“MEGA-TRIALS” LEGISLATION COMES INTO FORCE
OTTAWA, August 15, 2011 – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announced today that most provisions of Bill C–2 the Fair and Efficient Criminal Trials Act have come into force. This new legislation will help ensure that so–called "mega-trials," large and complex cases involving illegal activities such as drug trafficking, white–collar crime, terrorism, organized crime or gang–related activity, can be heard more swiftly and effectively.
"Criminals involved in drug trafficking, white-collar crime, terrorism or organized crime must be dealt with swiftly and effectively so that our streets and communities can be safe places to live, work and raise our families,"
stated Minister Nicholson. "This legislation provides the tools needed to streamline the process and make it easier for police and prosecutors to protect Canadians and stand-up for victims of crime."
The Fair and Efficient Criminal Trials Act will help improve Canada's justice system through:
- stronger case management;
- reduced duplication of processes; and,
- improved criminal procedure.
The Fair and Efficient Criminal Trials Act contributes to implementing the December 7, 2010, Air India Inquiry Action Plan, the Government's response to the Commission of Inquiry into the Investigation of the Bombing of Air India Flight 182. This Act will help ensure that large and complex cases can be heard more swiftly and effectively.
The amendments related to increasing the number of jurors from a maximum of twelve to fourteen will come into force October 24, 2011. This will allow the Provinces and Territories, who are responsible for the administration of justice, to implement the infrastructure and other changes related to these provisions.
An online version of the legislation is available at www.parl.gc.ca.
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