The provisions that require that a mandatory consecutive sentence be imposed for the new Security of Information Act offences mirror similar provisions in the terrorism offence regime in the Criminal Code and the organized crime regime in the Criminal Code that similarly require the imposition of consecutive sentences for convictions of those offences.
The intent in the act is to reflect the seriousness of foreign interference offences and to suggest that they are equally as serious as terrorism offences and organized crime offences.
I will additionally point out that paragraph 718.2(c) of the Criminal Code allows the sentencing judge the discretion to ensure that the overall total sentence is not unduly harsh or unfair in the circumstances.
Thank you.