Legislation Targeting Serious Drug Crime Comes Into Force

OTTAWA, November 6, 2012 – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the coming into force of the Targeting Serious Drug Crime - component of the Safe Streets and Communities (Bill C-10).

"The production and trafficking of illicit drugs is one of the most significant sources of money for gangs and organized crime in Canada" said Minister Nicholson. "Today our message is clear that if you are in the business of producing, trafficking, importing or exporting of drugs, you'll now face jail time."

This bill specifically targets gangs and other organized criminal groups who participate in the illegal drug trade. It toughens the penalty and offence structure of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and creates mandatory jail time for offenders when, for example:

• The offence of trafficking is carried out for organized crime purposes or a weapon or violence is involved;
• The drug is sold to youth or the trafficking offence takes place near a school or an area normally frequented by youth; or,
• The production of the illegal drug constitutes a potential security, health or safety hazard to children or a residential community.

The Government introduced the Safe Streets and Communities Act on September 20, 2011, fulfilling its commitment to expeditiously reintroduce a series of law-and-order bills aimed at combating crime and terrorism. The Safe Streets and Communities Act received Royal Assent on March 13, 2012.

An online version of the legislation can be found at www.parl.gc.ca.

Backgrounder: Safe Streets & Communities Act: Targeting Serious Drug Crime

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Ref.:

Julie Di Mambro
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621

Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207