March 30, 2001

Yesterday’s successful joint forces operation against the Hell’s Angels in Quebec and elsewhere is yet another example of what we can achieve through effective laws and the diligent efforts of Canadian law enforcement agencies to fight organized crime. This three-year investigation -- which involved nearly 2000 police officers from over 30 police services -- culminated in over 100 arrests yesterday.

Combating organized crime requires the co-operative efforts of all levels of government and police forces here in Canada and abroad.

In the Speech from the Throne, the government indicated that it would take aggressive steps to combat organized crime, including the creation of stronger anti-gang laws and measures to protect members of the justice system from intimidation.

At the last meeting of Ministers of Justice and Solicitors General in Iqaluit (September 2000) Canada's justice ministers agreed to make combating organized crime a priority and to work together to develop the most effective means of dealing with it.

Since then, the Federal government has consulted with provinces, police and other stakeholders on possible legislation.

A review of all legislation that deals with organized crime has been ongoing and necessary changes will be made as soon as the review is complete.

The Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Organized Crime has also worked to identify possible legislative and non-legislative solutions to address organized crime. And we are working with our provincial and territorial counterparts to examine all proposals that would give us effective tools to deal with this problem.

The Government of Canada is committed to doing its part, in collaboration with its partners. And we have made significant progress. For example:

• Today there are 13 Integrated Proceeds of Crime Units investigating organized criminal activity across Canada. The RCMP, Justice Department lawyers, forensic accountants, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency officials as well as provincial and municipal police are all working together to seize illegally obtained assets.
• Since 1997, assets valued at $140 million have been seized and over $70 million in fines and forfeitures have been realized as a result of investigations by proceeds of crime units across Canada.
• The RCMP has received a $584 million budget increase over three years and an additional $15 million a year for increased surveillance at Canada's airports.
• The Anti-Smuggling Initiative, introduced in 1994 has led to 17,000 smuggling-related charges in excess of $113 million, and $118 million in evaded taxes and duties has been identified.
• The Witness Protection Program Act came into force in 1996.
• We have passed legislation making the reporting of suspicious transactions, including cross-border currency transactions, mandatory -- targeting money-laundering operations.
• Investigative powers for police have been strengthened by introducing the concepts of "criminal organization", "criminal organization offence" and "participation in a criminal organization offence" into the Criminal Code.
• Working through the United Nations, the G8, the Council of Europe and bilaterally with the United States, Canada is a leader in working to ensure that the necessary legal framework is in place to combat crime globally.