An Act to amend the Criminal Code (extortion)
Bill C-381 was a Conservative Private Member's Bill amending the Criminal Code (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46) section 346 to increase maximum penalties for extortion. Brought after the 2023-2024 wave of extortion targeting South Asian businesses in BC, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, with the Edmonton Police Service reporting 76 extortion-related charges in 2024, primarily involving Bishnoi gang activity linked to India-based organized crime networks. The Sikh community in Surrey, Brampton, and Edmonton was particularly affected. The bill would have raised the maximum penalty for extortion from 14 years to life imprisonment for indictable offences involving firearms or organized crime. Did not pass second reading. The federal Criminal Code review continues.
Status
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Would raise the maximum penalties for extortion under the Criminal Code, after a 2023-2024 wave of extortion threats targeting South Asian-owned businesses in several provinces, linked to organized crime. A Conservative private member's bill; it did not pass second reading.
Issues this bill touches
- Crime & Public Safety
Adds aggravating factors and Criminal Code provisions targeting extortion offences.
Legislative history
- First reading
First reading in the House of Commons.
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Official source
Read full text on Parliament of Canada