Bill Detail
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (scrap metal trafficking and essential infrastructure protection)
This enactment amends the Criminal Code to create offences in relation to the trafficking of scrap metal obtained by crime and an offence of mischief in relation to essential infrastructure.
Bill C-271, the Protecting Canada’s Essential Infrastructure Metals Act, proposes new criminal offences related to the trafficking of stolen scrap metal and mischief affecting essential infrastructure. It aims to deter and punish individuals involved in stealing and trading scrap metal, especially when it's taken from vital services like power grids, telecommunications, or water systems.
The bill defines 'trafficking' broadly and sets penalties for those who knowingly deal in stolen scrap metal. It also creates a new offence for damaging or interfering with essential infrastructure, with harsher penalties if the damage causes service disruptions, endangers the public, or is linked to other crimes. This affects scrap metal dealers, individuals involved in metal theft, and those who vandalize critical infrastructure.