Tackling Violent Crime Act

The Tackling Violent Crime Act is omnibus legislation which gathers together the main elements of five bills from the previous session of parliament. The act includes measures on longer minimum sentences for gun crimes, increasing the age of consent, impaired driving, reversing the onus for bail for serious gun crimes, and sentencing of dangerous and high-risk offenders.

October 18, 2007

An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to Make Consequential Amendments to Other Acts

Minister of Justice

The Tackling Violent Crime Act received Royal Assent on February 28, 2008. Most of the provisions of this act come into force on days fixed by order-in-council.

The main measures in the Tackling Violent Crime Act are :

• Mandatory Minimum Penalties for Firearms Offences - increases mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment for individuals who commit serious or repeat firearm offences, and creates two new offences of breaking and entering to steal a firearm and robbery to steal a firearm.

• Reverse Onus on Bail for Firearms Offences - for certain offences involving firearms or other regulated weapons, the accused would be required to demonstrate that he or she should be released pending trial.

• Sexual and Violent Offenders - toughens the provisions for Dangerous Offenders and creates stronger provisions for peace bonds

• Protection of Young People From Sexual Exploitation - raises the age at which youth can consent to sexual activity to 16 from 14 years. An exception is provided for consensual teenage sexual activity between teens close in age.

• Alcohol and Drug Impaired Driving - makes it easier for police to investigate and for prosecutors to prosecute impaired driving. Fines and minimum jail terms for driving while impaired would be increased and police would be authorized to demand roadside physical sobriety tests and bodily substance samples at the police station.

Text of the Tackling Violent Crime Bill (as passed by the House of Commons)