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Bill C-70

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2nd Session, 41st Parliament,
62-63-64 Elizabeth II, 2013-2014-2015
house of commons of canada
BILL C-70
An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make related amendments to other Acts
Preamble
Whereas Parliament recognizes that the objectives of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (“the Act”) are the protection of public health and the maintenance of public safety;
Whereas the Act protects public health by restricting activities in relation to controlled substances and the precursors that are used to make them while allowing access for legitimate medical, scientific or industrial purposes;
Whereas the Act maintains public safety by restricting activities in relation to controlled substances and precursors, including possession, trafficking, importing, exporting and production, and by establishing associated criminal offences and penalties;
Whereas the illicit market for controlled substances and precursors is evolving and serious public health and safety concerns have emerged since the Act was enacted;
And whereas the illicit production and distribution of controlled substances and the risk of their diversion to an illicit market or use are serious public health and safety concerns and have increased since the Act was enacted;
Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:
SHORT TITLE
Short title
1. This Act may be cited as the Protection of Communities from the Evolving Dangerous Drug Trade Act.
1996, c. 19
CONTROLLED DRUGS AND SUBSTANCES ACT
2. (1) The definition “adjudicator” in subsection 2(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act is repealed.
(2) The definition “sell” in subsection 2(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
“sell”
« vente »
“sell” includes offer for sale, expose for sale, have in possession for sale and distribute, whether or not the distribution is made for consideration, and, for greater certainty, includes trade;
(3) The portion of the definition “produce” in subsection 2(1) of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:
“produce”
« production »
“produce” means, in respect of a substance included in any of Schedules I to V, to obtain the substance by any method or process including
(4) The portion of the definition “traffic” in subsection 2(1) of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:
“traffic”
« trafic »
“traffic” means, in respect of a substance included in any of Schedules I to V,
(5) Subsection 2(1) of the Act is amended by adding the following in alphabetical order:
“alkaloid”
« alcaloïde »
“alkaloid” means an alkaline substance that contains nitrogen and that occurs naturally in a plant;
“chemical offence-related property”
« bien infractionnel chimique »
“chemical offence-related property” means offence-related property that is a chemical or a precursor and includes anything that contains such property or has such property on it;
“derivative”
« dérivé »
“derivative” means a substance, other than a precursor, that is produced from another substance by a chemical, physical or biological process in one or more steps and that contains essential structural elements of that substance;
“intermediate”
« intermédiaire »
“intermediate” means a substance, other than a precursor, that is formed in the course of a specific chemical reaction and that could form another substance in a subsequent chemical reaction or reactions;
“isomer”
« isomère »
“isomer” means an optical, positional or geometric variant of a substance that has an identical molecular formula to that of the substance but that is different in the nature, sequence or spatial arrangement of its atoms;
“non-chemical offence-related property”
« bien infractionnel non-chimique »
“non-chemical offence-related property” means offence-related property that is not chemical offence-related property;
“preparation”
« préparation »
“preparation” means a combination of substances in solid, liquid or gaseous form;
“salt”
« sel »
“salt” means a substance that results from an ionic interaction;
1995, c. 22, s. 18 (Sch. IV, item 26)
3. Subsection 3(2) of the Act is repealed.
4. (1) Subsections 5(1) and (2) of the Act are replaced by the following:
Trafficking in substance
5. (1) No person shall traffic in a substance included in Schedule I, II, III, IV or V or in any substance represented or held out by that person to be such a substance.
Possession for purpose of trafficking
(2) No person shall, for the purpose of trafficking, possess a substance included in Schedule I, II, III, IV or V.
2012, c. 1, s. 39(1)
(2) Clause 5(3)(a)(i)(D) of the French version of the Act is replaced by the following:
(D) a, au cours des dix dernières années, été condamnée pour une infraction désignée ou purgé une peine d’emprisonnement relativement à une telle infraction,
(3) The portion of paragraph 5(3)(b) of the Act before subparagraph (i) is replaced by the following:
(b) if the subject matter of the offence is a substance included in Schedule III or V,
2012, c. 1, s. 39(2)
(4) Subsection 5(5) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Interpretation
(5) For the purposes of applying subsection (3) in respect of an offence under subsection (1), a reference to a substance included in Schedule I, II, III, IV or V includes a reference to any substance represented or held out to be a substance included in that Schedule.
5. (1) The portion of paragraph 6(3)(b) of the Act before subparagraph (i) is replaced by the following:
(b) if the subject matter of the offence is a substance included in Schedule III, V or VI,
(2) The portion of paragraph 6(3)(c) of the Act before subparagraph (i) is replaced by the following:
(c) if the subject matter of the offence is a substance included in Schedule IV,
6. (1) Subsection 7(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Production of substance
7. (1) Except as authorized under the regulations, no person shall produce a substance included in Schedule I, II, III, IV or V.
2012, c. 1, s. 41(1)
(2) The portion of paragraph 7(2)(a.1) of the French version of the Act before subparagraph (i) is replaced by the following:
a.1) dans le cas de substances inscrites à l’annexe II, à l’exception du cannabis (marijuana), un acte criminel passible de l’emprisonnement à perpétuité, la durée de l’emprisonnement ne pouvant être inférieure :
2012, c. 1, s. 41(1)
(3) The portion of paragraph 7(2)(b) of the French version of the Act before subparagraph (i) is replaced by the following:
b) dans le cas du cannabis (marijuana), un acte criminel passible d’un emprisonnement maximal de quatorze ans, la durée de l’emprisonnement ne pouvant être inférieure :
(4) The portion of paragraph 7(2)(c) of the Act before subparagraph (i) is replaced by the following:
(c) if the subject matter of the offence is a substance included in Schedule III or V,
2011, c. 14, s. 1
7. Section 7.1 of the Act is replaced by the following:
Possession, etc., for use in production of or trafficking in substance
7.1 (1) No person shall possess, produce, sell, import or transport anything intending that it will be used
(a) to produce a controlled substance, unless the production of the controlled substance is lawfully authorized; or
(b) to traffic in a controlled substance.
Punishment
(2) Every person who contravenes subsection (1)
(a) if the subject matter of the offence is a substance included in Schedule I, II, III or V,
(i) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years, or
(ii) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable to impris­onment for a term of not more than 18 months; and
(b) if the subject matter of the offence is a substance included in Schedule IV,
(i) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than three years, or
(ii) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable to impris­onment for a term of not more than one year.
2012, c. 1, s. 43(1)
8. (1) The portion of subsection 10(2) of the French version of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:
Circonstances à prendre en considération
(2) Le tribunal qui détermine la peine à infliger à une personne condamnée pour une infraction désignée — autre qu’une infraction pour laquelle il est tenu d’imposer une peine minimale d’emprisonnement — est tenu de considérer toute circonstance aggravante pertinente, notamment le fait que cette personne, selon le cas :
(2) Subparagraphs 10(2)(a)(iii) and (iv) of the Act are replaced by the following:
(iii) trafficked in a substance included in Schedule I, II, III, IV or V, or possessed such a substance for the purpose of trafficking, in or near a school, on or near school grounds or in or near any other public place usually frequented by persons under the age of 18 years, or
(iv) trafficked in a substance included in Schedule I, II, III, IV or V, or possessed such a substance for the purpose of trafficking, to a person under the age of 18 years;
(3) Paragraph 10(2)(b) of the French version of the Act is replaced by the following:
b) a déjà été condamnée pour une infraction désignée;
2012, c. 1, s. 43(2)
(4) The portion of subsection 10(4) of the French version of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:
Programme judiciaire de traitement de la toxicomanie
(4) Le tribunal qui détermine la peine à infliger à une personne condamnée pour une infraction prévue par la présente partie peut reporter la détermination de la peine :
9. The heading “Search, Seizure and Detention” before section 11 of the Act is repealed.
10. Subsection 11(4) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Effect of endorsement
(4) An endorsement that is made on a warrant as provided for in subsection (3) is sufficient authority to any peace officer to whom it was originally directed and to all peace officers within the jurisdiction of the justice by whom it is endorsed to execute the warrant and to dispose of or otherwise deal with the things seized in accordance with the law.
11. The Act is amended by adding the following after section 12:
Report of seizure, etc.
12.1 Subject to the regulations, every peace officer, inspector or prescribed person who seizes, finds or otherwise acquires a controlled substance, a precursor or chemical offence-related property shall, within 30 days,
(a) prepare a report identifying
(i) the substance, the precursor or the property,
(ii) the amount of it that was seized, found or acquired,
(iii) the place where it was seized, found or acquired,
(iv) the date on which it was seized, found or acquired,
(v) the name of the police force, agency or entity to which the peace officer, inspector or prescribed person belongs,
(vi) the number of the file or police report related to the seizure, finding or acquisition, and
(vii) any other prescribed information;
(b) cause the report to be sent to the Minister; and
(c) in the case of a seizure made under section 11, the Criminal Code or a power of seizure at common law, cause a copy of the report to be filed with the justice who issued the warrant or another justice for the same territorial division or, if a warrant was not issued, a justice who would have had jurisdiction to issue a warrant.
PART III
DISPOSITION
12. Subsections 13(2) to (6) of the Act are replaced by the following:
Sections 489.1 and 490 of the Criminal Code applicable
(2) If a thing seized under this Act is non-chemical offence-related property, sections 489.1 and 490 of the Criminal Code apply subject to sections 16 to 22 and subsections 31(6) to (9) of this Act.
Provisions of this Act applicable
(3) If a controlled substance, a precursor or chemical offence-related property is seized under this Act, any other Act of Parliament or a power of seizure at common law, the provisions of this Act and the regulations apply in respect of that substance, precursor or property.
Recognizance
(4) If, under this section, an order is made under paragraph 490(9)(c) of the Criminal Code for the return of any non-chemical offence-related property seized under this Act, the judge or justice making the order may require the applicant for the order to enter into a recognizance before the judge or justice, with or without sureties, in the amount and with any conditions that the judge or justice directs and, if the judge or justice considers it appropriate, require the applicant to deposit with the judge or justice the sum of money or other valuable security that the judge or justice directs.
13. The heading before section 14 of the Act is replaced by the following:
Division 1
Non-chemical Offence-related Property
Restraint Orders
14. (1) Subsection 14(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Application for restraint order
14. (1) The Attorney General may make an application in accordance with this section for a restraint order in respect of any non-chemical offence-related property.
(2) The portion of subsection 14(2) of the Act before paragraph (b) is replaced by the following:
Procedure
(2) The application for a restraint order may be made ex parte and shall be made in writing to a judge and be accompanied by an affidavit of the Attorney General or any other person deposing to the following matters:
(a) the offence to which the property relates;
(3) Paragraphs 14(2)(b) and (c) of the English version of the Act are replaced by the following:
(b) the person who is believed to be in possession of the property; and
(c) a description of the property.
2001, c. 32, s. 49(1)
(4) Subsection 14(3) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Restraint order
(3) The judge to whom the application is made may, if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the property is non-chemical offence-related property, make a restraint order prohibiting any person from disposing of, or otherwise dealing with any interest in, the property specified in the order other than in the manner that is specified in the order.
2001, c. 32, s. 50
15. Sections 14.1 and 15 of the Act are replaced by the following:
Sections 489.1 and 490 of Criminal Code applicable
15. (1) Subject to sections 16 to 22, sections 489.1 and 490 of the Criminal Code apply, with any modifications that the circumstances require, to any property that is the subject of a restraint order made under section 14.
Recognizance
(2) If, under this section, an order is made under paragraph 490(9)(c) of the Criminal Code for the return of any property that is the subject of a restraint order made under section 14, the judge or justice making the order may require the applicant for the order to enter into a recognizance before the judge or justice, with or without sureties, in the amount and with any conditions that the judge or justice directs and, if the judge or justice considers it appropriate, require the applicant to deposit with the judge or justice the sum of money or other valuable security that the judge or justice directs.
Management Orders
Management order
15.1 (1) On application of the Attorney General or of any other person with the written consent of the Attorney General, a justice in the case of non-chemical offence-related property seized under section 11, the Criminal Code or a power of seizure at common law, or a judge in the case of property restrained under section 14, may, if he or she is of the opinion that the circumstances so require,
(a) appoint a person to take control of and to manage or otherwise deal with all or part of the property in accordance with the directions of the judge or justice; and
(b) require any person having possession of that property to give possession of the property to the person appointed under paragraph (a).
Appointment of Minister of Public Works and Government Services
(2) When the Attorney General of Canada so requests, a judge or justice appointing a person under subsection (1) shall appoint the Minister of Public Works and Government Services.
Power to manage
(3) The power to manage or otherwise deal with property under subsection (1) includes
(a) the power to make an interlocutory sale of perishable or rapidly depreciating property;
(b) the power to destroy, in accordance with subsections (4) to (7), property that has little or no value; and
(c) the power to have property, other than real property or a conveyance, forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada in accordance with subsection (8).
Application for destruction order
(4) Before a person who is appointed to manage property destroys property that has little or no value, he or she shall apply to a court for a destruction order.
Notice required before destruction
(5) Before making a destruction order, a court shall require notice in accordance with subsection (6) to be given to and may hear any person who, in the opinion of the court, appears to have a valid interest in the property.
Manner of giving notice
(6) A notice shall
(a) be given in the manner that the court directs or that may be specified in the rules of the court; and
(b) specify the effective period of the notice that the court considers reasonable or that may be set out in the rules of the court.
Destruction order
(7) A court shall order that the property be destroyed if it is satisfied that the property has little or no financial or other value.
Forfeiture order
(8) On application by a person who is appointed to manage the property, a court shall order that the property, other than real property or a conveyance, be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada to be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the law if
(a) a notice is given or published in the manner that the court directs or that may be specified in the rules of the court;
(b) the notice specifies a period of 60 days during which a person may make an application to the court asserting their interest in the property; and
(c) during that period, no one makes such an application.
When management order ceases to have effect
(9) A management order ceases to have effect when the property that is the subject of the management order is returned in accordance with the law, destroyed or forfeited to Her Majesty.
For greater certainty
(10) For greater certainty, when property that is the subject of a management order is sold, the management order applies to the net proceeds of the sale.
Application to vary conditions
(11) The Attorney General may at any time apply to the judge or justice to cancel or vary any condition to which a management order is subject but may not apply to vary an appointment made under subsection (2).
16. The heading before section 16 of the Act is replaced by the following:
Forfeiture
2001, c. 32, s. 51
17. (1) Subsections 16(1) and (2) of the Act are replaced by the following:
Order of forfeiture of property
16. (1) Subject to sections 18 to 19.1, if a person is convicted, or discharged under section 730 of the Criminal Code, of a designated substance offence and, on application of the Attorney General, the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that non-chemical offence-related property is related to the commission of the offence, the court shall
(a) if the prosecution of the offence was commenced at the instance of the government of a province and conducted by or on behalf of that government, order that the property be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of that province to be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the law by the Attorney General or Solicitor General of that province; and
(b) in any other case, order that the property be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada to be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the law by the member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada that is designated by the Governor in Council for the purposes of this paragraph.
Property related to other offences
(2) Subject to sections 18 to 19.1, if the evidence does not establish to the satisfaction of the court that property in respect of which an order of forfeiture would otherwise be made under subsection (1) is related to the commission of the designated substance offence of which a person is convicted or discharged, but the court is satisfied, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the property is non-chemical offence-related property, the court may make an order of forfeiture under subsection (1) in relation to that property.
(2) Subsection 16(3) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Appeal
(3) A person who has been convicted or discharged of a designated substance offence or the Attorney General may appeal to the court of appeal from an order or a failure to make an order under subsection (1) as if the appeal were an appeal against the sentence imposed on the person in respect of the offence.
18. (1) Paragraphs 17(2)(a) and (b) of the Act are replaced by the following:
(a) beyond a reasonable doubt that any property is non-chemical offence-related property,
(b) that proceedings were commenced in respect of a designated substance offence to which the property referred to in paragraph (a) is related, and
(2) Subsection 17(4) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Who may dispose of forfeited property
(4) For the purposes of subsection (2),
(a) if the proceedings referred to in paragraph (2)(b) were commenced at the instance of the government of a province, the judge shall order that the property be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of that province and disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the law by the Attorney General or Solicitor General of that province; and
(b) in any other case, the judge shall order that the property be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada and disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the law by the member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada that is designated by the Governor in Council for the purposes of this paragraph.
19. Section 18 of the Act is replaced by the following:
Voidable transfers
18. A court may, before ordering that property be forfeited under subsection 16(1) or 17(2), set aside any conveyance or transfer of the property that occurred after the seizure of the property, or the making of a restraint order in respect of the property, unless the conveyance or transfer was for valuable consideration to a person acting in good faith.
20. The portion of subsection 19(2) of the Act before paragraph (c) is replaced by the following:
Manner of giving notice
(2) A notice shall
(a) be given in the manner that the court directs or that may be specified in the rules of the court;
(b) specify the period that the court considers reasonable or that may be set out in the rules of the court during which a person may make an application to the court asserting their interest in the property; and
2001, c. 32, s. 53
21. (1) Subsection 19.1(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Notice
19.1 (1) If all or part of the property that would otherwise be forfeited under subsection 16(1) or 17(2) is a dwelling-house, before making an order of forfeiture, a court shall require notice in accordance with subsection (2) to be given to and may hear any person who resides in the dwelling-house and is a member of the immediate family of the person charged with or convicted or discharged under section 730 of the Criminal Code of the indictable offence under this Act in relation to which the property would be forfeited.
2001, c. 32, s. 53
(2) Paragraphs 19.1(2)(a) and (b) of the Act are replaced by the following:
(a) be given in the manner that the court directs or that may be specified in the rules of the court;
(b) specify the period that the court considers reasonable or that may be set out in the rules of the court during which a member of the immediate family who resides in the dwelling-house may make themselves known to the court; and
2001, c. 32, s. 53
(3) Subsection 19.1(3) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Non-forfeiture of real property
(3) Subject to an order made under subsection 19(3), if a court is satisfied that the impact of an order of forfeiture made under subsection 16(1) or 17(2) in respect of real property would be disproportionate to the nature and gravity of the offence, the circumstances surrounding the commission of the offence and the criminal record, if any, of the person charged with or convicted or discharged under section 730 of the Criminal Code of the offence, as the case may be, it may decide not to order the forfeiture of the property or part of the property and may revoke any restraint order made in respect of that property or part.
2001, c. 32, s. 53
(4) Paragraph 19.1(4)(a) of the Act is replaced by the following:
(a) the impact of an order of forfeiture on any member of the immediate family of the person charged with or convicted or discharged of the offence, if the dwelling-house was the member’s principal residence at the time the charge was laid and continues to be the member’s principal residence; and
22. The portion of subsection 20(1) of the Act before paragraph (b) is replaced by the following:
Application
20. (1) If any property is forfeited to Her Majesty under an order made under subsection 16(1) or 17(2), any person who claims an interest in the property, other than
(a) in the case of property forfeited under an order made under subsection 16(1), a person who was convicted or discharged under section 730 of the Criminal Code of the designated substance offence in relation to which the property was forfeited,
23. The headings before section 24 and sections 24 to 26 of the Act are replaced by the following:
Division 2
Controlled Substances, Precursors and Chemical Offence-related Property
Restitution
23. (1) A peace officer, an inspector or a prescribed person who seizes, finds or otherwise acquires a controlled substance, a precursor or chemical offence-related property may return it to the person who is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to its possession if the peace officer, the inspector or the prescribed person is satisfied
(a) that there is no dispute as to who is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to possession of the substance, the precursor or the property; and
(b) that the continued detention of the substance, the precursor or the property is not required for the purposes of a preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this or any other Act of Parliament.
Receipt
(2) When the substance, the precursor or the property is returned, the peace officer, the inspector or the prescribed person shall obtain a receipt for it.
Report by peace officer
(3) In the case of a seizure made under section 11, the Criminal Code or a power of seizure at common law, the peace officer shall make a report about the return to the justice who issued the warrant or another justice for the same territorial division or, if a warrant was not issued, a justice who would have had jurisdiction to issue a warrant.
Application for return
24. (1) If a controlled substance, a precursor or chemical offence-related property has been seized, found or otherwise acquired by a peace officer, an inspector or a prescribed person, any person may, within 60 days after the date of the seizure, finding or acquisition, on prior notification being given to the Attorney General in the prescribed manner, apply, by notice in writing to a justice in the jurisdiction in which it is being detained, for an order to return it to the person.
Order to return as soon as practicable
(2) If, on the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), a justice is satisfied that an applicant is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to possession of the substance, the precursor or the property and the Attorney General does not indicate that it or a portion of it may be required for the purposes of a preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this or any other Act of Parliament, the justice shall, subject to subsection (5), order that it or the portion be returned as soon as practicable to the applicant.
Order to return at specified time
(3) If, on the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), a justice is satisfied that an applicant is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to possession of the substance, the precursor or the property but the Attorney General indicates that it or a portion of it may be required for the purposes of a preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this or any other Act of Parliament, the justice shall, subject to subsection (5), order that it or the portion be returned to the applicant
(a) on the expiry of 180 days after the application was made, if no proceeding in relation to it has been commenced before that time; or
(b) on the final conclusion of the proceeding or any other proceeding in relation to it, if the applicant is not found guilty in those proceedings of an offence committed in relation to it.
Order to return refused
(4) If, on the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), a justice is not satisfied that an applicant is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to possession of the substance, the precursor or the property, and it or a portion of it is not required for the purposes of a preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this or any other Act of Parliament, the justice shall order that it or the portion be forfeited to Her Majesty to be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the regulations or, if there are no applicable regulations, in the manner that the Minister directs.
Payment of compensation in lieu
(5) If, on the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), a justice is satisfied that an applicant is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to possession of the substance, the precursor or the property, but it was disposed of or otherwise dealt with under section 26, the justice shall order that an amount equal to its value be paid to the applicant.
Disposition if no application
25. If no application for the return of a controlled substance, a precursor or chemical offence-related property has been made under subsection 24(1) within 60 days after the date of the seizure, finding or acquisition by a peace officer, an inspector or a prescribed person and it or a portion of it is not required for the purposes of any preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this or any other Act of Parliament, it or the portion is forfeited to Her Majesty and may be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the regulations or, if there are no applicable regulations, in the manner that the Minister directs.
Expedited disposition
26. If a precursor or chemical offence-related property — whose storage or handling poses a risk to health or safety — or a controlled substance, or a portion of any of them, is not required for the purposes of a preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Act or any other Act of Parliament, it or the portion may be disposed of or otherwise dealt with by the Minister, a peace officer or a prescribed person in accordance with the regulations or, if there are no applicable regulations, in the manner that the Minister directs.
24. (1) The portion of section 27 of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:
Disposition following proceedings
27. Subject to section 24, if, in a preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this or any other Act of Parliament, the court before which the proceedings have been brought is satisfied that any controlled substance, precursor or chemical offence-related property that is the subject of proceedings before the court is no longer required by that court or any other court, the court
(2) Subparagraph 27(a)(i) of the Act is replaced by the following:
(i) if it is satisfied that the person from whom the substance, the precursor or the property was seized came into possession of it lawfully and continued to deal with it lawfully, order that it be returned to the person, or
(3) Subparagraph 27(a)(ii) of the English version of the Act is replaced by the following:
(ii) if it is satisfied that possession of the substance, the precursor or the property by the person from whom it was seized is unlawful and the person who is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to its possession is known, order that it be returned to the person who is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to its possession; and
(4) Paragraph 27(b) of the Act is replaced by the following:
(b) may, if it is not satisfied that the substance, the precursor or the property should be returned under subparagraph (a)(i) or (ii) or if possession of it by the person from whom it was seized is unlawful and the person who is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to its possession is not known, order that it be forfeited to Her Majesty to be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the regulations or, if there are no applicable regulations, in the manner that the Minister directs.
25. Sections 28 and 29 of the Act are replaced by the following:
Disposition with consent
28. If a controlled substance, a precursor or chemical offence-related property has been seized, found or otherwise acquired by a peace officer, an inspector or a prescribed person and it or a portion of it is not required for the purposes of a preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this or any other Act of Parliament, the person who is the lawful owner may consent to its disposition, and when that consent is given, it or the portion is forfeited to Her Majesty and may be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the regulations or, if there are no applicable regulations, in the manner that the Minister directs.
Report of disposition
29. (1) Subject to the regulations, every peace officer, inspector or prescribed person who disposes of or otherwise deals with a controlled substance, a precursor or chemical offence-related property under this Division shall, within 30 days,
(a) prepare a report identifying
(i) the substance, the precursor or the property,
(ii) the amount of it that was disposed of or otherwise dealt with,
(iii) the manner in which it was disposed of or otherwise dealt with,
(iv) the date on which it was disposed of or otherwise dealt with,
(v) the name of the police force, agency or entity to which the peace officer, inspector or prescribed person belongs,
(vi) the number of the file or police report related to the disposition of it or other dealing with it, and
(vii) any other prescribed information; and
(b) cause the report to be sent to the Minister.
Interpretation
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), dealing with a controlled substance, a precursor or chemical offence-related property by a peace officer includes using it to conduct an investigation or for training purposes.
26. Subsection 30(2) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Certificate of designation
(2) An inspector shall be provided with a certificate of designation in a form established by the Minister and, on entering any place under subsection 31(1), shall, on request, produce the certificate to the person in charge of the place.
27. (1) The portion of subsection 31(1) of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:
Powers of inspector
31. (1) Subject to subsection (2), an inspector may, for a purpose related to verifying compliance or preventing non-compliance with the provisions of this Act or the regulations, at any reasonable time enter any place, including a conveyance, referred to in subsection (1.1) and may for that purpose
(2) Subsection 31(1) of the Act is amended by adding the following after paragraph (g):
(g.1) take photographs and make recordings and sketches;
(3) Subsection 31(1) of the Act is amended by striking out “and” at the end of paragraph (h) and by replacing paragraph (i) with the following:
(i) seize and detain, in accordance with this Part, any controlled substance, precursor or conveyance found in that place, the seizure and detention of which the inspector believes on reasonable grounds are necessary;
(j) order the owner or person having possession, care or control of any controlled substance, precursor or other thing to which the provisions of this Act or the regulations apply that is found in that place to move it or, for any time that may be necessary, not to move it or to restrict its movement;
(k) order the owner or person having possession, care or control of any conveyance that is found in that place and that the inspector believes on reasonable grounds contains a controlled substance or precursor to stop the conveyance, to move it or, for any time that may be necessary, not to move it or to restrict its movement;
(l) order any person in that place to establish their identity to the inspector’s satisfaction;
(m) order a person who, at that place, conducts an activity to which the provisions of this Act or the regulations apply to stop or start the activity; and
(n) in order to access that place, enter on or pass through or over private property.
(4) Subsection 31(2) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Place or conveyance
(1.1) For the purposes of subsection (1), the inspector may enter any place, including a conveyance, in which they believe on reasonable grounds
(a) that a controlled substance, a precursor or a document relating to the administration of this Act or the regulations is located;
(b) that an activity could be conducted under a licence, permit, authorization or exemption that is under consideration by the Minister;
(c) that an activity to which the provisions of this Act or the regulations apply is being conducted; or
(d) that an activity was being conducted under a licence, permit, authorization or exemption before the expiry or revocation of the licence, permit, authorization or exemption, in which case the inspector may enter the place only within 45 days after the day on which it expired or was revoked.
Person accompanying inspector
(1.2) The inspector may be accompanied by any other person that they believe is necessary to help them perform their functions under this section.
Warrant required to enter dwelling-place
(2) In the case of a dwelling-place, an inspector may enter it only with the consent of an occupant or under the authority of a warrant issued under subsection (3).
(5) The portion of subsection 31(3) of the Act before paragraph (c) is replaced by the following:
Authority to issue warrant
(3) A justice may, on ex parte application, issue a warrant authorizing the inspector named in it to enter a place and exercise any of the powers mentioned in paragraphs (1)(a) to (n), subject to any conditions that are specified in the warrant, if the justice is satisfied by information on oath that
(a) the place is a dwelling-place but otherwise meets the conditions for entry described in subsections (1) and (1.1);
(b) entry to the dwelling-place is necessary for the purpose of verifying compliance or preventing non-compliance with the provisions of this Act or the regulations; and
(6) Paragraph 31(3)(c) of the French version of the Act is replaced by the following:
c) un refus a été opposé à l’entrée ou il y a des motifs raisonnables de croire que tel sera le cas.
(7) The portion of subsection 31(3) of the English version of the Act after paragraph (c) is repealed.
(8) Subsection 31(5) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Assistance to inspector
(5) The owner or other person in charge of a place entered by an inspector under subsection (1) and every person found there shall give the inspector all reasonable assistance in that person’s power and provide the inspector with any information that the inspector may reasonably require.
(9) Subsections 31(6) to (9) of the Act are replaced by the following:
Storage
(6) Anything that is seized and detained by an inspector under this section may, at the inspector’s discretion, be kept or stored at the place where it was seized or, at the inspector’s direction, be removed to any other proper place.
Notice
(7) An inspector who seizes anything under this section shall take any measures that are reasonable in the circumstances to give to the owner or other person in charge of the place where the seizure occurred notice of the seizure and of the location where the thing is being kept or stored.
Return by inspector
(8) If an inspector determines that to verify compliance or prevent non-compliance with the provisions of this Act or the regulations it is no longer necessary to detain anything seized by the inspector under this section, the inspector shall notify in writing the owner or other person in charge of the place where the seizure occurred of that determination and, on being issued a receipt for it, shall return the thing to that person.
Return or disposition by Minister
(9) If a period of 120 days has elapsed after the date of a seizure under this section and the thing has not been returned, disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with subsection (8) or any of sections 24 to 27, it shall be returned, disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the regulations or, if there are no applicable regulations, in the manner that the Minister directs.
28. Subsection 32(3) of the French version of the Act is replaced by the following:
Interdiction
(3) Il est interdit, sans l’autorisation de l’inspecteur, de déplacer les choses saisies, retenues ou emportées en application de l’article 31 ou d’en modifier l’état de quelque manière que ce soit.
29. Part V of the Act is replaced by the following:
PART V




Explanatory Notes
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Clause 2: Existing text of the definition:
“adjudicator” means a person appointed or employed under the Public Service Employment Act who performs the duties and functions of an adjudicator under this Act and the regulations;
(2) Existing text of the definition:
“sell” includes offer for sale, expose for sale, have in possession for sale and distribute, whether or not the distribution is made for consideration;
(3) Relevant portion of the definition:
“produce” means, in respect of a substance included in any of Schedules I to IV, to obtain the substance by any method or process including
(4) Relevant portion of the definition:
“traffic” means, in respect of a substance included in any of Schedules I to IV,
(5) New.
Clause 3: Existing text of subsection 3(2):
(2) For the purposes of sections 16 and 20, a reference to a person who is or was convicted of a designated substance offence includes a reference to an offender who is discharged under section 730 of the Criminal Code.
Clause 4: (1) Existing text of subsections 5(1) and (2):
5. (1) No person shall traffic in a substance included in Schedule I, II, III or IV or in any substance represented or held out by that person to be such a substance.
(2) No person shall, for the purpose of trafficking, possess a substance included in Schedule I, II, III or IV.
(2) and (3) Relevant portion of subsection 5(3):
(3) Every person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2)
(a) subject to paragraph (a.1), if the subject matter of the offence is a substance included in Schedule I or II, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life, and
(i) to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year if
...  
(D) the person was convicted of a designated substance offence, or had served a term of imprisonment for a designated substance offence, within the previous 10 years, or
...
(b) where the subject-matter of the offence is a substance included in Schedule III,
(4) Existing text of subsection 5(5):
(5) For the purposes of applying subsection (3) in respect of an offence under subsection (1), a reference to a substance included in Schedule I, II, III or IV includes a reference to any substance represented or held out to be a substance included in that Schedule.
Clause 5: (1) and (2) Relevant portion of subsection 6(3):
(3) Every person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2)
...  
(b) where the subject-matter of the offence is a substance included in Schedule III or VI,
...  
(c) where the subject-matter of the offence is a substance included in Schedule IV or V,
Clause 6: (1) Existing text of subsection 7(1):
7. (1) Except as authorized under the regulations, no person shall produce a substance included in Schedule I, II, III or IV.
(2) to (4) Relevant portion of subsection 7(2):
(2) Every person who contravenes subsection (1)
...  
(a.1) if the subject matter of the offence is a substance included in Schedule II, other than cannabis (marijuana), is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life, and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment
...  
(b) if the subject matter of the offence is cannabis (marijuana), is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years, and to a minimum punishment of
...  
(c) where the subject-matter of the offence is a substance included in Schedule III,
Clause 7: Existing text of section 7.1:
7.1 (1) No person shall possess, produce, sell or import anything knowing that it will be used to produce or traffic in a substance referred to in item 18 of Schedule I or subitem 1(9) of Schedule III.
(2) Every person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than ten years less a day.
Clause 8: (1) to (3) Relevant portion of subsection 10(2):
(2) If a person is convicted of a designated substance offence for which the court is not required to impose a minimum punishment, the court imposing sentence on the person shall consider any relevant aggravating factors including that the person
(a) in relation to the commission of the offence,
...  
(iii) trafficked in a substance included in Schedule I, II, III or IV or possessed such a substance for the purpose of trafficking, in or near a school, on or near school grounds or in or near any other public place usually frequented by persons under the age of eighteen years, or
(iv) trafficked in a substance included in Schedule I, II, III or IV, or possessed such a substance for the purpose of trafficking, to a person under the age of eighteen years;
(b) was previously convicted of a designated substance offence; or
(4) Relevant portion of subsection 10(4):
(4) A court sentencing a person who is convicted of an offence under this Part may delay sentencing to enable the offender
Clause 9: Existing text of the heading:
Search, Seizure and Detention
Clause 10: Existing text of subsection 11(4):
(4) An endorsement that is made on a warrant as provided for in subsection (3) is sufficient authority to any peace officer to whom it was originally directed and to all peace officers within the jurisdiction of the justice by whom it is endorsed to execute the warrant and to deal with the things seized in accordance with the law.
Clause 11: New.
Clause 12: Existing text of subsections 13(2) to (6):
(2) Where a thing seized under this Act is offence-related property, sections 489.1 and 490 of the Criminal Code apply subject to sections 16 to 22 of this Act.
(3) Where a controlled substance is seized under this Act or any other Act of Parliament or pursuant to a power of seizure at common law, this Act and the regulations apply in respect of that substance.
(4) Subject to the regulations, every peace officer who, pursuant to section 11, seizes a controlled substance shall, as soon as is reasonable in the circumstances after the seizure,
(a) prepare a report identifying the place searched, the controlled substance and the location where it is being detained;
(b) cause the report to be filed with the justice who issued the warrant or another justice for the same territorial division or, where by reason of exigent circumstances a warrant was not issued, a justice who would have had jurisdiction to issue a warrant; and
(c) cause a copy of the report to be sent to the Minister.
(5) A report in Form 5.2 of the Criminal Code may be filed as a report for the purposes of subsection (4).
(6) Where, pursuant to this section, an order is made under paragraph 490(9)(c) of the Criminal Code for the return of any offence-related property seized under this Act, the judge or justice making the order may require the applicant for the order to enter into a recognizance before the judge or justice, with or without sureties, in such amount and with such conditions, if any, as the judge or justice directs and, where the judge or justice considers it appropriate, require the applicant to deposit with the judge or justice such sum of money or other valuable security as the judge or justice directs.
Clause 13: Existing text of the heading:
Restraint Orders
Clause 14: (1) to (4) Existing text of subsections 14(1) to (3):
14. (1) The Attorney General may make an application in accordance with this section for a restraint order under this section in respect of any offence-related property.
(2) An application made under subsection (1) for a restraint order in respect of any offence-related property may be made ex parte and shall be made in writing to a judge and be accompanied by an affidavit sworn on the information and belief of the Attorney General or any other person deposing to the following matters:
(a) the offence against this Act to which the offence-related property relates;
(b) the person who is believed to be in possession of the offence-related property; and
(c) a description of the offence-related property.
(3) Where an application for a restraint order is made to a judge under subsection (1), the judge may, if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the property is offence-related property, make a restraint order prohibiting any person from disposing of, or otherwise dealing with any interest in, the offence-related property specified in the order otherwise than in such manner as may be specified in the order.
Clause 15: Existing text of sections 14.1 and 15:
14.1 (1) On application of the Attorney General or of any other person with the written consent of the Attorney General, a justice in the case of offence-related property seized under section 11, or a judge in the case of offence-related property restrained under section 14, may, where he or she is of the opinion that the circumstances so require,
(a) appoint a person to take control of and to manage or otherwise deal with all or part of the property in accordance with the directions of the judge or justice; and
(b) require any person having possession of that property to give possession of the property to the person appointed under paragraph (a).
(2) When the Attorney General of Canada so requests, a judge or justice appointing a person under subsection (1) shall appoint the Minister of Public Works and Government Services.
(3) The power to manage or otherwise deal with property under subsection (1) includes
(a) in the case of perishable or rapidly depreciating property, the power to make an interlocutory sale of that property; and
(b) in the case of property that has little or no value, the power to destroy that property.
(4) Before a person appointed to manage property destroys property that has little or no value, he or she shall apply to a court for a destruction order.
(5) Before making a destruction order in relation to any property, a court shall require notice in accordance with subsection (6) to be given to, and may hear, any person who, in the opinion of the court, appears to have a valid interest in the property.
(6) A notice shall
(a) be given or served in the manner that the court directs or that may be specified in the rules of the court; and
(b) be of any duration that the court considers reasonable or that may be specified in the rules of the court.
(7) A court may order that the property be destroyed if it is satisfied that the property has little or no value, whether financial or other.
(8) A management order ceases to have effect when the property that is the subject of the management order is returned in accordance with the law to an applicant or forfeited to Her Majesty.
(9) The Attorney General may at any time apply to the judge or justice to cancel or vary any condition to which a management order is subject but may not apply to vary an appointment made under subsection (2).
15. (1) Subject to sections 16 to 22, sections 489.1 and 490 of the Criminal Code apply, with such modifications as the circumstances require, to any offence-related property that is the subject-matter of a restraint order made under section 14.
(2) Where, pursuant to subsection (1), an order is made under paragraph 490(9)(c) of the Criminal Code for the return of any offence-related property that is the subject of a restraint order under section 14, the judge or justice making the order may require the applicant for the order to enter into a recognizance before the judge or justice, with or without sureties, in such amount and with such conditions, if any, as the judge or justice directs and, where the judge or justice considers it appropriate, require the applicant to deposit with the judge or justice such sum of money or other valuable security as the judge or justice directs.
Clause 16: Existing text of the heading:
Forfeiture of Offence-related Property
Clause 17: (1) Existing text of subsections 16(1) and (2):
16. (1) Subject to sections 18 to 19.1, where a person is convicted of a designated substance offence and, on application of the Attorney General, the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that any property is offence-related property and that the offence was committed in relation to that property, the court shall
(a) in the case of a substance included in Schedule VI, order that the substance be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada and disposed of by the Minister as the Minister thinks fit; and
(b) in the case of any other offence-related property,
(i) where the prosecution of the offence was commenced at the instance of the government of a province and conducted by or on behalf of that government, order that the property be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of that province and disposed of by the Attorney General or Solicitor General of that province in accordance with the law, and
(ii) in any other case, order that the property be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada and disposed of by such member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada as may be designated for the purposes of this subparagraph in accordance with the law.
(2) Subject to sections 18 to 19.1, where the evidence does not establish to the satisfaction of the court that the designated substance offence of which a person has been convicted was committed in relation to property in respect of which an order of forfeiture would otherwise be made under subsection (1) but the court is satisfied, beyond a reasonable doubt, that that property is offence-related property, the court may make an order of forfeiture under subsection (1) in relation to that property.
(2) Existing text of subsection 16(3):
(3) A person who has been convicted of a designated substance offence or the Attorney General may appeal to the court of appeal from an order or a failure to make an order under subsection (1) as if the appeal were an appeal against the sentence imposed on the person in respect of the offence.
Clause 18: (1) Relevant portion of subsection 17(2):
(2) Subject to sections 18 to 19.1, where an application is made to a judge under subsection (1) and the judge is satisfied
(a) beyond a reasonable doubt that any property is offence-related property,
(b) that proceedings in respect of a designated substance offence in relation to the property referred to in paragraph (a) were commenced, and
(2) Existing text of subsection 17(4):
(4) For the purposes of subsection (2),
(a) in the case of a substance included in Schedule VI, the judge shall order that the substance be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada and disposed of by the Minister as the Minister thinks fit; and
(b) in the case of any other offence-related property,
(i) where the proceedings referred to in paragraph (2)(b) were commenced at the instance of the government of a province, the judge shall order that the property be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of that province and disposed of by the Attorney General or Solicitor General of that province in accordance with the law, and
(ii) in any other case, the judge shall order that the property be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada and disposed of by such member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada as may be designated for the purposes of this subparagraph in accordance with the law.
Clause 19: Existing text of section 18:
18. A court may, before ordering that offence-related property be forfeited under subsection 16(1) or 17(2), set aside any conveyance or transfer of the property that occurred after the seizure of the property, or the making of a restraint order in respect of the property, unless the conveyance or transfer was for valuable consideration to a person acting in good faith.
Clause 20: Relevant portion of subsection 19(2):
(2) A notice given under subsection (1) shall
(a) be given or served in such manner as the court directs or as may be specified in the rules of the court;
(b) be of such duration as the court considers reasonable or as may be specified in the rules of the court; and
Clause 21: (1) Existing text of subsection 19.1(1):
19.1 (1) Where all or part of offence-related property that would otherwise be forfeited under subsection 16(1) or 17(2) is a dwelling-house, before making an order of forfeiture, a court shall require notice in accordance with subsection (2) to be given to, and may hear, any person who resides in the dwelling-house and is a member of the immediate family of the person charged with or convicted of the indictable offence under this Act in relation to which the property would be forfeited.
(2) Relevant portion of subsection 19.1(2):
(2) A notice shall
(a) be given or served in the manner that the court directs or that may be specified in the rules of the court;
(b) be of any duration that the court considers reasonable or that may be specified in the rules of the court; and
(3) Existing text of subsection 19.1(3):
(3) Subject to an order made under subsection 19(3), if a court is satisfied that the impact of an order of forfeiture made under subsection 16(1) or 17(2) in respect of real property would be disproportionate to the nature and gravity of the offence, the circumstances surrounding the commission of the offence and the criminal record, if any, of the person charged with or convicted of the offence, as the case may be, it may decide not to order the forfeiture of the property or part of the property and may revoke any restraint order made in respect of that property or part.
(4) Relevant portion of subsection 19.1(4):
(4) Where all or part of the property that would otherwise be forfeited under subsection 16(1) or 17(2) is a dwelling-house, when making a decision under subsection (3), the court shall also consider
(a) the impact of an order of forfeiture on any member of the immediate family of the person charged with or convicted of the offence, if the dwelling-house was the member’s principal residence at the time the charge was laid and continues to be the member’s principal residence; and
Clause 22: Relevant portion of subsection 20(1):
20. (1) Where any offence-related property is forfeited to Her Majesty pursuant to an order made under subsection 16(1) or 17(2), any person who claims an interest in the property, other than
(a) in the case of property forfeited pursuant to an order made under subsection 16(1), a person who was convicted of the designated substance offence in relation to which the property was forfeited,
Clause 23: Existing text of the headings and sections 24 to 26:
PART III
DISPOSAL OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
24. (1) Where a controlled substance has been seized, found or otherwise acquired by a peace officer or an inspector, any person may, within sixty days after the date of the seizure, finding or acquisition, on prior notification being given to the Attorney General in the prescribed manner, apply, by notice in writing to a justice in the jurisdiction in which the substance is being detained, for an order to return that substance to the person.
(2) Where, on the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), a justice is satisfied that an applicant is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to possession of the controlled substance and the Attorney General does not indicate that the substance or a portion of it may be required for the purposes of a preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this or any other Act of Parliament, the justice shall, subject to subsection (5), order that the substance or the portion not required for the purposes of the proceeding be returned forthwith to the applicant.
(3) Where, on the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), a justice is satisfied that an applicant is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to possession of the controlled substance but the Attorney General indicates that the substance or a portion of it may be required for the purposes of a preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this or any other Act of Parliament, the justice shall, subject to subsection (5), order that the substance or the portion required for the purposes of the proceeding be returned to the applicant
(a) on the expiration of one hundred and eighty days after the application was made, if no proceeding in relation to the substance has been commenced before that time; or
(b) on the final conclusion of the proceeding or any other proceeding in relation to the substance, where the applicant is not found guilty in those proceedings of an offence committed in relation to the substance.
(4) Where, on the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), a justice is not satisfied that an applicant is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to possession of the controlled substance, the justice shall order that the substance or the portion not required for the purposes of a preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this or any other Act of Parliament be forfeited to Her Majesty to be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the regulations or, if there are no applicable regulations, in such manner as the Minister directs.
(5) Where, on the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), a justice is satisfied that an applicant is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to possession of a controlled substance, but an order has been made under subsection 26(2) in respect of the substance, the justice shall make an order that an amount equal to the value of the substance be paid to the applicant.
25. Where no application for the return of a controlled substance has been made under subsection 24(1) within sixty days after the date of the seizure, finding or acquisition by a peace officer or inspector and the substance or a portion of it is not required for the purposes of any preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Act or any other Act of Parliament, the substance or the portion not required for the purposes of the proceeding shall be delivered to the Minister to be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the regulations or, if there are no applicable regulations, in such manner as the Minister directs.
26. (1) Where the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that a controlled substance that has been seized, found or otherwise acquired by a peace officer or inspector constitutes a potential security, public health or safety hazard, the Minister may, on prior notification being given to the Attorney General in the prescribed manner, at any time, make an application, ex parte, to a justice for an order that the substance or a portion of it be forfeited to Her Majesty to be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the regulations or, if there are no applicable regulations, in such manner as the Minister directs.
(2) Where, on the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), a justice is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the controlled substance constitutes a potential security, public health or safety hazard, the justice shall order that the substance or any portion not required for the purposes of a preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this or any other Act of Parliament be forfeited to Her Majesty to be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the regulations or, if there are no applicable regulations, in such manner as the Minister directs.
Clause 24: (1) to (4) Existing text of section 27:
27. Subject to section 24, where, pursuant to a preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this or any other Act of Parliament, the court before which the proceedings have been brought is satisfied that any controlled substance that is the subject of proceedings before the court is no longer required by that court or any other court, the court
(a) shall
(i) where it is satisfied that the person from whom the substance was seized came into possession of the substance in accordance with the regulations and continued to deal with it in accordance with the regulations, order that the substance be returned to the person, or
(ii) where it is satisfied that possession of the substance by the person from whom it was seized is unlawful and the person who is lawfully entitled to its possession is known, order that the substance be returned to the person who is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to its possession; and
(b) may, where it is not satisfied that the substance should be returned pursuant to subparagraph (i) or (ii) or where possession of the substance by the person from whom it was seized is unlawful and the person who is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to its possession is not known, order that the substance be forfeited to Her Majesty to be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the regulations or, if there are no applicable regulations, in such manner as the Minister directs.
Clause 25: Existing text of sections 28 and 29:
28. Where a controlled substance has been seized, found or otherwise acquired by a peace officer or inspector under this Act or the regulations and the substance or a portion of it is not required for the purposes of a preliminary inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this or any other Act of Parliament, the person who is the lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to its possession may consent to its disposal, and on such consent being given the substance or portion is thereupon forfeited to Her Majesty and may be disposed of or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the regulations or, if there are no applicable regulations, in such manner as the Minister directs.
29. The Minister may, on prior notification being given to the Attorney General, cause to be destroyed any plant from which a substance included in Schedule I, II, III or IV may be extracted that is being produced otherwise than under the authority of and in accordance with a licence issued under the regulations.
Clause 26: Existing text of subsection 30(2):
(2) An inspector shall be furnished with a prescribed certificate of designation, and on entering any place pursuant to subsection 31(1) shall, on request, produce the certificate to the person in charge of the place.
Clause 27: (1) to (3) Relevant portion of subsection 31(1):
31. (1) Subject to subsection (2), an inspector may, to ensure compliance with the regulations, at any reasonable time enter any place the inspector believes on reasonable grounds is used for the purpose of conducting the business or professional practice of any person licensed or otherwise authorized under the regulations to deal in a controlled substance or a precursor and may for that purpose
...
(i) seize and detain in accordance with this Part, any controlled substance or precursor the seizure and detention of which the inspector believes on reasonable grounds is necessary.
(4) Existing text of subsection 31(2):
(2) Where a place referred to in subsection (1) is a dwelling-place, an inspector may not enter the dwelling-place without the consent of an occupant thereof except under the authority of a warrant issued under subsection (3).
(5) to (7) Existing text of subsection 31(3):
(3) Where, on ex parte application, a justice is satisfied by information on oath that
(a) a place referred to in subsection (1) is a dwelling-place but otherwise meets the conditions for entry described in that subsection,
(b) entry to the dwelling-place is necessary for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the regulations, and
(c) entry to the dwelling-place has been refused or there are reasonable grounds to believe that entry will be refused,
the justice may issue a warrant authorizing the inspector named in it to enter that dwelling-place and exercise any of the powers mentioned in paragraphs (1)(a) to (i), subject to such conditions as may be specified in the warrant.
(8) and (9) Existing text of subsections 31(5) to (9):
(5) The owner or other person in charge of a place entered by an inspector under subsection (1) and every person found there shall give the inspector all reasonable assistance in the power of that person and furnish the inspector with such information as the inspector may reasonably require.
(6) Where an inspector seizes and detains a controlled substance or a precursor, the substance or precursor may, at the discretion of the inspector, be kept or stored at the place where it was seized or, at the direction of the inspector, be removed to any other proper place.
(7) An inspector who seizes a controlled substance or a precursor shall take such measures as are reasonable in the circumstances to give to the owner or other person in charge of the place where the seizure occurred notice of the seizure and of the location where the controlled substance or precursor is being kept or stored.
(8) Where an inspector determines that to ensure compliance with the regulations it is no longer necessary to detain a controlled substance or a precursor seized by the inspector under paragraph (1)(i), the inspector shall notify in writing the owner or other person in charge of the place where the seizure occurred of that determination and, on being issued a receipt for it, shall return the controlled substance or precursor to that person.
(9) Notwithstanding sections 24, 25 and 27, where a period of one hundred and twenty days has elapsed after the date of a seizure under paragraph (1)(i) and the controlled substance or precursor has not been returned in accordance with subsection (8), the controlled substance or precursor shall be returned, disposed of or otherwise dealt with in such manner as the Minister directs, in accordance with any applicable regulations.
Clause 28: Existing text of subsection 32(3):
(3) No person shall, without the authority of an inspector, remove, alter or interfere in any way with anything seized, detained or taken under section 31.
Clause 29: Existing text of Part V:
PART V
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS FOR CONTRAVENTIONS OF DESIGNATED REGULATIONS
33. The Governor in Council may, by regulation, designate any regulation made under this Act (in this Part referred to as a “designated regulation”) as a regulation the contravention of which shall be dealt with under this Part.
34. Where the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that a person has contravened a designated regulation, the Minister shall
(a) in the prescribed manner, serve a notice to appear on the person; and
(b) send a copy of the notice to appear to an adjudicator and direct the adjudicator to conduct a hearing to determine whether the contravention has occurred and to notify the Minister of the adjudicator’s determination.
35. (1) Where the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that a person has contravened a designated regulation and the Minister is of the opinion that, as a result of that contravention, there is a substantial risk of immediate danger to the health or safety of any person, the Minister may, without giving prior notice to the person believed to have contravened the designated regulation, make an interim order in respect of the person
(a) prohibiting the person from doing anything that the person would otherwise be permitted to do under their licence, permit or authorization, or
(b) subjecting the doing of anything under the designated regulation by the person to the terms and conditions specified in the interim order,
and may, for that purpose, suspend, cancel or amend the licence, permit or authorization issued or granted to the person or take any other measures set out in the regulations.
(2) Where the Minister makes an interim order under subsection (1), the Minister shall forthwith
(a) in the prescribed manner, serve the interim order on the person;
(b) in the prescribed manner, serve a notice to appear on the person; and
(c) send a copy of the interim order and the notice to appear to an adjudicator and direct the adjudicator to conduct a hearing to determine whether the contravention has occurred and to notify the Minister of the adjudicator’s determination.
36. (1) Where an adjudicator receives from the Minister a copy of a notice to appear under paragraph 34(b) or 35(2)(c), the adjudicator shall conduct a hearing on a date to be fixed by the adjudicator at the request of the person on whom the notice was served, on two days notice being given to the adjudicator, which hearing date may not
(a) in the case of a notice served under paragraph 34(a), be less than thirty days, or more than forty-five days, after the day of service of the notice; or
(b) in the case of a notice served under paragraph 35(2)(b), be less than three days, or more than forty-five days, after the day of service of the notice.
(2) Where the adjudicator is unable to conduct a hearing on the date referred to in subsection (1), the adjudicator shall forthwith notify the person and fix, for the purpose of holding the hearing, the earliest possible date to which the adjudicator and the person agree.
(3) Where an adjudicator has received a copy of a notice to appear referred to in subsection (1) and where the person on whom the notice is served has not requested a date for a hearing within forty-five days after the notice was served on that person, or where the person, having requested a hearing, fails to appear for the hearing, the adjudicator shall proceed to make a determination in the absence of the person.
(4) An adjudicator may, subject to the regulations, determine the time and place of any hearing or other proceeding under this Part.
37. A notice to appear served on a person under paragraph 34(a) or 35(2)(b) shall
(a) specify the designated regulation that the Minister believes the person has contravened;
(b) state the grounds on which the Minister believes the contravention has occurred;
(c) state that the matter has been referred to an adjudicator for a hearing to be conducted on a date within the applicable period described in paragraph 36(1)(a) or (b); and
(d) set out such other information as is prescribed.
38. Proof of service of any notice, order or interim order under this Part shall be given in the prescribed manner.
39. For the purposes of this Act, an adjudicator has and may exercise the powers of a person appointed as a commissioner under Part I of the Inquiries Act.
40. An adjudicator shall deal with all matters as informally and expeditiously as the circumstances and considerations of fairness and natural justice permit.
41. (1) An adjudicator shall, after the conclusion of a hearing referred to in subsection 36(1) or a proceeding referred to in subsection 36(3), within the prescribed time, make a determination that the person who is the subject of the hearing or proceeding contravened or did not contravene the designated regulation.
(2) Where an adjudicator has made a determination under subsection (1), the adjudicator shall
(a) forthwith notify the person and the Minister of the adjudicator’s determination and the reasons; and
(b) where the adjudicator has determined that the person has contravened the designated regulation, notify the person of the opportunity to make representations to the Minister in writing in accordance with the regulations and within the prescribed time.
(3) Where an adjudicator has made a determination referred to in paragraph (2)(b) and the Minister has considered the determination and any representations referred to in that paragraph, the Minister shall forthwith make an order
(a) prohibiting the person from doing anything that they would, if they were in compliance with the designated regulation, be permitted to do, or
(b) subjecting the doing of anything under the designated regulation by the person to the terms and conditions specified in the order,
and may, for that purpose, suspend, cancel or amend any licence, permit or authorization issued or granted to the person under the regulations or take any other measures set out in the regulations.
(4) An order made under subsection (3) shall be served on the person to whom it is directed in the prescribed manner.
42. (1) An interim order made under subsection 35(1) and an order made under subsection 41(3) have effect from the time that they are served on the person to whom they are directed.
(2) An interim order that was made in respect of a person believed to have contravened a designated regulation ceases to have effect
(a) where the Minister makes an order under subsection 41(3), at the time the order is served on the person; and
(b) where an adjudicator has determined that the person did not contravene the designated regulation, at the time the adjudicator makes the determination.
(3) A person in respect of whom an order was made under subsection 41(3) may make an application in writing to the Minister in accordance with the regulations to revoke the order.
(4) The Minister may, in the prescribed circumstances, revoke, in whole or in part, any order made under subsection 41(3).
43. Every person commits an offence who contravenes an order or an interim order made under this Part.