Bill C-420

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (criminal organizations and proceeds of crime)

This enactment amends the Criminal Code to require a judge who hears an application for a restraint order in respect of property that may be proceeds of crime obtained by committing an offence related to the activities of a criminal organization to make the order if the judge is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe the property could disappear, be dissipated or reduce in value. The enactment also provides that any person convicted of an offence relating to a criminal organization must demonstrate to the court that the property that person owns is not proceeds of crime, failing which the property is forfeited to the Crown. Finally, it provides that the Governor in Council may establish a list of entities that consists of criminal organizations.

Opposition Motion—Repeal of Bill C-5

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Madam Speaker, I cannot add anything to what I have already said. The Supreme Court ruled on it. We found an alternative that was acceptable to the Supreme Court. The Conservatives, the Liberals and the New Democrats all voted against it. I do not understand what we are doing here today.

I will take this opportunity to add that, instead of mandatory minimums, the Bloc Québécois is proposing in Bill C-420 that an organized crime registry be created. We think we should hit organized crime groups in their wallets by reversing the burden of proof so that the assets of criminals are seized when they are charged.

We are also proposing Bill C-392, which seeks to codify the Jordan decision by providing for an exception to the reasonable time limit established by the Supreme Court. These are new meaningful measures that would help tackle crime instead of turning back the clock and recreating a situation that makes no sense. The Supreme Court has already said as much.

Public Safety

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is easy, we just have to reverse the burden of proof. Let me reiterate today that the federal government has every interest in demonstrating that it takes the problem of organized crime seriously. The Americans are watching us.

Our Bill C-420 makes it easier to lay charges against criminal gang members. It provides new tools to police officers for seizing the proceeds of crime before they disappear. Bill C‑420 makes crime more dangerous and less profitable. It sends a strong message to organized crime, both on our streets and at the border.

Will the government support us?

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today is a good time to tackle organized crime in our cities and at our borders. We need to hit criminals where it hurts: their wallets.

This morning, the Bloc Québécois introduced Bill C-420 to create a registry of criminal organizations. Most importantly, we propose reversing the burden of proof when it comes to the proceeds of crime. We propose letting law enforcement freeze or seize gang members' property unless they can prove that that property was not obtained through crime.

Will the government support us? What does it think about that?

Criminal Code

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-420, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (criminal organizations and proceeds of crime).

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce a bill today that aims to create a registry of criminal organizations. This idea has been raised in the House a number of times in recent years. This is the third time I personally have proposed it. The bill also includes provisions for freezing and confiscating property obtained by criminal organizations in the course of their criminal activities. I am pleased to table this bill and hope it receives the approval of all my colleagues in the House.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)