What we heard: Consultation on the proposed reforms to the Security of Information Act, Criminal Code and Canada Evidence Act

What we heard: Consultation on the proposed reforms to the Security of Information Act, Criminal Code and Canada Evidence Act The Department of Justice Canada (Justice Canada) conducted broad-based consultations on potential reforms to the Security of Information Act (SOIA), Criminal Code and Canada Evidence Act (CEA) aimed at strengthening Canada’s toolbox to respond to foreign interference (FI). The consultation process consisted of an online consultation that solicited feedback from the general public, as well as a series of roundtable discussions with Provincial, Territorial and Indigenous partners, various stakeholders representing diverse communities across Canada, members of the legal profession, academia, civil society organizations, and industry. There is overall support for the new proposed FI offences under the SOIA and a strengthened maximum penalty for preparatory acts in the SOIA and its expanded application to other SOIA offences; and a modernized sabotage offence under the Criminal Code. There was mixed feedback on proposed amendments relating to how national security information is protected and used in criminal proceedings, with some general commentary that processes need to be streamlined, including to avoid undue delays in judicial proceedings. Beyond legislative reforms, Justice Canada heard the call for the Government to better engage and communicate with the public on FI, notably with diverse communities across Canada. 2024-05-17 Department of Justice Canada og-go@justice.gc.ca Government and PoliticsLawProposed reformsSecurity of Information ActCriminal Code and Canada Evidence Act What we heard: Consultation on the proposed reforms to the Security of Information Act, Criminal Code and Canada Evidence ActHTML https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cons/fi-ie/wwh-qne.html What we heard: Consultation on the proposed reforms to the Security of Information Act, Criminal Code and Canada Evidence ActHTML https://www.justice.gc.ca/fra/cons/ie-fi/qne-wwh.html

The Department of Justice Canada (Justice Canada) conducted broad-based consultations on potential reforms to the Security of Information Act (SOIA), Criminal Code and Canada Evidence Act (CEA) aimed at strengthening Canada’s toolbox to respond to foreign interference (FI). The consultation process consisted of an online consultation that solicited feedback from the general public, as well as a series of roundtable discussions with Provincial, Territorial and Indigenous partners, various stakeholders representing diverse communities across Canada, members of the legal profession, academia, civil society organizations, and industry.

There is overall support for the new proposed FI offences under the SOIA and a strengthened maximum penalty for preparatory acts in the SOIA and its expanded application to other SOIA offences; and a modernized sabotage offence under the Criminal Code. There was mixed feedback on proposed amendments relating to how national security information is protected and used in criminal proceedings, with some general commentary that processes need to be streamlined, including to avoid undue delays in judicial proceedings. Beyond legislative reforms, Justice Canada heard the call for the Government to better engage and communicate with the public on FI, notably with diverse communities across Canada.

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