Bill Detail
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (victim protection)
This enactment amends the Criminal Code to increase the protection of victims, notably by
providing that a person who is convicted of an offence in relation to trafficking in persons is liable, in addition to any other punishment that may be imposed under the Act, to a fine of not more than $100,000;
removing the requirement for a victim of trafficking to demonstrate a reasonable apprehension of fear for the purpose of establishing whether a person has committed the offence of trafficking in persons;
providing for consecutive sentences for offences related to trafficking in persons;
clarifying that an order made that a witness testify outside the court room may specify that the witness is to testify in a location other than the building in which the court room is located;
expanding the list of offences in respect of which a preliminary inquiry is not available; and
expanding the circumstances in which a video recording made within a reasonable time after an alleged offence, in which the victim describes the acts complained of, is admissible in evidence.
Bill C-292 aims to strengthen protections for victims, particularly those of human trafficking. It proposes new penalties, including fines of up to $100,000, and mandates consecutive sentencing for trafficking-related offences to ensure offenders serve longer periods. The bill also clarifies procedures for victim testimony, allowing it to be given outside the courtroom for increased safety and privacy.