as it read from time to time before the day on which this paragraph comes into force.
Marginal note:Duration of prohibition
(2) The prohibition may be for life or for any shorter duration that the court considers desirable and, in the case of a prohibition that is not for life, the prohibition begins on the later of
(a) the date on which the order is made; and
(b) where the offender is sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the date on which the offender is released from imprisonment for the offence, including release on parole, mandatory supervision or statutory release.
Marginal note:Court may vary order
(3) A court that makes an order of prohibition or, where the court is for any reason unable to act, another court of equivalent jurisdiction in the same province, may, on application of the offender or the prosecutor, require the offender to appear before it at any time and, after hearing the parties, that court may vary the conditions prescribed in the order if, in the opinion of the court, the variation is desirable because of changed circumstances after the conditions were prescribed.
Marginal note:Offence
(4) Every person who is bound by an order of prohibition and who does not comply with the order is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than four years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 161
- R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 4
- 1993, c. 45, s. 1
- 1995, c. 22, s. 18
- 1997, c. 18, s. 4
- 1999, c. 31, s. 67
- 2002, c. 13, s. 4
- 2005, c. 32, s. 5
- 2008, c. 6, s. 54
- 2012, c. 1, s. 16
- 2014, c. 21, s. 1, c. 25, s. 5
- 2015, c. 23, s. 6
- 2019, c. 25, s. 55
Marginal note:Voyeurism
162 (1) Every one commits an offence who, surreptitiously, observes — including by mechanical or electronic means — or makes a visual recording of a person who is in circumstances that give rise to a reasonable expectation of privacy, if
(a) the person is in a place in which a person can reasonably be expected to be nude, to expose his or her genital organs or anal region or her breasts, or to be engaged in explicit sexual activity;
(b) the person is nude, is exposing his or her genital organs or anal region or her breasts, or is engaged in explicit sexual activity, and the observation or recording is done for the purpose of observing or recording a person in such a state or engaged in such an activity; or
(c) the observation or recording is done for a sexual purpose.
Definition of visual recording
(2) In this section, visual recording includes a photographic, film or video recording made by any means.
Marginal note:Exemption
(3) Paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) do not apply to a peace officer who, under the authority of a warrant issued under section 487.01, is carrying out any activity referred to in those paragraphs.
Marginal note:Printing, publication, etc., of voyeuristic recordings
(4) Every one commits an offence who, knowing that a recording was obtained by the commission of an offence under subsection (1), prints, copies, publishes, distributes, circulates, sells, advertises or makes available the recording, or has the recording in his or her possession for the purpose of printing, copying, publishing, distributing, circulating, selling or advertising it or making it available.
Marginal note:Punishment
(5) Every one who commits an offence under subsection (1) or (4)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Defence
(6) No person shall be convicted of an offence under this section if the acts that are alleged to constitute the offence serve the public good and do not extend beyond what serves the public good.
Marginal note:Question of law, motives
(7) For the purposes of subsection (6),
(a) it is a question of law whether an act serves the public good and whether there is evidence that the act alleged goes beyond what serves the public good, but it is a question of fact whether the act does or does not extend beyond what serves the public good; and
(b) the motives of an accused are irrelevant.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 162
- R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 4
- 2005, c. 32, s. 6
Marginal note:Publication, etc., of an intimate image without consent
162.1 (1) Everyone who knowingly publishes, distributes, transmits, sells, makes available or advertises an intimate image of a person knowing that the person depicted in the image did not give their consent to that conduct, or being reckless as to whether or not that person gave their consent to that conduct, is guilty
(a) of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or
(b) of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Definition of intimate image
(2) In this section, intimate image means a visual recording of a person made by any means including a photographic, film or video recording,
(a) in which the person is nude, is exposing his or her genital organs or anal region or her breasts or is engaged in explicit sexual activity;
(b) in respect of which, at the time of the recording, there were circumstances that gave rise to a reasonable expectation of privacy; and
(c) in respect of which the person depicted retains a reasonable expectation of privacy at the time the offence is committed.
Marginal note:Defence
(3) No person shall be convicted of an offence under this section if the conduct that forms the subject-matter of the charge serves the public good and does not extend beyond what serves the public good.
Marginal note:Question of fact and law, motives
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3),
(a) it is a question of law whether the conduct serves the public good and whether there is evidence that the conduct alleged goes beyond what serves the public good, but it is a question of fact whether the conduct does or does not extend beyond what serves the public good; and
(b) the motives of an accused are irrelevant.
- 2014, c. 31, s. 3
Marginal note:Prohibition order
162.2 (1) When an offender is convicted, or is discharged on the conditions prescribed in a probation order under section 730, of an offence referred to in subsection 162.1(1), the court that sentences or discharges the offender, in addition to any other punishment that may be imposed for that offence or any other condition prescribed in the order of discharge, may make, subject to the conditions or exemptions that the court directs, an order prohibiting the offender from using the Internet or other digital network, unless the offender does so in accordance with conditions set by the court.
Marginal note:Duration of prohibition
(2) The prohibition may be for any period that the court considers appropriate, including any period to which the offender is sentenced to imprisonment.
Marginal note:Court may vary order
(3) A court that makes an order of prohibition or, if the court is for any reason unable to act, another court of equivalent jurisdiction in the same province may, on application of the offender or the prosecutor, require the offender to appear before it at any time and, after hearing the parties, that court may vary the conditions prescribed in the order if, in the opinion of the court, the variation is desirable because of changed circumstances after the conditions were prescribed.
Marginal note:Offence
(4) Every person who is bound by an order of prohibition and who does not comply with the order is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than four years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- 2014, c. 31, s. 3
- 2015, c. 23, s. 33
- 2019, c. 25, s. 56
Offences Tending to Corrupt Morals
Marginal note:Obscene materials
163 (1) Every person commits an offence who makes, prints, publishes, distributes, circulates or has in their possession for the purpose of publication, distribution or circulation any obscene written matter, picture, model, phonograph record or any other obscene thing.
Marginal note:Idem
(2) Every person commits an offence who knowingly, without lawful justification or excuse,
(a) sells, exposes to public view or has in their possession for that purpose any obscene written matter, picture, model, phonograph record or any other obscene thing; or
(b) publicly exhibits a disgusting object or an indecent show.
(c) and (d) [Repealed, 2018, c. 29, s. 11]
Marginal note:Defence of public good
(3) No person shall be convicted of an offence under this section if the public good was served by the acts that are alleged to constitute the offence and if the acts alleged did not extend beyond what served the public good.
Marginal note:Question of law and question of fact
(4) For the purposes of this section, it is a question of law whether an act served the public good and whether there is evidence that the act alleged went beyond what served the public good, but it is a question of fact whether the acts did or did not extend beyond what served the public good.
Marginal note:Motives irrelevant
(5) For the purposes of this section, the motives of an accused are irrelevant.
(6) [Repealed, 1993, c. 46, s. 1]
(7) [Repealed, 2018, c. 29, s. 11]
Marginal note:Obscene publication
(8) For the purposes of this Act, any publication a dominant characteristic of which is the undue exploitation of sex, or of sex and any one or more of the following subjects, namely, crime, horror, cruelty and violence, shall be deemed to be obscene.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 163
- 1993, c. 46, s. 1
- 2018, c. 29, s. 11
Definition of child pornography
163.1 (1) In this section, child pornography means
(a) a photographic, film, video or other visual representation, whether or not it was made by electronic or mechanical means,
(i) that shows a person who is or is depicted as being under the age of eighteen years and is engaged in or is depicted as engaged in explicit sexual activity, or
(ii) the dominant characteristic of which is the depiction, for a sexual purpose, of a sexual organ or the anal region of a person under the age of eighteen years;
(b) any written material, visual representation or audio recording that advocates or counsels sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years that would be an offence under this Act;
(c) any written material whose dominant characteristic is the description, for a sexual purpose, of sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years that would be an offence under this Act; or
(d) any audio recording that has as its dominant characteristic the description, presentation or representation, for a sexual purpose, of sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years that would be an offence under this Act.
Marginal note:Making child pornography
(2) Every person who makes, prints, publishes or possesses for the purpose of publication any child pornography is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year.
Marginal note:Distribution, etc. of child pornography
(3) Every person who transmits, makes available, distributes, sells, advertises, imports, exports or possesses for the purpose of transmission, making available, distribution, sale, advertising or exportation any child pornography is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year.
Marginal note:Possession of child pornography
(4) Every person who possesses any child pornography is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of six months.
Marginal note:Accessing child pornography
(4.1) Every person who accesses any child pornography is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of six months.
Marginal note:Interpretation
(4.2) For the purposes of subsection (4.1), a person accesses child pornography who knowingly causes child pornography to be viewed by, or transmitted to, himself or herself.
Marginal note:Aggravating factor
(4.3) If a person is convicted of an offence under this section, the court that imposes the sentence shall consider as an aggravating factor the fact that the person committed the offence with intent to make a profit.
Marginal note:Defence
(5) It is not a defence to a charge under subsection (2) in respect of a visual representation that the accused believed that a person shown in the representation that is alleged to constitute child pornography was or was depicted as being eighteen years of age or more unless the accused took all reasonable steps to ascertain the age of that person and took all reasonable steps to ensure that, where the person was eighteen years of age or more, the representation did not depict that person as being under the age of eighteen years.
Marginal note:Defence
(6) No person shall be convicted of an offence under this section if the act that is alleged to constitute the offence
(a) has a legitimate purpose related to the administration of justice or to science, medicine, education or art; and
(b) does not pose an undue risk of harm to persons under the age of eighteen years.
Marginal note:Question of law
(7) For greater certainty, for the purposes of this section, it is a question of law whether any written material, visual representation or audio recording advocates or counsels sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years that would be an offence under this Act.
- 1993, c. 46, s. 2
- 2002, c. 13, s. 5
- 2005, c. 32, s. 7
- 2012, c. 1, s. 17
- 2015, c. 23, s. 7
Marginal note:Warrant of seizure
164 (1) A judge may issue a warrant authorizing seizure of copies of a recording, a publication, a representation or any written material, if the judge is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds to believe that
(a) the recording, copies of which are kept for sale or distribution in premises within the jurisdiction of the court, is a voyeuristic recording;
(b) the recording, copies of which are kept for sale or distribution in premises within the jurisdiction of the court, is an intimate image;
(c) the publication, copies of which are kept for sale or distribution in premises within the jurisdiction of the court, is obscene, within the meaning of subsection 163(8);
(d) the representation, written material or recording, copies of which are kept in premises within the jurisdiction of the court, is child pornography as defined in section 163.1;
(e) the representation, written material or recording, copies of which are kept in premises within the jurisdiction of the court, is an advertisement of sexual services; or
(f) the representation, written material or recording, copies of which are kept in premises within the jurisdiction of the court, is an advertisement for conversion therapy.
Marginal note:Summons to occupier
(2) Within seven days of the issue of a warrant under subsection (1), the judge shall issue a summons to the occupier of the premises requiring him to appear before the court and show cause why the matter seized should not be forfeited to Her Majesty.
Marginal note:Owner and maker may appear
(3) The owner and the maker of the matter seized under subsection (1), and alleged to be obscene, child pornography, a voyeuristic recording, an intimate image, an advertisement of sexual services or an advertisement for conversion therapy, may appear and be represented in the proceedings to oppose the making of an order for the forfeiture of the matter.
Marginal note:Order of forfeiture
(4) If the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that the publication, representation, written material or recording referred to in subsection (1) is obscene, child pornography, a voyeuristic recording, an intimate image, an advertisement of sexual services or an advertisement for conversion therapy, it may make an order declaring the matter forfeited to Her Majesty in right of the province in which the proceedings take place, for disposal as the Attorney General may direct.
Marginal note:Disposal of matter
(5) If the court is not satisfied that the publication, representation, written material or recording referred to in subsection (1) is obscene, child pornography, a voyeuristic recording, an intimate image, an advertisement of sexual services or an advertisement for conversion therapy, it shall order that the matter be restored to the person from whom it was seized without delay after the time for final appeal has expired.
Marginal note:Appeal
(6) An appeal lies from an order made under subsection (4) or (5) by any person who appeared in the proceedings
(a) on any ground of appeal that involves a question of law alone,
(b) on any ground of appeal that involves a question of fact alone, or
(c) on any ground of appeal that involves a question of mixed law and fact,
as if it were an appeal against conviction or against a judgment or verdict of acquittal, as the case may be, on a question of law alone under Part XXI and sections 673 to 696 apply with such modifications as the circumstances require.
Marginal note:Consent
(7) If an order is made under this section by a judge in a province with respect to one or more copies of a publication, a representation, written material or a recording, no proceedings shall be instituted or continued in that province under section 162, 162.1, 163, 163.1, 286.4 or 320.103 with respect to those or other copies of the same publication, representation, written material or recording without the consent of the Attorney General.
Marginal note:Definitions
(8) In this section,
- advertisement for conversion therapy
advertisement for conversion therapy means any material — including a photographic, film, video, audio or other recording, made by any means, a visual representation or any written material — that is used to promote or advertise conversion therapy contrary to section 320.103; (publicité de thérapie de conversion)
- advertisement of sexual services
advertisement of sexual services means any material — including a photographic, film, video, audio or other recording, made by any means, a visual representation or any written material — that is used to advertise sexual services contrary to section 286.4; (publicité de services sexuels)
- court
court means
(a) in the Province of Quebec, the Court of Quebec, the municipal court of Montreal and the municipal court of Quebec,
(a.1) in the Province of Ontario, the Superior Court of Justice,
(b) in the Provinces of New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Court of Queen’s Bench,
(c) in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Trial Division of the Supreme Court,
(c.1) [Repealed, 1992, c. 51, s. 34]
(d) in the Provinces of Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, in Yukon and in the Northwest Territories, the Supreme Court, and
(e) in Nunavut, the Nunavut Court of Justice; (tribunal)
- crime comic
crime comic[Repealed, 2018, c. 29, s. 12]
- intimate image
intimate image has the same meaning as in subsection 162.1(2); (image intime)
- judge
judge means a judge of a court; (juge)
- voyeuristic recording
voyeuristic recording means a visual recording within the meaning of subsection 162(2) that is made as described in subsection 162(1). (enregistrement voyeuriste)
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 164
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (2nd Supp.), s. 10, c. 40 (4th Supp.), s. 2
- 1990, c. 16, s. 3, c. 17, s. 9
- 1992, c. 1, s. 58, c. 51, s. 34
- 1993, c. 46, s. 3
- 1997, c. 18, s. 5
- 1998, c. 30, s. 14
- 1999, c. 3, s. 27
- 2002, c. 7, s. 139, c. 13, s. 6
- 2005, c. 32, s. 8
- 2014, c. 25, ss. 6, 46, c. 31, s. 4
- 2015, c. 3, s. 46
- 2018, c. 29, s. 12
- 2021, c. 24, s. 1
Marginal note:Warrant of seizure
164.1 (1) If a judge is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there is material — namely, child pornography as defined in section 163.1, a voyeuristic recording, an intimate image, an advertisement of sexual services or an advertisement for conversion therapy, or computer data as defined in subsection 342.1(2) that makes child pornography, a voyeuristic recording, an intimate image, an advertisement of sexual services or an advertisement for conversion therapy available — that is stored on and made available through a computer system as defined in subsection 342.1(2) that is within the jurisdiction of the court, the judge may order the custodian of the computer system to
(a) give an electronic copy of the material to the court;
(b) ensure that the material is no longer stored on and made available through the computer system; and
(c) provide the information necessary to identify and locate the person who posted the material.
Marginal note:Notice to person who posted the material
(2) Within a reasonable time after receiving the information referred to in paragraph (1)(c), the judge shall cause notice to be given to the person who posted the material, giving that person the opportunity to appear and be represented before the court, and show cause why the material should not be deleted. If the person cannot be identified or located or does not reside in Canada, the judge may order the custodian of the computer system to post the text of the notice at the location where the material was previously stored and made available, until the time set for the appearance.
Marginal note:Person who posted the material may appear
(3) The person who posted the material may appear and be represented in the proceedings in order to oppose the making of an order under subsection (5).
Marginal note:Non-appearance
(4) If the person who posted the material does not appear for the proceedings, the court may proceed ex parte to hear and determine the proceedings in the absence of the person as fully and effectually as if the person had appeared.
Marginal note:Order
(5) If the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that the material is child pornography as defined in section 163.1, a voyeuristic recording, an intimate image, an advertisement of sexual services or an advertisement for conversion therapy, or computer data as defined in subsection 342.1(2) that makes child pornography, the voyeuristic recording, the intimate image, the advertisement of sexual services or the advertisement for conversion therapy available, it may order the custodian of the computer system to delete the material.
Marginal note:Destruction of copy
(6) When the court makes the order for the deletion of the material, it may order the destruction of the electronic copy in the court’s possession.
Marginal note:Return of material
(7) If the court is not satisfied that the material is child pornography as defined in section 163.1, a voyeuristic recording, an intimate image, an advertisement of sexual services or an advertisement for conversion therapy, or computer data as defined in subsection 342.1(2) that makes child pornography, the voyeuristic recording, the intimate image, the advertisement of sexual services or the advertisement for conversion therapy available, the court shall order that the electronic copy be returned to the custodian of the computer system and terminate the order under paragraph (1)(b).
Marginal note:Other provisions to apply
(8) Subsections 164(6) to (8) apply, with any modifications that the circumstances require, to this section.
Marginal note:When order takes effect
(9) No order made under subsections (5) to (7) takes effect until the time for final appeal has expired.
- 2002, c. 13, s. 7
- 2005, c. 32, s. 9
- 2014, c. 25, ss. 7, 46, c. 31, s. 5
- 2021, c. 24, s. 2
Marginal note:Forfeiture after conviction
164.2 (1) On application of the Attorney General, a court that convicts a person of an offence under section 162.1, 163.1, 172.1 or 172.2, in addition to any other punishment that it may impose, may order that anything — other than real property — be forfeited to Her Majesty and disposed of as the Attorney General directs if it is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that the thing
(a) was used in the commission of the offence; and
(b) is the property of
(i) the convicted person or another person who was a party to the offence, or
(ii) a person who acquired the thing from a person referred to in subparagraph (i) under circumstances that give rise to a reasonable inference that it was transferred for the purpose of avoiding forfeiture.
Marginal note:Third party rights
(2) Before making an order under subsection (1), the court shall cause notice to be given to, and may hear, any person whom it considers to have an interest in the thing, and may declare the nature and extent of the person’s interest in it.
Marginal note:Right of appeal — third party
(3) A person who was heard in response to a notice given under subsection (2) may appeal to the court of appeal against an order made under subsection (1).
Marginal note:Right of appeal — Attorney General
(4) The Attorney General may appeal to the court of appeal against the refusal of a court to make an order under subsection (1).
Marginal note:Application of Part XXI
(5) Part XXI applies, with any modifications that the circumstances require, with respect to the procedure for an appeal under subsections (3) and (4).
- 2002, c. 13, s. 7
- 2008, c. 18, s. 4
- 2012, c. 1, s. 18
- 2014, c. 31, s. 6
Marginal note:Relief from forfeiture
164.3 (1) Within thirty days after an order under subsection 164.2(1) is made, a person who claims an interest in the thing forfeited may apply in writing to a judge for an order under subsection (4).
Marginal note:Hearing of application
(2) The judge shall fix a day — not less than thirty days after the application is made — for its hearing.
Marginal note:Notice to Attorney General
(3) At least fifteen days before the hearing, the applicant shall cause notice of the application and of the hearing day to be served on the Attorney General.
Marginal note:Order
(4) The judge may make an order declaring that the applicant’s interest in the thing is not affected by the forfeiture and declaring the nature and extent of the interest if the judge is satisfied that the applicant
(a) was not a party to the offence; and
(b) did not acquire the thing from a person who was a party to the offence under circumstances that give rise to a reasonable inference that it was transferred for the purpose of avoiding forfeiture.
Marginal note:Appeal to court of appeal
(5) A person referred to in subsection (4) or the Attorney General may appeal to the court of appeal against an order made under that subsection. Part XXI applies, with any modifications that the circumstances require, with respect to the procedure for an appeal under this subsection.
Marginal note:Powers of Attorney General
(6) On application by a person who obtained an order under subsection (4), made after the expiration of the time allowed for an appeal against the order and, if an appeal is taken, after it has been finally disposed of, the Attorney General shall direct that
(a) the thing be returned to the person; or
(b) an amount equal to the value of the extent of the person’s interest, as declared in the order, be paid to the person.
- 2002, c. 13, s. 7
165 [Repealed, 2018, c. 29, s. 13]
166 [Repealed, 1994, c. 44, s. 9]
Marginal note:Immoral theatrical performance
167 (1) Every one commits an offence who, being the lessee, manager, agent or person in charge of a theatre, presents or gives or allows to be presented or given therein an immoral, indecent or obscene performance, entertainment or representation.
Marginal note:Person taking part
(2) Every one commits an offence who takes part or appears as an actor, a performer or an assistant in any capacity, in an immoral, indecent or obscene performance, entertainment or representation in a theatre.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 163
Marginal note:Mailing obscene matter
168 (1) Every one commits an offence who makes use of the mails for the purpose of transmitting or delivering anything that is obscene, indecent, immoral or scurrilous.
Marginal note:Exceptions
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who
(a) prints or publishes any matter for use in connection with any judicial proceedings or communicates it to persons who are concerned in the proceedings;
(b) prints or publishes a notice or report under the direction of a court; or
(c) prints or publishes any matter
(i) in a volume or part of a genuine series of law reports that does not form part of any other publication and consists solely of reports of proceedings in courts of law, or
(ii) in a publication of a technical character that is intended, in good faith, for circulation among members of the legal or medical profession.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 168
- 1999, c. 5, s. 2
Marginal note:Punishment
169 Every one who commits an offence under section 163, 165, 167 or 168 is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 169
- 1999, c. 5, s. 3
Marginal note:Parent or guardian procuring sexual activity
170 Every parent or guardian of a person under the age of 18 years who procures the person for the purpose of engaging in any sexual activity prohibited by this Act with a person other than the parent or guardian is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 170
- R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 5
- 2005, c. 32, s. 9.1
- 2008, c. 6, s. 54
- 2012, c. 1, s. 19
- 2015, c. 23, s. 8
Marginal note:Householder permitting prohibited sexual activity
171 Every owner, occupier or manager of premises, or any other person who has control of premises or assists in the management or control of premises, who knowingly permits a person under the age of 18 years to resort to or to be in or on the premises for the purpose of engaging in any sexual activity prohibited by this Act is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 171
- R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 5
- 2005, c. 32, s. 9.1
- 2008, c. 6, s. 54
- 2012, c. 1, s. 20
- 2015, c. 23, s. 9
Marginal note:Making sexually explicit material available to child
171.1 (1) Every person commits an offence who transmits, makes available, distributes or sells sexually explicit material to
(a) a person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 18 years, for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an offence with respect to that person under subsection 153(1), section 155, 163.1, 170, 171 or 279.011 or subsection 279.02(2), 279.03(2), 286.1(2), 286.2(2) or 286.3(2);
(b) a person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 16 years, for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an offence under section 151 or 152, subsection 160(3) or 173(2) or section 271, 272, 273 or 280 with respect to that person; or
(c) a person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 14 years, for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an offence under section 281 with respect to that person.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of six months; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of 90 days.
Marginal note:Presumption
(3) Evidence that the person referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c) was represented to the accused as being under the age of 18, 16 or 14 years, as the case may be, is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof that the accused believed that the person was under that age.
Marginal note:No defence
(4) It is not a defence to a charge under paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c) that the accused believed that the person referred to in that paragraph was at least 18, 16 or 14 years of age, as the case may be, unless the accused took reasonable steps to ascertain the age of the person.
Definition of sexually explicit material
(5) In subsection (1), sexually explicit material means material that is not child pornography, as defined in subsection 163.1(1), and that is
(a) a photographic, film, video or other visual representation, whether or not it was made by electronic or mechanical means,
(i) that shows a person who is engaged in or is depicted as engaged in explicit sexual activity, or
(ii) the dominant characteristic of which is the depiction, for a sexual purpose, of a person’s genital organs or anal region or, if the person is female, her breasts;
(b) written material whose dominant characteristic is the description, for a sexual purpose, of explicit sexual activity with a person; or
(c) an audio recording whose dominant characteristic is the description, presentation or representation, for a sexual purpose, of explicit sexual activity with a person.
- 2012, c. 1, s. 21
- 2014, c. 25, s. 8
- 2015, c. 23, s. 10
Marginal note:Corrupting children
172 (1) Every person who, in the home of a child, participates in adultery or sexual immorality or indulges in habitual drunkenness or any other form of vice, and by doing so endangers the morals of the child or renders the home an unfit place for the child to be in, is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
(2) [Repealed, R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 6]
Definition of child
(3) For the purposes of this section, child means a person who is or appears to be under the age of eighteen years.
Marginal note:Who may institute prosecutions
(4) No proceedings shall be commenced under subsection (1) without the consent of the Attorney General, unless they are instituted by or at the instance of a recognized society for the protection of children or by an officer of a juvenile court.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 172
- R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 6
- 2019, c. 25, s. 57
Marginal note:Luring a child
172.1 (1) Every person commits an offence who, by a means of telecommunication, communicates with
(a) a person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 18 years, for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an offence with respect to that person under subsection 153(1), section 155, 163.1, 170, 171 or 279.011 or subsection 279.02(2), 279.03(2), 286.1(2), 286.2(2) or 286.3(2);
(b) a person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 16 years, for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an offence under section 151 or 152, subsection 160(3) or 173(2) or section 271, 272, 273 or 280 with respect to that person; or
(c) a person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 14 years, for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an offence under section 281 with respect to that person.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of six months.
Marginal note:Presumption re age
(3) Evidence that the person referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c) was represented to the accused as being under the age of eighteen years, sixteen years or fourteen years, as the case may be, is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof that the accused believed that the person was under that age.
Marginal note:No defence
(4) It is not a defence to a charge under paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c) that the accused believed that the person referred to in that paragraph was at least eighteen years of age, sixteen years or fourteen years of age, as the case may be, unless the accused took reasonable steps to ascertain the age of the person.
- 2002, c. 13, s. 8
- 2007, c. 20, s. 1
- 2008, c. 6, s. 14
- 2012, c. 1, s. 22
- 2014, c. 25, s. 9
- 2015, c. 23, s. 11
Disorderly Conduct
Marginal note:Agreement or arrangement — sexual offence against child
172.2 (1) Every person commits an offence who, by a means of telecommunication, agrees with a person, or makes an arrangement with a person, to commit an offence
(a) under subsection 153(1), section 155, 163.1, 170, 171 or 279.011 or subsection 279.02(2), 279.03(2), 286.1(2), 286.2(2) or 286.3(2) with respect to another person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 18 years;
(b) under section 151 or 152, subsection 160(3) or 173(2) or section 271, 272, 273 or 280 with respect to another person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 16 years; or
(c) under section 281 with respect to another person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 14 years.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of six months.
Marginal note:Presumption
(3) Evidence that the person referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c) was represented to the accused as being under the age of 18, 16 or 14 years, as the case may be, is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof that the accused believed that the person was under that age.
Marginal note:No defence
(4) It is not a defence to a charge under paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c) that the accused believed that the person referred to in that paragraph was at least 18, 16 or 14 years of age, as the case may be, unless the accused took reasonable steps to ascertain the age of the person.
Marginal note:No defence
(5) It is not a defence to a charge under paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c)
(a) that the person with whom the accused agreed or made an arrangement was a peace officer or a person acting under the direction of a peace officer; or
(b) that, if the person with whom the accused agreed or made an arrangement was a peace officer or a person acting under the direction of a peace officer, the person referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c) did not exist.
- 2012, c. 1, s. 23
- 2014, c. 25, s. 10
- 2015, c. 23, s. 12
Marginal note:Indecent acts
173 (1) Everyone who wilfully does an indecent act in a public place in the presence of one or more persons, or in any place with intent to insult or offend any person,
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Exposure
(2) Every person who, in any place, for a sexual purpose, exposes his or her genital organs to a person who is under the age of 16 years
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of 90 days; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of 30 days.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 173
- R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 7
- 2008, c. 6, s. 54
- 2010, c. 17, s. 2
- 2012, c. 1, s. 23
- 2019, c. 25, s. 58
Marginal note:Nudity
174 (1) Every one who, without lawful excuse,
(a) is nude in a public place, or
(b) is nude and exposed to public view while on private property, whether or not the property is his own,
is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Nude
(2) For the purposes of this section, a person is nude who is so clad as to offend against public decency or order.
Marginal note:Consent of Attorney General
(3) No proceedings shall be commenced under this section without the consent of the Attorney General.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 170
Marginal note:Causing disturbance, indecent exhibition, loitering, etc.
175 (1) Every one who
(a) not being in a dwelling-house, causes a disturbance in or near a public place,
(i) by fighting, screaming, shouting, swearing, singing or using insulting or obscene language,
(ii) by being drunk, or
(iii) by impeding or molesting other persons,
(b) openly exposes or exhibits an indecent exhibition in a public place,
(c) loiters in a public place and in any way obstructs persons who are in that place, or
(d) disturbs the peace and quiet of the occupants of a dwelling-house by discharging firearms or by other disorderly conduct in a public place or who, not being an occupant of a dwelling-house comprised in a particular building or structure, disturbs the peace and quiet of the occupants of a dwelling-house comprised in the building or structure by discharging firearms or by other disorderly conduct in any part of a building or structure to which, at the time of such conduct, the occupants of two or more dwelling-houses comprised in the building or structure have access as of right or by invitation, express or implied,
is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Evidence of peace officer
(2) In the absence of other evidence, or by way of corroboration of other evidence, a summary conviction court may infer from the evidence of a peace officer relating to the conduct of a person or persons, whether ascertained or not, that a disturbance described in paragraph (1)(a) or (d) or an obstruction described in paragraph (1)(c) was caused or occurred.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 175
- 1997, c. 18, s. 6
Marginal note:Obstructing or violence to or arrest of officiating clergyman
176 (1) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who
(a) by threats or force, unlawfully obstructs or prevents or endeavours to obstruct or prevent an officiant from celebrating a religious or spiritual service or performing any other function in connection with their calling, or
(b) knowing that an officiant is about to perform, is on their way to perform or is returning from the performance of any of the duties or functions mentioned in paragraph (a)
(i) assaults or offers any violence to them, or
(ii) arrests them on a civil process, or under the pretence of executing a civil process.
Marginal note:Disturbing religious worship or certain meetings
(2) Every one who wilfully disturbs or interrupts an assemblage of persons met for religious worship or for a moral, social or benevolent purpose is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Idem
(3) Every one who, at or near a meeting referred to in subsection (2), wilfully does anything that disturbs the order or solemnity of the meeting is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 176
- 2018, c. 29, s. 13.1
- 2019, c. 25, s. 59
Marginal note:Trespassing at night
177 Every person who, without lawful excuse, loiters or prowls at night on the property of another person near a dwelling-house situated on that property is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 177
- 2018, c. 29, s. 14
178 [Repealed, 2018, c. 29, s. 14]
179 [Repealed, 2019, c. 25, s. 60]
Nuisances
Marginal note:Common nuisance
180 (1) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who commits a common nuisance and by doing so
(a) endangers the lives, safety or health of the public, or
(b) causes physical injury to any person.
Marginal note:Definition
(2) For the purposes of this section, every one commits a common nuisance who does an unlawful act or fails to discharge a legal duty and thereby
(a) endangers the lives, safety, health, property or comfort of the public; or
(b) obstructs the public in the exercise or enjoyment of any right that is common to all the subjects of Her Majesty in Canada.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 180
- 2019, c. 25, s. 61
181 [Repealed, 2019, c. 25, s. 62]
Marginal note:Dead body
182 Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who
(a) neglects, without lawful excuse, to perform any duty that is imposed on him by law or that he undertakes with reference to the burial of a dead human body or human remains, or
(b) improperly or indecently interferes with or offers any indignity to a dead human body or human remains, whether buried or not.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 182
- 2019, c. 25, s. 63
PART VIInvasion of Privacy
Definitions
Marginal note:Definitions
183 In this Part,
- authorization
authorization means an authorization to intercept a private communication given under subsection 184.2(3), section 186 or subsection 188(2); (autorisation)
- electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device
electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device means any device or apparatus that is used or is capable of being used to intercept a private communication, but does not include a hearing aid used to correct subnormal hearing of the user to not better than normal hearing; (dispositif électromagnétique, acoustique, mécanique ou autre)
- intercept
intercept includes listen to, record or acquire a communication or acquire the substance, meaning or purport thereof; (intercepter)
- offence
offence means an offence contrary to, any conspiracy or attempt to commit or being an accessory after the fact in relation to an offence contrary to, or any counselling in relation to an offence contrary to
(a) any of the following provisions of this Act, namely,
(i) section 47 (high treason),
(ii) section 51 (intimidating Parliament or a legislature),
(iii) section 52 (sabotage),
(iii.1) section 56.1 (identity documents),
(iv) section 57 (forgery, etc.),
(v) section 61 (sedition),
(vi) section 76 (hijacking),
(vii) section 77 (endangering safety of aircraft or airport),
(viii) section 78 (offensive weapons, etc., on aircraft),
(ix) section 78.1 (offences against maritime navigation or fixed platforms),
(x) section 80 (breach of duty),
(xi) section 81 (using explosives),
(xii) section 82 (possessing explosives),
(xii.01) section 82.3 (possession, etc., of nuclear material, radioactive material or device),
(xii.02) section 82.4 (use or alteration of nuclear material, radioactive material or device),
(xii.03) section 82.5 (commission of indictable offence to obtain nuclear material, etc.),
(xii.04) section 82.6 (threats),
(xii.1) section 83.02 (providing or collecting property for certain activities),
(xii.2) subsection 83.03(1) (providing, making available, etc., property or services for terrorist purposes),
(xii.21) subsection 83.03(2) (providing, making available, etc., property or services — use by terrorist group),
(xii.3) section 83.04 (using or possessing property for terrorist purposes),
(xii.4) section 83.18 (participation in activity of terrorist group),
(xii.41) section 83.181 (leaving Canada to participate in activity of terrorist group),
(xii.5) section 83.19 (facilitating terrorist activity),
(xii.51) section 83.191 (leaving Canada to facilitate terrorist activity),
(xii.6) section 83.2 (commission of offence for terrorist group),
(xii.61) section 83.201 (leaving Canada to commit offence for terrorist group),
(xii.62) section 83.202 (leaving Canada to commit offence that is terrorist activity),
(xii.7) section 83.21 (instructing to carry out activity for terrorist group),
(xii.8) section 83.22 (instructing to carry out terrorist activity),
(xii.81) section 83.221 (counselling commission of terrorism offence),
(xii.9) section 83.23 (harbouring or concealing),
(xii.91) section 83.231 (hoax — terrorist activity),
(xii.92) section 92 (possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized),
(xii.93) section 95 (possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition),
(xiii) section 96 (possession of weapon obtained by commission of offence),
(xiii.1) section 98 (breaking and entering to steal firearm),
(xiii.2) section 98.1 (robbery to steal firearm),
(xiv) section 99 (weapons trafficking),
(xv) section 100 (possession for purpose of weapons trafficking),
(xvi) section 102 (making automatic firearm),
(xvi.1) section 102.1 (possession of computer data),
(xvii) section 103 (importing or exporting knowing it is unauthorized),
(xviii) section 104 (unauthorized importing or exporting),
(xviii.1) section 104.1 (altering cartridge magazine),
(xix) section 119 (bribery, etc.),
(xx) section 120 (bribery, etc.),
(xxi) section 121 (fraud on government),
(xxii) section 122 (breach of trust),
(xxiii) section 123 (municipal corruption),
(xxiv) section 132 (perjury),
(xxv) section 139 (obstructing justice),
(xxvi) section 144 (prison breach),
(xxvii) subsection 145(1) (escape, etc.),
(xxvii.1) section 162 (voyeurism),
(xxvii.2) section 162.1 (intimate image),
(xxviii) subsection 163(1) (obscene materials),
(xxix) section 163.1 (child pornography),
(xxix.1) section 170 (parent or guardian procuring sexual activity),
(xxix.2) section 171 (householder permitting sexual activity),
(xxix.3) section 171.1 (making sexually explicit material available to child),
(xxix.4) section 172.1 (luring a child),
(xxix.5) section 172.2 (agreement or arrangement — sexual offence against child),
(xxx) section 184 (unlawful interception),
(xxxi) section 191 (possession of intercepting device),
(xxxii) subsection 201(1) (keeping gaming or betting house),
(xxxiii) paragraph 202(1)(e) (pool-selling, etc.),
(xxxiv) [Repealed, 2019, c. 25, s. 63.1]
(xxxv) to (xxxviii) [Repealed, 2014, c. 25, s. 11]
(xxxix) section 235 (murder),
(xxxix.1) section 244 (discharging firearm with intent),
(xxxix.2) section 244.2 (discharging firearm — recklessness),
(xl) section 264.1 (uttering threats),
(xli) section 267 (assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm),
(xlii) section 268 (aggravated assault),
(xliii) section 269 (unlawfully causing bodily harm),
(xliii.1) section 270.01 (assaulting peace officer with weapon or causing bodily harm),
(xliii.2) section 270.02 (aggravated assault of peace officer),
(xliv) section 271 (sexual assault),
(xlv) section 272 (sexual assault with a weapon, threats to a third party or causing bodily harm),
(xlvi) section 273 (aggravated sexual assault),
(xlvi.1) section 273.3 (removal of child from Canada),
(xlvii) section 279 (kidnapping),
(xlvii.1) section 279.01 (trafficking in persons),
(xlvii.11) section 279.011 (trafficking of a person under the age of eighteen years),
(xlvii.2) section 279.02 (material benefit),
(xlvii.3) section 279.03 (withholding or destroying documents),
(xlviii) section 279.1 (hostage taking),
(xlix) section 280 (abduction of person under sixteen),
(l) section 281 (abduction of person under fourteen),
(li) section 282 (abduction in contravention of custody order or parenting order),
(lii) section 283 (abduction),
(lii.1) 286.1 (obtaining sexual services for consideration),
(lii.2) 286.2 (material benefit from sexual services),
(lii.3) 286.3 (procuring),
(lii.4) 286.4 (advertising sexual services),
(liii) section 318 (advocating genocide),
(liii.1) section 320.102 (conversion therapy),
(liv) section 327 (possession of device to obtain telecommunication facility or service),
(liv.1) subsection 333.1(1) (motor vehicle theft),
(liv.2) subsection 333.1(3) (motor vehicle theft when violence used, threatened or attempted),
(liv.3) subsection 333.1(4) (motor vehicle theft for criminal organization),
(lv) section 334 (theft),
(lvi) section 342 (theft, forgery, etc., of credit card),
(lvi.1) section 342.01 (instruments for copying credit card data or forging or falsifying credit cards),
(lvii) section 342.1 (unauthorized use of computer),
(lviii) section 342.2 (possession of device to obtain unauthorized use of computer system or to commit mischief),
(lix) section 344 (robbery),
(lx) section 346 (extortion),
(lxi) section 347 (criminal interest rate),
(lxii) section 348 (breaking and entering),
(lxii.1) section 353.1 (tampering with vehicle identification number),
(lxiii) section 354 (possession of property obtained by crime),
(lxiii.1) section 355.2 (trafficking in property obtained by crime),
(lxiii.2) section 355.4 (possession of property obtained by crime — trafficking),
(lxiv) section 356 (theft from mail),
(lxv) section 367 (forgery),
(lxvi) section 368 (use, trafficking or possession of forged document),
(lxvi.1) section 368.1 (forgery instruments),
(lxvii) section 372 (false information),
(lxviii) section 380 (fraud),
(lxix) section 381 (using mails to defraud),
(lxx) section 382 (fraudulent manipulation of stock exchange transactions),
(lxx.01) section 391 (trade secret),
(lxx.1) subsection 402.2(1) (identity theft),
(lxx.2) subsection 402.2(2) (trafficking in identity information),
(lxx.3) section 403 (identity fraud),
(lxxi) section 423.1 (intimidation of justice system participant or journalist),
(lxxi.1) section 423.2 (intimidation — health services),
(lxxii) section 424 (threat to commit offences against internationally protected person),
(lxxii.1) section 424.1 (threat against United Nations or associated personnel),
(lxxiii) section 426 (secret commissions),
(lxxiv) section 430 (mischief),
(lxxv) section 431 (attack on premises, residence or transport of internationally protected person),
(lxxv.1) section 431.1 (attack on premises, accommodation or transport of United Nations or associated personnel),
(lxxv.2) subsection 431.2(2) (explosive or other lethal device),
(lxxvi) section 433 (arson),
(lxxvii) section 434 (arson),
(lxxviii) section 434.1 (arson),
(lxxix) section 435 (arson for fraudulent purpose),
(lxxx) section 449 (making counterfeit money),
(lxxxi) section 450 (possession, etc., of counterfeit money),
(lxxxii) section 452 (uttering, etc., counterfeit money),
(lxxxiii) subsection 462.31(1) (laundering proceeds of crime),
(lxxxiii.1) subsection 462.31(2.1) (laundering proceeds of crime for criminal organization),
(lxxxiv) subsection 462.33(11) (acting in contravention of restraint order),
(lxxxv) section 467.11 (participation in criminal organization),
(lxxxv.1) section 467.111 (recruitment of members — criminal organization),
(lxxxvi) section 467.12 (commission of offence for criminal organization), or
(lxxxvii) section 467.13 (instructing commission of offence for criminal organization),
(b) section 198 (fraudulent bankruptcy) of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act,
(b.1) any of the following provisions of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention Implementation Act, namely,
(i) section 6 (production, etc., of biological agents and means of delivery), or
(ii) section 7 (unauthorized production, etc., of biological agents),
(b.2) any of the following provisions of the Cannabis Act, namely,
(i) section 9 (distribution and possession for purpose of distributing),
(ii) section 10 (selling and possession for purpose of selling),
(iii) section 11 (importing and exporting and possession for purpose of exporting),
(iv) section 12 (production),
(v) section 13 (possession, etc., for use in production or distribution of illicit cannabis), or
(vi) section 14 (use of young person),
(c) any of the following provisions of the Competition Act, namely,
(i) section 45 (conspiracies, agreements or arrangements between competitors),
(ii) section 47 (bid-rigging), or
(iii) subsection 52.1(3) (deceptive telemarketing),
(d) any of the following provisions of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, namely,
(i) section 5 (trafficking),
(ii) section 6 (importing and exporting),
(iii) section 7 (production), or
(iv) section 7.1 (possession, sale, etc., for use in production or trafficking),
(d.1) section 42 (offences related to infringement of copyright) of the Copyright Act,
(e) section 3 (bribing a foreign public official) of the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act,
(e.1) the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act,
(f) either of the following provisions of the Customs Act, namely,
(i) section 153 (false statements), or
(ii) section 159 (smuggling),
(g) any of the following provisions of the Excise Act, 2001, namely,
(i) section 214 (unlawful production, sale, etc., of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis or vaping products),
(ii) section 216 (unlawful possession of tobacco product),
(iii) section 218 (unlawful possession, sale, etc., of alcohol),
(iii.1) section 218.1 (unlawful possession, sale, etc., of unstamped cannabis),
(iii.2) section 218.2 (unlawful possession, sale, etc., of unstamped vaping products),
(iv) section 219 (falsifying or destroying records),
(v) section 230 (possession of property obtained by excise offences), or
(vi) section 231 (laundering proceeds of excise offences),
(h) any of the following provisions of the Export and Import Permits Act, namely,
(i) section 13 (export or attempt to export),
(ii) section 14 (import or attempt to import),
(ii.1) section 14.2 (broker or attempt to broker),
(iii) section 15 (diversion, etc.),
(iv) section 16 (no transfer of permits),
(v) section 17 (false information), or
(vi) section 18 (aiding and abetting),
(i) any of the following provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, namely,
(i) section 117 (organizing entry into Canada),
(ii) section 118 (trafficking in persons),
(iii) section 119 (disembarking persons at sea),
(iv) section 122 (offences related to documents),
(v) section 126 (counselling misrepresentation), or
(vi) section 129 (offences relating to officers),
(j) any offence under the Security of Information Act, or
(k) section 51.01 (offences related to goods, labels, packaging or services) of the Trademarks Act,
and includes any other offence that there are reasonable grounds to believe is a criminal organization offence or any other offence that there are reasonable grounds to believe is an offence described in paragraph (b) or (c) of the definition terrorism offence in section 2; (infraction)
- police officer
police officer means any officer, constable or other person employed for the preservation and maintenance of the public peace; (policier)
- private communication
private communication means any oral communication, or any telecommunication, that is made by an originator who is in Canada or is intended by the originator to be received by a person who is in Canada and that is made under circumstances in which it is reasonable for the originator to expect that it will not be intercepted by any person other than the person intended by the originator to receive it, and includes any radio-based telephone communication that is treated electronically or otherwise for the purpose of preventing intelligible reception by any person other than the person intended by the originator to receive it; (communication privée)
- public switched telephone network
public switched telephone network means a telecommunication facility the primary purpose of which is to provide a land line-based telephone service to the public for compensation; (réseau téléphonique public commuté)
- radio-based telephone communication
radio-based telephone communication means any radiocommunication within the meaning of the Radiocommunication Act that is made over apparatus that is used primarily for connection to a public switched telephone network; (communication radiotéléphonique)
- sell
sell includes offer for sale, expose for sale, have in possession for sale or distribute or advertise for sale; (vendre)
- solicitor
solicitor means, in the Province of Quebec, an advocate or a notary and, in any other province, a barrister or solicitor. (avocat)
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 183
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), ss. 7, 23, c. 1 (2nd Supp.), s. 213, c. 1 (4th Supp.), s. 13, c. 29 (4th Supp.), s. 17, c. 42 (4th Supp.), s. 1
- 1991, c. 28, s. 12
- 1992, c. 27, s. 90
- 1993, c. 7, s. 5, c. 25, s. 94, c. 40, s. 1, c. 46, s. 4
- 1995, c. 39, s. 140
- 1996, c. 19, s. 66
- 1997, c. 18, s. 7, c. 23, s. 3
- 1998, c. 34, s. 8
- 1999, c. 2, s. 47, c. 5, s. 4
- 2000, c. 24, s. 43
- 2001, c. 32, s. 4, c. 41, ss. 5, 31, 133
- 2002, c. 22, s. 409
- 2004, c. 15, s. 108
- 2005, c. 32, s. 10, c. 43, s. 1
- 2008, c. 6, s. 15
- 2009, c. 2, s. 442, c. 22, s. 4, c. 28, s. 3
- 2010, c. 3, s. 1, c. 14, s. 2
- 2012, c. 1, s. 24
- 2013, c. 8, s. 2, c. 9, s. 14, c. 13, s. 7
- 2014, c. 17, s. 2, c. 20, s. 366(E), c. 25, s. 11, c. 31, s. 7, c. 32, s. 59
- 2015, c. 20, s. 19
- 2017, c. 7, s. 56
- 2018, c. 12, s. 114, c. 16, s. 210, c. 26, s. 23, c. 29, s. 15
- 2019, c. 13, s. 150
- 2019, c. 16, s. 122
- 2019, c. 25, s. 63.1
- 2020, c. 1, s. 36
- 2021, c. 24, s. 3
- 2021, c. 27, s. 1
- 2022, c. 10, s. 81
- 2022, c. 17, s. 5
- 2023, c. 14, s. 2
- 2023, c. 32, s. 13
- 2024, c. 17, s. 368
Marginal note:Consent to interception
183.1 Where a private communication is originated by more than one person or is intended by the originator thereof to be received by more than one person, a consent to the interception thereof by any one of those persons is sufficient consent for the purposes of any provision of this Part.
- 1993, c. 40, s. 2
Interception of Communications
Marginal note:Interception
184 (1) Every person who, by means of any electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device, knowingly intercepts a private communication is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Saving provision
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to
(a) a person who has the consent to intercept, express or implied, of the originator of the private communication or of the person intended by the originator thereof to receive it;
(b) a person who intercepts a private communication in accordance with an authorization or pursuant to section 184.4 or any person who in good faith aids in any way another person who the aiding person believes on reasonable grounds is acting with an authorization or pursuant to section 184.4;
(c) a person engaged in providing a telephone, telegraph or other communication service to the public who intercepts a private communication,
(i) if the interception is necessary for the purpose of providing the service,
(ii) in the course of service observing or random monitoring necessary for the purpose of mechanical or service quality control checks, or
(iii) if the interception is necessary to protect the person’s rights or property directly related to providing the service;
(d) an officer or servant of Her Majesty in right of Canada who engages in radio frequency spectrum management, in respect of a private communication intercepted by that officer or servant for the purpose of identifying, isolating or preventing an unauthorized or interfering use of a frequency or of a transmission; or
(e) a person, or any person acting on their behalf, in possession or control of a computer system, as defined in subsection 342.1(2), who intercepts a private communication originating from, directed to or transmitting through that computer system, if the interception is reasonably necessary for
(i) managing the quality of service of the computer system as it relates to performance factors such as the responsiveness and capacity of the system as well as the integrity and availability of the system and data, or
(ii) protecting the computer system against any act that would be an offence under subsection 342.1(1) or 430(1.1).
Marginal note:Use or retention
(3) A private communication intercepted by a person referred to in paragraph (2)(e) can be used or retained only if
(a) it is essential to identify, isolate or prevent harm to the computer system; or
(b) it is to be disclosed in circumstances referred to in subsection 193(2).
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 184
- 1993, c. 40, s. 3
- 2004, c. 12, s. 4
- 2019, c. 25, s. 64
Marginal note:Interception to prevent bodily harm
184.1 (1) An agent of the state may intercept, by means of any electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device, a private communication if
(a) either the originator of the private communication or the person intended by the originator to receive it has consented to the interception;
(b) the agent of the state believes on reasonable grounds that there is a risk of bodily harm to the person who consented to the interception; and
(c) the purpose of the interception is to prevent the bodily harm.
Marginal note:Admissibility of intercepted communication
(2) The contents of a private communication that is obtained from an interception pursuant to subsection (1) are inadmissible as evidence except for the purposes of proceedings in which actual, attempted or threatened bodily harm is alleged, including proceedings in respect of an application for an authorization under this Part or in respect of a search warrant or a warrant for the arrest of any person.
Marginal note:Destruction of recordings and transcripts
(3) The agent of the state who intercepts a private communication pursuant to subsection (1) shall, as soon as is practicable in the circumstances, destroy any recording of the private communication that is obtained from an interception pursuant to subsection (1), any full or partial transcript of the recording and any notes made by that agent of the private communication if nothing in the private communication suggests that bodily harm, attempted bodily harm or threatened bodily harm has occurred or is likely to occur.
Definition of agent of the state
(4) For the purposes of this section, agent of the state means
(a) a peace officer; and
(b) a person acting under the authority of, or in cooperation with, a peace officer.
- 1993, c. 40, s. 4
Marginal note:Interception with consent
184.2 (1) A person may intercept, by means of any electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device, a private communication where either the originator of the private communication or the person intended by the originator to receive it has consented to the interception and an authorization has been obtained pursuant to subsection (3).
Marginal note:Application for authorization
(2) An application for an authorization under this section shall be made by a peace officer, or a public officer who has been appointed or designated to administer or enforce any federal or provincial law and whose duties include the enforcement of this or any other Act of Parliament, ex parte and in writing to a provincial court judge, a judge of a superior court of criminal jurisdiction or a judge as defined in section 552, and shall be accompanied by an affidavit, which may be sworn on the information and belief of that peace officer or public officer or of any other peace officer or public officer, deposing to the following matters:
(a) that there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offence against this or any other Act of Parliament has been or will be committed;
(b) the particulars of the offence;
(c) the name of the person who has consented to the interception;
(d) the period for which the authorization is requested; and
(e) in the case of an application for an authorization where an authorization has previously been granted under this section or section 186, the particulars of the authorization.
Marginal note:Judge to be satisfied
(3) An authorization may be given under this section if the judge to whom the application is made is satisfied that
(a) there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offence against this or any other Act of Parliament has been or will be committed;
(b) either the originator of the private communication or the person intended by the originator to receive it has consented to the interception; and
(c) there are reasonable grounds to believe that information concerning the offence referred to in paragraph (a) will be obtained through the interception sought.
Marginal note:Content and limitation of authorization
(4) An authorization given under this section shall
(a) state the offence in respect of which private communications may be intercepted;
(b) state the type of private communication that may be intercepted;
(c) state the identity of the persons, if known, whose private communications are to be intercepted, generally describe the place at which private communications may be intercepted, if a general description of that place can be given, and generally describe the manner of interception that may be used;
(d) contain the terms and conditions that the judge considers advisable in the public interest; and
(e) be valid for the period, not exceeding sixty days, set out therein.
Marginal note:Related warrant or order
(5) A judge who gives an authorization under this section may, at the same time, issue a warrant or make an order under any of sections 487, 487.01, 487.014 to 487.018, 487.02, 492.1 and 492.2 if the judge is of the opinion that the requested warrant or order is related to the execution of the authorization.
- 1993, c. 40, s. 4
- 2014, c. 31, s. 8
Marginal note:Application — telecommunication producing writing
184.3 (1) A person who is permitted to make one of the following applications may submit their application by a means of telecommunication that produces a writing:
(a) an application for an authorization under subsection 184.2(2), 185(1), 186(5.2) or 188(1);
(b) an application for an extension under subsection 185(2), 196(2) or 196.1(2);
(c) an application to renew an authorization under subsection 186(6).
Marginal note:Sealing
(2) A judge who receives an application submitted by a means of telecommunication that produces a writing shall, immediately on the determination of the application, cause it to be placed and sealed in the packet referred to in subsection 187(1).
Marginal note:Application — telecommunication not producing writing
(3) Despite anything in section 184.2 or 188, a person who is permitted to make an application for an authorization under subsection 184.2(2) or 188(1) may submit their application by a means of telecommunication that does not produce a writing if it would be impracticable in the circumstances to submit the application by a means of telecommunication that produces a writing.
Marginal note:Statement of circumstances
(4) An application submitted by a means of telecommunication that does not produce a writing shall include a statement of the circumstances that make it impracticable to submit the application by a means of telecommunication that produces a writing.
Marginal note:Oath
(5) Any oath required in connection with an application submitted by a means of telecommunication that does not produce a writing may be administered by a means of telecommunication.
Marginal note:Recording and sealing
(6) A judge who receives an application submitted by a means of telecommunication that does not produce a writing shall record the application verbatim, in writing or otherwise, and shall, immediately on the determination of the application, cause the writing or recording to be placed and sealed in the packet referred to in subsection 187(1), and a recording sealed in a packet shall be treated as if it were a document for the purposes of section 187.
Marginal note:Limitation
(7) If an application is submitted by a means of telecommunication that does not produce a writing, the judge shall not give the authorization unless he or she is satisfied that the application discloses reasonable grounds for dispensing with its submission by a means of telecommunication that produces a writing.
Marginal note:Giving authorization, etc.
(8) A judge who gives the authorization, extension or renewal may do so by a means of telecommunication, in which case
(a) the judge shall complete and sign the document in question, noting on its face the time and date;
(b) if the means of telecommunication produces a writing, the judge shall transmit a copy of the document to the applicant by that means;
(c) if the means of telecommunication does not produce a writing, the applicant shall, as directed by the judge, transcribe the document, noting on its face the name of the judge as well as the time and date; and
(d) the judge shall, immediately after the authorization, extension or renewal is given, cause the document to be placed and sealed in the packet referred to in subsection 187(1).
- 1993, c. 40, s. 4
- 2022, c. 17, s. 6
Marginal note:Immediate interception — imminent harm
184.4 A police officer may intercept, by means of any electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device, a private communication if the police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that
(a) the urgency of the situation is such that an authorization could not, with reasonable diligence, be obtained under any other provision of this Part;
(b) the interception is immediately necessary to prevent an offence that would cause serious harm to any person or to property; and
(c) either the originator of the private communication or the person intended by the originator to receive it is the person who would commit the offence that is likely to cause the harm or is the victim, or intended victim, of the harm.
- 1993, c. 40, s. 4
- 2013, c. 8, s. 3
Marginal note:Interception of radio-based telephone communications
184.5 (1) Every person who intercepts, by means of any electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device, maliciously or for gain, a radio-based telephone communication, if the originator of the communication or the person intended by the originator of the communication to receive it is in Canada, is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Other provisions to apply
(2) Section 183.1, subsection 184(2) and sections 184.1 to 190 and 194 to 196 apply, with such modifications as the circumstances require, to interceptions of radio-based telephone communications referred to in subsection (1).
- 1993, c. 40, s. 4
- 2019, c. 25, s. 65
Marginal note:One application for authorization sufficient
184.6 For greater certainty, an application for an authorization under this Part may be made with respect to both private communications and radio-based telephone communications at the same time.
- 1993, c. 40, s. 4
Marginal note:Application for authorization
185 (1) An application for an authorization to be given under section 186 shall be made ex parte and in writing to a judge of a superior court of criminal jurisdiction or a judge as defined in section 552 and shall be signed by the Attorney General of the province in which the application is made or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness or an agent specially designated in writing for the purposes of this section by
(a) the Minister personally or the Deputy Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness personally, if the offence under investigation is one in respect of which proceedings, if any, may be instituted at the instance of the Government of Canada and conducted by or on behalf of the Attorney General of Canada, or
(b) the Attorney General of a province personally or the Deputy Attorney General of a province personally, in any other case,
and shall be accompanied by an affidavit, which may be sworn on the information and belief of a peace officer or public officer deposing to the following matters:
(c) the facts relied on to justify the belief that an authorization should be given together with particulars of the offence,
(d) the type of private communication proposed to be intercepted,
(e) the names, addresses and occupations, if known, of all persons, the interception of whose private communications there are reasonable grounds to believe may assist the investigation of the offence, a general description of the nature and location of the place, if known, at which private communications are proposed to be intercepted and a general description of the manner of interception proposed to be used,
(f) the number of instances, if any, on which an application has been made under this section in relation to the offence and a person named in the affidavit pursuant to paragraph (e) and on which the application was withdrawn or no authorization was given, the date on which each application was made and the name of the judge to whom each application was made,
(g) the period for which the authorization is requested, and
(h) whether other investigative procedures have been tried and have failed or why it appears they are unlikely to succeed or that the urgency of the matter is such that it would be impractical to carry out the investigation of the offence using only other investigative procedures.
Marginal note:Exception for criminal organizations and terrorist groups
(1.1) Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(h), that paragraph does not apply where the application for an authorization is in relation to
(a) an offence under section 467.11, 467.111, 467.12 or 467.13;
(b) an offence committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization; or
(c) a terrorism offence.
Marginal note:Extension of period for notification
(2) An application for an authorization may be accompanied by an application, personally signed by the Attorney General of the province in which the application for the authorization is made or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness if the application for the authorization is made by him or on his behalf, to substitute for the period mentioned in subsection 196(1) such longer period not exceeding three years as is set out in the application.
Marginal note:Where extension to be granted
(3) Where an application for an authorization is accompanied by an application referred to in subsection (2), the judge to whom the applications are made shall first consider the application referred to in subsection (2) and where, on the basis of the affidavit in support of the application for the authorization and any other affidavit evidence submitted in support of the application referred to in subsection (2), the judge is of the opinion that the interests of justice warrant the granting of the application, he shall fix a period, not exceeding three years, in substitution for the period mentioned in subsection 196(1).
Marginal note:If extension not granted
(4) If the judge to whom an application for an authorization and an application referred to in subsection (2) are made refuses to fix a period in substitution for the period mentioned in subsection 196(1) or if the judge fixes a shorter period than the one set out in the application referred to in subsection (2), the person submitting the application for the authorization may withdraw that application and, if it is withdrawn, the judge shall not proceed to consider it or to give the authorization and shall destroy, or return to that person, both applications and all other material pertaining to them.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 185
- 1993, c. 40, s. 5
- 1997, c. 18, s. 8, c. 23, s. 4
- 2001, c. 32, s. 5, c. 41, ss. 6, 133
- 2005, c. 10, ss. 22, 34
- 2014, c. 17, s. 3
- 2022, c. 17, s. 7
Marginal note:Judge to be satisfied
186 (1) An authorization under this section may be given if the judge to whom the application is made is satisfied
(a) that it would be in the best interests of the administration of justice to do so; and
(b) that other investigative procedures have been tried and have failed, other investigative procedures are unlikely to succeed or the urgency of the matter is such that it would be impractical to carry out the investigation of the offence using only other investigative procedures.
Marginal note:Exception for criminal organizations and terrorism offences
(1.1) Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(b), that paragraph does not apply where the judge is satisfied that the application for an authorization is in relation to
(a) an offence under section 467.11, 467.111, 467.12 or 467.13;
(b) an offence committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization; or
(c) a terrorism offence.
Marginal note:Where authorization not to be given
(2) No authorization may be given to intercept a private communication at the office or residence of a solicitor, or at any other place ordinarily used by a solicitor and by other solicitors for the purpose of consultation with clients, unless the judge to whom the application is made is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the solicitor, any other solicitor practising with him, any person employed by him or any other such solicitor or a member of the solicitor’s household has been or is about to become a party to an offence.
Marginal note:Terms and conditions
(3) Where an authorization is given in relation to the interception of private communications at a place described in subsection (2), the judge by whom the authorization is given shall include therein such terms and conditions as he considers advisable to protect privileged communications between solicitors and clients.
Marginal note:Content and limitation of authorization
(4) An authorization shall
(a) state the offence in respect of which private communications may be intercepted;
(b) state the type of private communication that may be intercepted;
(c) state the identity of the persons, if known, whose private communications are to be intercepted, generally describe the place at which private communications may be intercepted, if a general description of that place can be given, and generally describe the manner of interception that may be used;
(d) contain such terms and conditions as the judge considers advisable in the public interest; and
(e) be valid for the period, not exceeding sixty days, set out therein.
Marginal note:Persons designated
(5) The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness or the Attorney General, as the case may be, may designate a person or persons who may intercept private communications under authorizations.
Marginal note:Installation and removal of device
(5.1) For greater certainty, an authorization that permits interception by means of an electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device includes the authority to install, maintain or remove the device covertly.
Marginal note:Removal after expiry of authorization
(5.2) On an ex parte application, in writing, supported by affidavit, the judge who gave an authorization referred to in subsection (5.1) or any other judge having jurisdiction to give such an authorization may give a further authorization for the covert removal of the electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device after the expiry of the original authorization
(a) under any terms or conditions that the judge considers advisable in the public interest; and
(b) during any specified period of not more than sixty days.
Marginal note:Renewal of authorization
(6) Renewals of an authorization may be given by a judge of a superior court of criminal jurisdiction or a judge as defined in section 552 on receipt by him or her of an ex parte application in writing signed by the Attorney General of the province in which the application is made or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness — or an agent specially designated in writing for the purposes of section 185 by the Minister or the Attorney General, as the case may be — accompanied by an affidavit of a peace officer or public officer deposing to the following matters:
(a) the reason and period for which the renewal is required,
(b) full particulars, together with times and dates, when interceptions, if any, were made or attempted under the authorization, and any information that has been obtained by any interception, and
(c) the number of instances, if any, on which, to the knowledge and belief of the deponent, an application has been made under this subsection in relation to the same authorization and on which the application was withdrawn or no renewal was given, the date on which each application was made and the name of the judge to whom each application was made,
and supported by such other information as the judge may require.
Marginal note:Renewal
(7) A renewal of an authorization may be given if the judge to whom the application is made is satisfied that any of the circumstances described in subsection (1) still obtain, but no renewal shall be for a period exceeding sixty days.
Marginal note:Related warrant or order
(8) A judge who gives an authorization under this section may, at the same time, issue a warrant or make an order under any of sections 487, 487.01, 487.014 to 487.018, 487.02, 492.1 and 492.2 if the judge is of the opinion that the requested warrant or order is related to the execution of the authorization.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 186
- 1993, c. 40, s. 6
- 1997, c. 23, s. 5
- 1999, c. 5, s. 5
- 2001, c. 32, s. 6, c. 41, ss. 6.1, 133
- 2005, c. 10, ss. 23, 34
- 2014, c. 17, s. 4, c. 31, s. 9
Marginal note:Time limitation in relation to criminal organizations and terrorism offences
186.1 Notwithstanding paragraphs 184.2(4)(e) and 186(4)(e) and subsection 186(7), an authorization or any renewal of an authorization may be valid for one or more periods specified in the authorization exceeding sixty days, each not exceeding one year, where the authorization is in relation to
(a) an offence under section 467.11, 467.111, 467.12 or 467.13;
(b) an offence committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization; or
(c) a terrorism offence.
- 1997, c. 23, s. 6
- 2001, c. 32, s. 7, c. 41, ss. 7, 133
- 2014, c. 17, s. 5
Marginal note:Manner in which application to be kept secret
187 (1) All documents relating to an application made pursuant to any provision of this Part are confidential and, subject to subsection (1.1), shall be placed in a packet and sealed by the judge to whom the application is made immediately on determination of the application, and that packet shall be kept in the custody of the court in a place to which the public has no access or in such other place as the judge may authorize and shall not be dealt with except in accordance with subsections (1.2) to (1.5).
Marginal note:Exception
(1.1) An authorization given under this Part need not be placed in the packet except if, under subsection 184.3(8), the original authorization is in the hands of the judge, in which case that judge must place it in the packet and the copy remains with the applicant.
Marginal note:Opening for further applications
(1.2) The sealed packet may be opened and its contents removed for the purpose of dealing with an application for a further authorization or with an application for renewal of an authorization.
Marginal note:Opening on order of judge
(1.3) A provincial court judge, a judge of a superior court of criminal jurisdiction or a judge as defined in section 552 may order that the sealed packet be opened and its contents removed for the purpose of copying and examining the documents contained in the packet.
Marginal note:Opening on order of trial judge
(1.4) A judge or provincial court judge before whom a trial is to be held and who has jurisdiction in the province in which an authorization was given may order that the sealed packet be opened and its contents removed for the purpose of copying and examining the documents contained in the packet if
(a) any matter relevant to the authorization or any evidence obtained pursuant to the authorization is in issue in the trial; and
(b) the accused applies for such an order for the purpose of consulting the documents to prepare for trial.
Marginal note:Order for destruction of documents
(1.5) Where a sealed packet is opened, its contents shall not be destroyed except pursuant to an order of a judge of the same court as the judge who gave the authorization.
Marginal note:Order of judge
(2) An order under subsection (1.2), (1.3), (1.4) or (1.5) made with respect to documents relating to an application made pursuant to section 185 or subsection 186(6) or 196(2) may only be made after the Attorney General or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness by whom or on whose authority the application for the authorization to which the order relates was made has been given an opportunity to be heard.
Marginal note:Order of judge
(3) An order under subsection (1.2), (1.3), (1.4) or (1.5) made with respect to documents relating to an application made under subsection 184.2(2) may only be made after the Attorney General has been given an opportunity to be heard.
Marginal note:Editing of copies
(4) Where a prosecution has been commenced and an accused applies for an order for the copying and examination of documents pursuant to subsection (1.3) or (1.4), the judge shall not, notwithstanding those subsections, provide any copy of any document to the accused until the prosecutor has deleted any part of the copy of the document that the prosecutor believes would be prejudicial to the public interest, including any part that the prosecutor believes could
(a) compromise the identity of any confidential informant;
(b) compromise the nature and extent of ongoing investigations;
(c) endanger persons engaged in particular intelligence-gathering techniques and thereby prejudice future investigations in which similar techniques would be used; or
(d) prejudice the interests of innocent persons.
Marginal note:Accused to be provided with copies
(5) After the prosecutor has deleted the parts of the copy of the document to be given to the accused under subsection (4), the accused shall be provided with an edited copy of the document.
Marginal note:Original documents to be returned
(6) After the accused has received an edited copy of a document, the prosecutor shall keep a copy of the original document, and an edited copy of the document and the original document shall be returned to the packet and the packet resealed.
Marginal note:Deleted parts
(7) An accused to whom an edited copy of a document has been provided pursuant to subsection (5) may request that the judge before whom the trial is to be held order that any part of the document deleted by the prosecutor be made available to the accused, and the judge shall order that a copy of any part that, in the opinion of the judge, is required in order for the accused to make full answer and defence and for which the provision of a judicial summary would not be sufficient, be made available to the accused.
Marginal note:Documents to be kept secret — related warrant or order
(8) The rules provided for in this section apply to all documents relating to a request for a related warrant or order referred to in subsection 184.2(5), 186(8) or 188(6) with any necessary modifications.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 187
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 24
- 1993, c. 40, s. 7
- 2005, c. 10, s. 24
- 2014, c. 31, s. 10
- 2022, c. 17, s. 8
Marginal note:Applications to specially appointed judges
188 (1) Notwithstanding section 185, an application made under that section for an authorization may be made ex parte to a judge of a superior court of criminal jurisdiction, or a judge as defined in section 552, designated from time to time by the Chief Justice, by a peace officer specially designated in writing, by name or otherwise, for the purposes of this section by
(a) the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, if the offence is one in respect of which proceedings, if any, may be instituted by the Government of Canada and conducted by or on behalf of the Attorney General of Canada, or
(b) the Attorney General of a province, in respect of any other offence in the province,
if the urgency of the situation requires interception of private communications to commence before an authorization could, with reasonable diligence, be obtained under section 186.
Marginal note:Authorizations in emergency
(2) Where the judge to whom an application is made pursuant to subsection (1) is satisfied that the urgency of the situation requires that interception of private communications commence before an authorization could, with reasonable diligence, be obtained under section 186, he may, on such terms and conditions, if any, as he considers advisable, give an authorization in writing for a period of up to thirty-six hours.
(3) [Repealed, 1993, c. 40, s. 8]
Marginal note:Definition of Chief Justice
(4) In this section, Chief Justice means
(a) in the Province of Ontario, the Chief Justice of the Ontario Court;
(b) in the Province of Quebec, the Chief Justice of the Superior Court;
(c) in the Provinces of Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, and in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court;
(d) in the Provinces of New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench;
(e) in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Trial Division; and
(f) in Nunavut, the Chief Justice of the Nunavut Court of Justice.
Marginal note:Inadmissibility of evidence
(5) The trial judge may deem inadmissible the evidence obtained by means of an interception of a private communication pursuant to a subsequent authorization given under this section, where he finds that the application for the subsequent authorization was based on the same facts, and involved the interception of the private communications of the same person or persons, or related to the same offence, on which the application for the original authorization was based.
Marginal note:Related warrant or order
(6) A judge who gives an authorization under this section may, at the same time, issue a warrant or make an order under any of sections 487, 487.01, 487.014 to 487.018, 487.02, 492.1 and 492.2 if the judge is of the opinion that the requested warrant or order is related to the execution of the authorization, that the urgency of the situation requires the warrant or the order and that it can be reasonably executed or complied with within 36 hours.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 188
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), ss. 25, 185(F), c. 27 (2nd Supp.), s. 10
- 1990, c. 17, s. 10
- 1992, c. 1, s. 58, c. 51, s. 35
- 1993, c. 40, s. 8
- 1999, c. 3, s. 28
- 2002, c. 7, s. 140
- 2005, c. 10, s. 34
- 2014, c. 31, s. 11
- 2015, c. 3, s. 47
- 2017, c. 33, s. 255
Marginal note:Execution in Canada
188.1 An authorization given under section 184.2, 186 or 188 may be executed at any place in Canada. Any peace officer who executes the authorization must have authority to act as a peace officer in the place where it is executed.
- 1993, c. 40, s. 9
- 2019, c. 25, s. 66
- 2022, c. 17, s. 9
Marginal note:No civil or criminal liability
188.2 No person who acts in accordance with an authorization or under section 184.1 or 184.4 or who aids, in good faith, a person who he or she believes on reasonable grounds is acting in accordance with an authorization or under one of those sections incurs any criminal or civil liability for anything reasonably done further to the authorization or to that section.
- 1993, c. 40, s. 9
189 (1) to (4) [Repealed, 1993, c. 40, s. 10]
Marginal note:Notice of intention to produce evidence
(5) The contents of a private communication that is obtained from an interception of the private communication pursuant to any provision of, or pursuant to an authorization given under, this Part shall not be received in evidence unless the party intending to adduce it has given to the accused reasonable notice of the intention together with
(a) a transcript of the private communication, where it will be adduced in the form of a recording, or a statement setting out full particulars of the private communication, where evidence of the private communication will be given viva voce; and
(b) a statement respecting the time, place and date of the private communication and the parties thereto, if known.
Marginal note:Privileged evidence
(6) Any information obtained by an interception that, but for the interception, would have been privileged remains privileged and inadmissible as evidence without the consent of the person enjoying the privilege.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 189
- 1993, c. 40, s. 10
Marginal note:Further particulars
190 Where an accused has been given notice pursuant to subsection 189(5), any judge of the court in which the trial of the accused is being or is to be held may at any time order that further particulars be given of the private communication that is intended to be adduced in evidence.
- 1973-74, c. 50, s. 2
Marginal note:Possession, etc.
191 (1) Every person who possesses, sells or purchases any electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device or any component of it knowing that its design renders it primarily useful for surreptitious interception of private communications is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Exemptions
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to
(a) a police officer in possession of a device or component described in subsection (1) in the course of his employment;
(b) a person in possession of such a device or component for the purpose of using it in an interception made or to be made in accordance with an authorization;
(b.1) a person in possession of such a device or component under the direction of a police officer in order to assist that officer in the course of his duties as a police officer;
(c) an officer or a servant of Her Majesty in right of Canada or a member of the Canadian Forces in possession of such a device or component in the course of his duties as such an officer, servant or member, as the case may be; and
(d) any other person in possession of such a device or component under the authority of a licence issued by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
Marginal note:Terms and conditions of licence
(3) A licence issued for the purpose of paragraph (2)(d) may contain such terms and conditions relating to the possession, sale or purchase of a device or component described in subsection (1) as the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness may prescribe.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 191
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 26
- 2005, c. 10, s. 34
- 2013, c. 8, s. 4
- 2019, c. 25, s. 67
Marginal note:Forfeiture
192 (1) Where a person is convicted of an offence under section 184 or 191, any electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device by means of which the offence was committed or the possession of which constituted the offence, on the conviction, in addition to any punishment that is imposed, may be ordered forfeited to Her Majesty whereupon it may be disposed of as the Attorney General directs.
Marginal note:Limitation
(2) No order for forfeiture shall be made under subsection (1) in respect of telephone, telegraph or other communication facilities or equipment owned by a person engaged in providing telephone, telegraph or other communication service to the public or forming part of the telephone, telegraph or other communication service or system of that person by means of which an offence under section 184 has been committed if that person was not a party to the offence.
- 1973-74, c. 50, s. 2
Marginal note:Disclosure of information
193 (1) If a private communication has been intercepted by means of an electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device without the consent, express or implied, of the originator of that communication or of the person intended by the originator to receive it, every person commits an offence who, without the express consent of the originator of that communication or of the person intended to receive it, knowingly
(a) uses or discloses the private communication or any part of it or the substance, meaning or purpose of it or of any part of it, or
(b) discloses the existence of the private communication.
Marginal note:Punishment
(1.1) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Exemptions
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who discloses a private communication or any part thereof or the substance, meaning or purport thereof or of any part thereof or who discloses the existence of a private communication
(a) in the course of or for the purpose of giving evidence in any civil or criminal proceedings or in any other proceedings in which the person may be required to give evidence on oath;
(b) in the course of or for the purpose of any criminal investigation if the private communication was lawfully intercepted;
(c) in giving notice under section 189 or furnishing further particulars pursuant to an order under section 190;
(d) in the course of the operation of
(i) a telephone, telegraph or other communication service to the public,
(ii) a department or an agency of the Government of Canada, or
(iii) services relating to the management or protection of a computer system, as defined in subsection 342.1(2),
if the disclosure is necessarily incidental to an interception described in paragraph 184(2)(c), (d) or (e);
(e) where disclosure is made to a peace officer or prosecutor in Canada or to a person or authority with responsibility in a foreign state for the investigation or prosecution of offences and is intended to be in the interests of the administration of justice in Canada or elsewhere; or
(f) where the disclosure is made to the Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service or to an employee of the Service for the purpose of enabling the Service to perform its duties and functions under section 12 of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act.
Marginal note:Publishing of prior lawful disclosure
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who discloses a private communication or any part thereof or the substance, meaning or purport thereof or of any part thereof or who discloses the existence of a private communication where that which is disclosed by him was, prior to the disclosure, lawfully disclosed in the course of or for the purpose of giving evidence in proceedings referred to in paragraph (2)(a).
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 193
- R.S., 1985, c. 30 (4th Supp.), s. 45
- 1993, c. 40, s. 11
- 2004, c. 12, s. 5
- 2019, c. 25, s. 68
Marginal note:Disclosure of information received from interception of radio-based telephone communications
193.1 (1) Every person who knowingly uses or discloses a radio-based telephone communication or who knowingly discloses the existence of such a communication is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction, if
(a) the originator of the communication or the person intended by the originator of the communication to receive it was in Canada when the communication was made;
(b) the communication was intercepted by means of an electromagnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device without the consent, express or implied, of the originator of the communication or of the person intended by the originator to receive the communication; and
(c) the person does not have the express or implied consent of the originator of the communication or of the person intended by the originator to receive the communication.
Marginal note:Other provisions to apply
(2) Subsections 193(2) and (3) apply, with such modifications as the circumstances require, to disclosures of radio-based telephone communications.
- 1993, c. 40, s. 12
- 2019, c. 25, s. 69
Marginal note:Damages
194 (1) Subject to subsection (2), a court that convicts an accused of an offence under section 184, 184.5, 193 or 193.1 may, on the application of a person aggrieved, at the time sentence is imposed, order the accused to pay to that person an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars as punitive damages.
Marginal note:No damages where civil proceedings commenced
(2) No amount shall be ordered to be paid under subsection (1) to a person who has commenced an action under Part II of the Crown Liability Act.
Marginal note:Judgment may be registered
(3) Where an amount that is ordered to be paid under subsection (1) is not paid forthwith, the applicant may, by filing the order, enter as a judgment, in the superior court of the province in which the trial was held, the amount ordered to be paid, and that judgment is enforceable against the accused in the same manner as if it were a judgment rendered against the accused in that court in civil proceedings.
Marginal note:Moneys in possession of accused may be taken
(4) All or any part of an amount that is ordered to be paid under subsection (1) may be taken out of moneys found in the possession of the accused at the time of his arrest, except where there is a dispute respecting ownership of or right of possession to those moneys by claimants other than the accused.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 194
- 1993, c. 40, s. 13
Marginal note:Annual report
195 (1) The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness shall, as soon as possible after the end of each year, prepare a report relating to
(a) authorizations for which that Minister and agents specially designated in writing by that Minister for the purposes of section 185 applied and the interceptions made under those authorizations in the immediately preceding year;
(b) authorizations given under section 188 for which peace officers specially designated by that Minister for the purposes of that section applied and the interceptions made under those authorizations in the immediately preceding year; and
(c) interceptions made under section 184.4 in the immediately preceding year if the interceptions relate to an offence for which proceedings may be commenced by the Attorney General of Canada.
Marginal note:Information respecting authorizations — sections 185 and 188
(2) The report shall, in relation to the authorizations and interceptions referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) and (b), set out
(a) the number of applications made for authorizations;
(b) the number of applications made for renewal of authorizations;
(c) the number of applications referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) that were granted, the number of those applications that were refused and the number of applications referred to in paragraph (a) that were granted subject to terms and conditions;
(d) the number of persons identified in an authorization against whom proceedings were commenced at the instance of the Attorney General of Canada in respect of
(i) an offence specified in the authorization,
(ii) an offence other than an offence specified in the authorization but in respect of which an authorization may be given, and
(iii) an offence in respect of which an authorization may not be given;
(e) the number of persons not identified in an authorization against whom proceedings were commenced at the instance of the Attorney General of Canada in respect of
(i) an offence specified in such an authorization,
(ii) an offence other than an offence specified in such an authorization but in respect of which an authorization may be given, and
(iii) an offence other than an offence specified in such an authorization and for which no such authorization may be given,
and whose commission or alleged commission of the offence became known to a peace officer as a result of an interception of a private communication under an authorization;
(f) the average period for which authorizations were given and for which renewals thereof were granted;
(g) the number of authorizations that, by virtue of one or more renewals thereof, were valid for more than sixty days, for more than one hundred and twenty days, for more than one hundred and eighty days and for more than two hundred and forty days;
(h) the number of notifications given pursuant to section 196;
(i) the offences in respect of which authorizations were given, specifying the number of authorizations given in respect of each of those offences;
(j) a description of all classes of places specified in authorizations and the number of authorizations in which each of those classes of places was specified;
(k) a general description of the methods of interception involved in each interception under an authorization;
(l) the number of persons arrested whose identity became known to a peace officer as a result of an interception under an authorization;
(m) the number of criminal proceedings commenced at the instance of the Attorney General of Canada in which private communications obtained by interception under an authorization were adduced in evidence and the number of those proceedings that resulted in a conviction; and
(n) the number of criminal investigations in which information obtained as a result of the interception of a private communication under an authorization was used although the private communication was not adduced in evidence in criminal proceedings commenced at the instance of the Attorney General of Canada as a result of the investigations.
Marginal note:Information respecting interceptions — section 184.4
(2.1) The report shall, in relation to the interceptions referred to in paragraph (1)(c), set out
(a) the number of interceptions made;
(b) the number of parties to each intercepted private communication against whom proceedings were commenced in respect of the offence that the police officer sought to prevent in intercepting the private communication or in respect of any other offence that was detected as a result of the interception;
(c) the number of persons who were not parties to an intercepted private communication but whose commission or alleged commission of an offence became known to a police officer as a result of the interception of a private communication, and against whom proceedings were commenced in respect of the offence that the police officer sought to prevent in intercepting the private communication or in respect of any other offence that was detected as a result of the interception;
(d) the number of notifications given under section 196.1;
(e) the offences in respect of which interceptions were made and any other offences for which proceedings were commenced as a result of an interception, as well as the number of interceptions made with respect to each offence;
(f) a general description of the methods of interception used for each interception;
(g) the number of persons arrested whose identity became known to a police officer as a result of an interception;
(h) the number of criminal proceedings commenced in which private communications obtained by interception were adduced in evidence and the number of those proceedings that resulted in a conviction;
(i) the number of criminal investigations in which information obtained as a result of the interception of a private communication was used even though the private communication was not adduced in evidence in criminal proceedings commenced as a result of the investigations; and
(j) the duration of each interception and the aggregate duration of all the interceptions related to the investigation of the offence that the police officer sought to prevent in intercepting the private communication.
Marginal note:Other information
(3) The report shall, in addition to the information referred to in subsections (2) and (2.1), set out
(a) the number of prosecutions commenced against officers or servants of Her Majesty in right of Canada or members of the Canadian Forces for offences under section 184 or 193; and
(b) a general assessment of the importance of interception of private communications for the investigation, detection, prevention and prosecution of offences in Canada.
Marginal note:Report to be laid before Parliament
(4) The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness shall cause a copy of each report prepared by him under subsection (1) to be laid before Parliament forthwith on completion thereof, or if Parliament is not then sitting, on any of the first fifteen days next thereafter that Parliament is sitting.
Marginal note:Report by Attorneys General
(5) The Attorney General of each province shall, as soon as possible after the end of each year, prepare and publish or otherwise make available to the public a report relating to
(a) authorizations for which the Attorney General and agents specially designated in writing by the Attorney General for the purposes of section 185 applied and to the interceptions made under those authorizations in the immediately preceding year;
(b) authorizations given under section 188 for which peace officers specially designated by the Attorney General for the purposes of that section applied and to the interceptions made under those authorizations in the immediately preceding year; and
(c) interceptions made under section 184.4 in the immediately preceding year, if the interceptions relate to an offence not referred to in paragraph (1)(c).
The report must set out, with any modifications that the circumstances require, the information described in subsections (2) to (3).
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 195
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 27
- 2005, c. 10, s. 34
- 2013, c. 8, s. 5
- 2015, c. 20, s. 20
Marginal note:Written notification to be given
196 (1) The Attorney General of the province in which an application under subsection 185(1) was made or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness if the application was made by or on behalf of that Minister shall, within 90 days after the period for which the authorization was given or renewed or within such other period as is fixed pursuant to subsection 185(3) or subsection (3) of this section, notify in writing the person who was the object of the interception pursuant to the authorization and shall, in a manner prescribed by regulations made by the Governor in Council, certify to the court that gave the authorization that the person has been so notified.
Marginal note:Extension of period for notification
(2) The running of the 90 days referred to in subsection (1), or of any other period fixed pursuant to subsection 185(3) or subsection (3) of this section, is suspended until any application made by the Attorney General or the Minister to a judge of a superior court of criminal jurisdiction or a judge as defined in section 552 for an extension or a subsequent extension of the period for which the authorization was given or renewed has been heard and disposed of.
Marginal note:Where extension to be granted
(3) Where the judge to whom an application referred to in subsection (2) is made, on the basis of an affidavit submitted in support of the application, is satisfied that
(a) the investigation of the offence to which the authorization relates, or
(b) a subsequent investigation of an offence listed in section 183 commenced as a result of information obtained from the investigation referred to in paragraph (a),
is continuing and is of the opinion that the interests of justice warrant the granting of the application, the judge shall grant an extension, or a subsequent extension, of the period, each extension not to exceed three years.
Marginal note:Application to be accompanied by affidavit
(4) An application pursuant to subsection (2) shall be accompanied by an affidavit deposing to
(a) the facts known or believed by the deponent and relied on to justify the belief that an extension should be granted; and
(b) the number of instances, if any, on which an application has, to the knowledge or belief of the deponent, been made under that subsection in relation to the particular authorization and on which the application was withdrawn or the application was not granted, the date on which each application was made and the judge to whom each application was made.
Marginal note:Exception for criminal organizations and terrorist groups
(5) Notwithstanding subsections (3) and 185(3), where the judge to whom an application referred to in subsection (2) or 185(2) is made, on the basis of an affidavit submitted in support of the application, is satisfied that the investigation is in relation to
(a) an offence under section 467.11, 467.111, 467.12 or 467.13,
(b) an offence committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization, or
(c) a terrorism offence,
and is of the opinion that the interests of justice warrant the granting of the application, the judge shall grant an extension, or a subsequent extension, of the period, but no extension may exceed three years.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 196
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 28
- 1993, c. 40, s. 14
- 1997, c. 23, s. 7
- 2001, c. 32, s. 8, c. 41, ss. 8, 133
- 2005, c. 10, s. 25
- 2014, c. 17, s. 6
Marginal note:Written notice — interception in accordance with section 184.4
196.1 (1) Subject to subsections (3) and (5), the Attorney General of the province in which a police officer intercepts a private communication under section 184.4 or, if the interception relates to an offence for which proceedings may be commenced by the Attorney General of Canada, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness shall give notice in writing of the interception to any person who was the object of the interception within 90 days after the day on which it occurred.
Marginal note:Extension of period for notification
(2) The running of the 90-day period or of any extension granted under subsection (3) or (5) is suspended until any application made by the Attorney General of the province or the Minister to a judge of a superior court of criminal jurisdiction or a judge as defined in section 552 for an extension or a subsequent extension of the period has been heard and disposed of.
Marginal note:Where extension to be granted
(3) The judge to whom an application under subsection (2) is made shall grant an extension or a subsequent extension of the 90-day period — each extension not to exceed three years — if the judge is of the opinion that the interests of justice warrant granting the application and is satisfied, on the basis of an affidavit submitted in support of the application, that one of the following investigations is continuing:
(a) the investigation of the offence to which the interception relates; or
(b) a subsequent investigation of an offence commenced as a result of information obtained from the investigation referred to in paragraph (a).
Marginal note:Application to be accompanied by affidavit
(4) An application shall be accompanied by an affidavit deposing to
(a) the facts known or believed by the deponent and relied on to justify the belief that an extension should be granted; and
(b) the number of instances, if any, on which an application has, to the knowledge or belief of the deponent, been made under subsection (2) in relation to the particular interception and on which the application was withdrawn or the application was not granted, the date on which each application was made and the judge to whom each application was made.
Marginal note:Exception — criminal organization or terrorism offence
(5) Despite subsection (3), the judge to whom an application under subsection (2) is made shall grant an extension or a subsequent extension of the 90-day period — each extension not to exceed three years — if the judge is of the opinion that the interests of justice warrant granting the application and is satisfied, on the basis of an affidavit submitted in support of the application, that the interception of the communication relates to an investigation of
(a) an offence under section 467.11, 467.12 or 467.13;
(b) an offence committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization; or
(c) a terrorism offence.
- 2013, c. 8, s. 6
PART VIIDisorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting
Interpretation
Marginal note:Definitions
197 (1) In this Part,
- bet
bet means a bet that is placed on any contingency or event that is to take place in or out of Canada, and without restricting the generality of the foregoing, includes a bet that is placed on any contingency relating to a horse-race, fight, match or sporting event that is to take place in or out of Canada; (pari)
- common bawdy-house
common bawdy-house[Repealed, 2019, c. 25, s. 69.1]
- common betting house
common betting house means a place that is opened, kept or used for the purpose of
(a) enabling, encouraging or assisting persons who resort thereto to bet between themselves or with the keeper, or
(b) enabling any person to receive, record, register, transmit or pay bets or to announce the results of betting; (maison de pari)
- common gaming house
common gaming house means a place that is
(a) kept for gain to which persons resort for the purpose of playing games, or
(b) kept or used for the purpose of playing games
(i) in which a bank is kept by one or more but not all of the players,
(ii) in which all or any portion of the bets on or proceeds from a game is paid, directly or indirectly, to the keeper of the place,
(iii) in which, directly or indirectly, a fee is charged to or paid by the players for the privilege of playing or participating in a game or using gaming equipment, or
(iv) in which the chances of winning are not equally favourable to all persons who play the game, including the person, if any, who conducts the game; (maison de jeu)
- disorderly house
disorderly house means a common betting house or a common gaming house; (maison de désordre)
- game
game means a game of chance or mixed chance and skill; (jeu)
- gaming equipment
gaming equipment means anything that is or may be used for the purpose of playing games or for betting; (matériel de jeu)
- keeper
keeper includes a person who
(a) is an owner or occupier of a place,
(b) assists or acts on behalf of an owner or occupier of a place,
(c) appears to be, or to assist or act on behalf of an owner or occupier of a place,
(d) has the care or management of a place, or
(e) uses a place permanently or temporarily, with or without the consent of the owner or occupier thereof; (tenancier)
- place
place includes any place, whether or not
(a) it is covered or enclosed,
(b) it is used permanently or temporarily, or
(c) any person has an exclusive right of user with respect to it; (local ou endroit)
- prostitute
prostitute[Repealed, 2014, c. 25, s. 12]
- public place
public place includes any place to which the public have access as of right or by invitation, express or implied. (endroit public)
Marginal note:Exception
(2) A place is not a common gaming house within the meaning of paragraph (a) or subparagraph (b)(ii) or (iii) of the definition common gaming house in subsection (1) while it is occupied and used by an incorporated genuine social club or branch thereof, if
(a) the whole or any portion of the bets on or proceeds from games played therein is not directly or indirectly paid to the keeper thereof; and
(b) no fee is charged to persons for the right or privilege of participating in the games played therein other than under the authority of and in accordance with the terms of a licence issued by the Attorney General of the province in which the place is situated or by such other person or authority in the province as may be specified by the Attorney General thereof.
Marginal note:Onus
(3) The onus of proving that, by virtue of subsection (2), a place is not a common gaming house is on the accused.
Marginal note:Effect when game partly played on premises
(4) A place may be a common gaming house notwithstanding that
(a) it is used for the purpose of playing part of a game and another part of the game is played elsewhere;
(b) the stake that is played for is in some other place; or
(c) it is used on only one occasion in the manner described in paragraph (b) of the definition common gaming house in subsection (1), if the keeper or any person acting on behalf of or in concert with the keeper has used another place on another occasion in the manner described in that paragraph.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 197
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 29
- 2014, c. 25, s. 12
- 2019, c. 25, s. 69.1
Presumptions
198 [Repealed, 2018, c. 29, s. 16]
Search
Marginal note:Warrant to search
199 (1) A justice who is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offence under section 201, 202, 203, 206 or 207 is being committed at any place within the jurisdiction of the justice may issue a warrant authorizing a peace officer to enter and search the place by day or night and seize anything found in that place that may be evidence that an offence under section 201, 202, 203, 206 or 207, as the case may be, is being committed at that place, and to take into custody all persons who are found in or at that place and requiring those persons and things to be brought before that justice or before another justice having jurisdiction, to be dealt with according to law.
Marginal note:Search without warrant, seizure and arrest
(2) A peace officer may, whether or not he is acting under a warrant issued pursuant to this section, take into custody any person whom he finds keeping a common gaming house and any person whom he finds therein, and may seize anything that may be evidence that such an offence is being committed and shall bring those persons and things before a justice having jurisdiction, to be dealt with according to law.
Marginal note:Disposal of property seized
(3) Except where otherwise expressly provided by law, a court, judge, justice or provincial court judge before whom anything that is seized under this section is brought may declare that the thing is forfeited, in which case it shall be disposed of or dealt with as the Attorney General may direct if no person shows sufficient cause why it should not be forfeited.
Marginal note:When declaration or direction may be made
(4) No declaration or direction shall be made pursuant to subsection (3) in respect of anything seized under this section until
(a) it is no longer required as evidence in any proceedings that are instituted pursuant to the seizure; or
(b) the expiration of thirty days from the time of seizure where it is not required as evidence in any proceedings.
Marginal note:Conversion into money
(5) The Attorney General may, for the purpose of converting anything forfeited under this section into money, deal with it in all respects as if he were the owner thereof.
Marginal note:Telephones exempt from seizure
(6) Nothing in this section or in section 489 authorizes the seizure, forfeiture or destruction of telephone, telegraph or other communication facilities or equipment that may be evidence of or that may have been used in the commission of an offence under section 201, 202, 203, 206 or 207 and that is owned by a person engaged in providing telephone, telegraph or other communication service to the public or forming part of the telephone, telegraph or other communication service or system of that person.
Marginal note:Exception
(7) Subsection (6) does not apply to prohibit the seizure, for use as evidence, of any facility or equipment described in that subsection that is designed or adapted to record a communication.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 199
- R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 203
- 1994, c. 44, s. 10
- 2019, c. 25, s. 69.2
Obstruction
200 [Repealed, R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 30]
Gaming and Betting
Marginal note:Keeping gaming or betting house
201 (1) Every person who keeps a common gaming house or common betting house is guilty of
(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or
(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Marginal note:Person found in or owner permitting use
(2) Every one who
(a) is found, without lawful excuse, in a common gaming house or common betting house, or
(b) as owner, landlord, lessor, tenant, occupier or agent, knowingly permits a place to be let or used for the purposes of a common gaming house or common betting house,
is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 201
- 2019, c. 25, s. 70
Marginal note:Betting, pool-selling, book-making, etc.
202 (1) Every one commits an offence who
(a) uses or knowingly allows a place under his control to be used for the purpose of recording or registering bets or selling a pool;
(b) imports, makes, buys, sells, rents, leases, hires or keeps, exhibits, employs or knowingly allows to be kept, exhibited or employed in any place under his control any device or apparatus for the purpose of recording or registering bets or selling a pool, or any machine or device for gambling or betting;
(c) has under his control any money or other property relating to a transaction that is an offence under this section;
(d) records or registers bets or sells a pool;
(e) engages in book-making or pool-selling, or in the business or occupation of betting, or makes any agreement for the purchase or sale of betting or gaming privileges, or for the purchase or sale of information that is intended to assist in book-making, pool-selling or betting;
(f) prints, provides or offers to print or provide information intended for use in connection with book-making, pool-selling or betting on any horse-race, fight, game or sport, whether or not it takes place in or outside Canada or has or has not taken place;
(g) imports or brings into Canada any information or writing that is intended or is likely to promote or be of use in gambling, book-making, pool-selling or betting on a horse-race, fight, game or sport, and where this paragraph applies it is immaterial
(i) whether the information is published before, during or after the race, fight game or sport, or
(ii) whether the race, fight, game or sport takes place in Canada or elsewhere,
but this paragraph does not apply to a newspaper, magazine or other periodical published in good faith primarily for a purpose other than the publication of such information;
(h) advertises, prints, publishes, exhibits, posts up, or otherwise gives notice of any offer, invitation or inducement to bet on, to guess or to foretell the result of a contest, or a result of or contingency relating to any contest;
(i) wilfully and knowingly sends, transmits, delivers or receives any message that conveys any information relating to book-making, pool-selling, betting or wagering, or that is intended to assist in book-making, pool-selling, betting or wagering; or
(j) aids or assists in any manner in anything that is an offence under this section.
Marginal note:Punishment
(2) Every one who commits an offence under this section is guilty of an indictable offence and liable
(a) for a first offence, to imprisonment for not more than two years;
(b) for a second offence, to imprisonment for not more than two years and not less than fourteen days; and
(c) for each subsequent offence, to imprisonment for not more than two years and not less than three months.
- R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 202
- 2008, c. 18, s. 5
Marginal note:Placing bets on behalf of others
203 Every one who
(a) places or offers or agrees to place a bet on behalf of another person for a consideration paid or to be paid by or on behalf of that other person,
(b) engages in the business or practice of placing or agreeing to place bets on behalf of other persons, whether for a consideration or otherwise, or
(c) holds himself out or allows himself to be held out as engaging in the business or practice of placing or agreeing to place bets on behalf of other persons, whether for a consideration or otherwise,
is guilty of an indictable offence and liable
(d) for a first offence, to imprisonment for not more than two years,
(e) for a second offence, to imprisonment for not more than two years and not less than fourteen days, and
(f) for each subsequent offence, to imprisonment for not more than two years and not less than three months.
- R.S., c. C-34, s. 187
- 1974-75-76, c. 93, s. 11
Marginal note:Exemption
204 (1) Sections 201 and 202 do not apply to
(a) any person or association by reason of his or their becoming the custodian or depository of any money, property or valuable thing staked, to be paid to
(i) the winner of a lawful race, sport, game or exercise,
(ii) the owner of a horse engaged in a lawful race, or
(iii) the winner of any bets between not more than ten individuals;
(b) a private bet between individuals not engaged in any way in the business of betting;
(c) bets made or records of bets made through the agency of a pari-mutuel system on running, trotting or pacing horse-races if
(i) the bets or records of bets are made on the race-course of an association in respect of races conducted at that race-course or another race-course in or out of Canada, and, in the case of a race conducted on a race-course situated outside Canada, the governing body that regulates the race has been certified as acceptable by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food or a person designated by that Minister pursuant to subsection (8.1) and that Minister or person has permitted pari-mutuel betting in Canada on the race pursuant to that subsection, and
(ii) the provisions of this section and the regulations are complied with.
Marginal note:Exception
(1.1) For greater certainty, a person may, in accordance with the regulations, do anything described in section 201 or 202, if the person does it for the purposes of legal pari-mutuel betting.
Marginal note:Presumption
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c), bets made, in accordance with the regulations, in a betting theatre referred to in paragraph (8)(e), or by any means of telecommunication to the race-course of an association or to such a betting theatre, are deemed to be made on the race-course of the association.
Marginal note:Operation of pari-mutuel system
(3) No person or association shall use a pari-mutuel system of betting in respect of a horse-race unless the system has been approved by and its operation is carried on under the supervision of an officer appointed by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Marginal note:Supervision of pari-mutuel system
(4) Every person or association operating a pari-mutuel system of betting in accordance with this section in respect of a horse-race, whether or not the person or association is conducting the race-meeting at which the race is run, shall pay to the Receiver General in respect of each individual pool of the race and each individual feature pool one-half of one per cent, or such greater fraction not exceeding one per cent as may be fixed by the Governor in Council, of the total amount of money that is bet through the agency of the pari-mutuel system of betting.
Marginal note:Percentage that may be deducted and retained
(5) Where any person or association becomes a custodian or depository of any money, bet or stakes under a pari-mutuel system in respect of a horse-race, that person or association shall not deduct or r