This enactment amends the Criminal Code to:

(a)  amend mandatory minimum penalties in relation to the offence of extortion, including when the offence is committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with, a criminal organization; and

(b) add arson as an aggravating factor for the purposes of sentencing when a person is convicted of extortion.

Preamble

Whereas the safety and security of property is essential to a functioning society as well as to the prosperity of individuals and families;

Whereas, according to police reports, there has been a significant increase in rates of extortion in Canada over the last decade;

Whereas new Canadians are particularly vulnerable to extortion, including from overseas criminal organizations, which undermines Canada’s reputation as a safe and orderly society;

Whereas Parliament believes that the federal legislature must ensure that the Criminal Code responds to changing criminal behaviour and reflects the seriousness of criminal offences;

And whereas Parliament believes that the increase in extortion involving the use of a firearm or arson is particularly alarming, as it involves not only property damage but also serious threats to life;

Now, therefore, His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

• (a) if a restricted firearm or prohibited firearm is used in the commission of the offence or if the offence is committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with, a criminal organization, to imprisonment for life and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of

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  (a.‍1) if a firearm other than a restricted firearm or prohibited firearm is used in the commission of the offence, to imprisonment for life and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of four years; and

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• (b) in any other case, to imprisonment for life Insertion start and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of three years Insertion end .

Aggravating factor

(1.‍4) If a person is convicted of an offence under this section, the court that imposes the sentence shall consider as an aggravating factor the fact that the person, in committing the offence, also committed an offence under any of sections 433 to 435.