LEGISLATION ENFORCING COURT ORDERS REQUIRING OFFENDERS TO ABSTAIN FROM DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE RECEIVES ROYAL ASSENT

OTTAWA, March 24, 2011 — The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, welcomes yesterday's Royal Assent of Bill C-30, the Response to the Supreme Court of Canada Decision in R. v. Shoker Act. This bill helps control repeat criminal behaviour by ensuring that individuals comply with court orders prohibiting drug and alcohol use.

"It's an unfortunate reality that criminal behaviour is often linked to substance abuse," said Minister Nicholson. "This legislation will improve the safety and security of Canadians by deterring the alcohol and drug use associated with repeat criminal activity."

The Supreme Court of Canada, in the R. v. Shoker case, ruled that demands for bodily samples from individuals under probation conditions were unlawful. As a result of the Shoker decision, police and probation officers have not been able to ensure proper monitoring and compliance with court orders prohibiting drug and alcohol use.

Bill C-30 responds to the Supreme Court of Canada decision by allowing a judge to impose conditions requiring samples to be provided by individuals under probation orders, conditional sentences, and peace bond provisions.

"Police and probation workers need to be able to take breath, blood, or other samples to ensure offenders are complying with court orders," said Minister Nicholson. "This legislation provides justice officials with that ability, and will help protect our neighbourhoods from the criminal behaviour related to substance abuse."

Bill C-30 will come into force on a date to be determined. An online version of the legislation is available at www.parl.gc.ca.

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Ref.:

• Pamela Stephens
  Press Secretary
  Office of the Minister of Justice
  613-992-4621
  
  
• Media Relations
  Department of Justice
  613-957-4207