Cleaning up our laws

Some Canadian Criminal Code provisions are no longer in force because the Supreme Court of Canada and appellate courts found that they violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These laws stay in the Criminal Code until they are amended or repealed by Parliament. This can result in confusion over what is and is not legal in Canada.   

As part of the Government’s ongoing review of the criminal justice system, we are cleaning up the Criminal Code, ensuring that it is accurate and up-to-date.

• June 6th, 2017 - Bill C-51: An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Department of Justice Act and to make consequential amendments to another Act
• March 8th, 2017 - Bill C-39, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (unconstitutional provisions) and to make consequential amendments to other Acts