An Act to amend the Criminal Code (independence of the judiciary)

This bill was last introduced in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session, which ended in August 2021.

Status

In committee (Senate), as of May 25, 2021
(This bill did not become law.)

Summary

This is from the published bill. The Library of Parliament often publishes better independent summaries.

This enactment amends the Criminal Code to give a court the discretion to vary the punishment to be imposed in respect of an offence for which the punishment — or different degrees or kinds of punishment — is prescribed in an enactment.
It allows a court to decide to not make a mandatory prohibition order provided for under a provision of that Act — or to add conditions or vary any of the conditions set out in that provision — if the court considers it just and reasonable to do so. It requires the court to provide its reasons for making such a decision.
It requires a court to consider all available options prior to imposing a minimum punishment of imprisonment or period of parole ineligibility under a provision of that Act, and to provide written reasons for imposing a minimum punishment of imprisonment or period of parole ineligibility.
It gives a court discretion in the treatment or counselling program that a person who has been found guilty of an offence may attend and removes the requirement for the Attorney General to give his or her consent in order to delay sentencing under subsection 720(2) of that Act.
It provides that a judge is to take into consideration the recommendation of the jury in setting the period of parole ineligibility for a person who has been found guilty of first or second degree murder.

Elsewhere

All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from the Library of Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.