The Omnibus Crime Bill Passed By the House of Commons

After a few minor adjustments, the Omnibus Crime Bill C-10, also know formally as An Act to enact the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act and to amend the State Immunity Act, the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and other Acts, or informally by the short title Safe Streets and Communities Act, was passed by the House of Commons today in a final vote of 154 for the legislation and 129 against the Bill. Although the Act merely awaits Royal Assent to become law, it is still worthwhile to critically revisit the myriad of problems arising from the enactment of the new law. With that in mind, I have recommend reading the following:

1. The Canadian Bar Association - 10 reasons for opposing Bill C-10

2. The Canadian Council of Criminal Defence Lawyers on the negative impact of the new legislation on those offenders suffering from mental illness

3. First Nations concerns that Bill C-10 fails to address the issue of "over-incarceration" of Aboriginals. See also the submissions to parliament on behalf of the Assembly of First Nations and see the petition to the Senate to oppose the Bill on the Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services website.

4. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association 

5. My previous blog on the issue from October 15, 2011: When Does One Marijuana Plant Plus One Shared Joint Equal Nine Months  Incarceration?

Update on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 2:47PM by Lisa A. Silver

Two more interesting reads on the issue are:

1. "Why the Canadian business community should be concerned about the the crime bill passed on Monday" on the globe and mail website  

2. Quebec refuses to implement Harper's crime bill also on the globe and mail website

3. Louse Arbour, former Supreme Court of Canada Justice and now member of the Global Commission on Drug policy, speaks out against Bill C-10 and mandatory minimum sentences.