Bill C-305 amends the Criminal Code to broaden the scope of mischief offences related to property. It expands the definition of protected properties to include those used for educational purposes (like schools and daycares), administrative, social, cultural, or sports activities (like town halls and community centers), and residences for seniors. The bill targets mischief motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate based on various factors, including religion, race, and other protected characteristics.
Specifically, the bill modifies subsection 430(4.1) of the Criminal Code to include mischief related to these newly defined properties. It also adds a new subsection, 430(4.101), to define "property" for the purposes of subsection 430(4.1), listing specific examples of protected buildings and structures.
Furthermore, the bill includes a coordinating amendment that addresses a potential overlap with Bill C-16. If Bill C-16, which concerns amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code, receives royal assent, the wording of subsection 430(4.1) will be updated to include “gender identity or expression” as a prohibited ground for bias, prejudice, or hate.
Crime
This bill amends the Criminal Code to broaden the scope of mischief offences. It adds protections for properties used for educational, social, cultural, sports, and senior residential purposes, especially when the mischief is motivated by hate or bias. This could lead to increased prosecution and penalties for crimes targeting these types of properties.