Dateline: 07/09/09
About the Anti-Gang Legislation:
The Canadian federal government has introduced amendments to the Criminal Code to fight violence associated with street gangs and other forms of organized crime. The amendments provide law enforcement officials and the justice system with better tools to address organized crime activities, especially gang murders and drive-by shootings.
Introduction of the Anti-Gang Legislation:
February 26, 2009
Official Title of the Anti-Gang Legislation:
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (organized crime and protection of justice system participants)
Minister Responsible:
Minister of Justice
Status of the Anti-Gang Legislation:
The anti-gang legislation received Royal Assent June 23, 2009.
Summary of the Anti-Gang Legislation:
Amendments to the Criminal Code:
- make murders connected to organized crime activity automatically first-degree, subject to a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without eligibility for parole for 25 years.
- make a new offence for drive-by and other reckless shootings. This offence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of four years in prison, to a maximum of 14 years. The minimum sentence is longer if the offence was committed for a criminal organization or with a prohibited or restricted firearm.
- create two new offences of aggravated assault against a peace or public officer and assault with a weapon on a peace or public officer. These are punishable by maximum penalties of 14 and 10 years respectively.
