When someone is charged with a crime in Canada, one of the first questions they often ask is: “Is this just a misdemeanor?” In the United States of America, people are familiar with the terms “felony” and “misdemeanor.” But in Canada, our criminal law works a little differently. So, what is a misdemeanor mean in […]

Criminal harassment carries significant legal consequences and is considered a serious offence in Canada. Criminal harassment, often referred to as stalking or persistent harassment, including repeated unwanted communication, following, or threatening behavior that makes someone fear for their safety.  This article explores what constitutes criminal harassment under Canadian law and the possible legal repercussions individuals […]

Break and enter is a serious criminal offence under Canadian law, carrying significant penalties that depend on the nature and circumstances of the offence. Commonly referred to as “B&E,” it involves unlawfully entering a place with the intent to commit another indictable offence most often theft. Importantly, the offence can be complete even if nothing […]

Bail review and detention review are distinct and vital processes within the Canadian criminal justice system. They ensure that accused persons are not held in pre-trial custody indefinitely when their trial is unreasonably delayed, while also balancing public safety and confidence in justice. These proceedings are governed primarily by sections 522 and 525 of the […]

If you fear someone may harm you, your partner, or your child, damage your property, or share intimate images or videos of you without your consent, you have the option to request a peace bond against them. A peace bond is a legal order issued by a judicial official, such as a justice of the […]

The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) is the federal law that governs how criminal charges are handled for young people in Canada. It’s meant to recognize that youth are different from adults in terms of development, maturity, and responsibility. The YCJA creates a separate justice system for youth that focuses on rehabilitation, reintegration, and accountability […]

The Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) is federal legislation in Canada that creates and governs the national sex offender registry. The registry is designed to assist law enforcement in preventing and investigating sexual offences by maintaining up-to-date information on individuals convicted of certain sexual crimes. If you are convicted of a designated sexual offence, […]

Theft and fraud are two of the most commonly prosecuted criminal offences in Canada and they often catch people off guard. What might seem like a “minor” incident, like forgetting to scan an item or shoplifting a $30 product, can still result in a criminal record that affects your future employment, travel, and more. If […]

In Canada, section 160 of the Criminal Code makes it a criminal offence to engage in bestiality, which is defined in law as any contact, for a sexual purpose, with an animal (Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, s. 160). This modern definition was introduced on June 21, 2019, through Bill C-84, in direct response […]

Animal cruelty is taken seriously in Canadian law, with offences covered primarily under Part XI of the Criminal Code, as well as under provincial laws such as Saskatchewan’s Animal Protection Act, 2018. These laws recognize that animals are sentient beings and protect them from unnecessary pain, suffering, or neglect. The main Criminal Code provisions dealing […]