Tougher Penalties for Vandalism at Religious Sites
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (mischief — religious property)
Summary
- The bill amends the Criminal Code to impose mandatory minimum penalties for mischief targeting religious properties, objects associated with worship, and cemeteries.
- It sets minimum penalties: at least $1,000 restitution for a first offence; $1,000 plus a minimum 14 days in jail for a second; and $1,000 plus a minimum 30 days in jail for subsequent offences.
- It maintains existing maximums: up to 10 years’ imprisonment on indictment and up to two years less a day on summary conviction.
- The measure aims to deter vandalism and protect places of worship and associated sites through stronger, mandatory consequences.
Builder Assessment
Principles Analysis
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Canada should aim to be the world's most prosperous country.
Primarily a criminal justice measure with minimal direct impact on national prosperity.
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Promote economic freedom, ambition, and breaking from bureaucratic inertia (reduce red tape).
Does not materially change regulatory burdens on commerce or entrepreneurship.
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Drive national productivity and global competitiveness, including removing interprovincial trade barriers and improving labour mobility (one country, one market).
No direct link to productivity or competitiveness.
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Grow exports of Canadian products and resources, and move up the value chain by processing resources domestically rather than exporting them raw.
No trade or export implications.
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Encourage investment, innovation, and resource development.
Indirect community safety benefits are possible, but there is no clear impact on investment or innovation.
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Deliver better public services at lower cost (government efficiency).
Mandatory minimum jail terms increase incarceration and court costs, reducing system flexibility and efficiency.
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Reform taxes to incentivize work, risk-taking, and innovation.
No tax policy changes.
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Focus on large-scale prosperity, not incrementalism.
A narrow criminal sentencing change with limited macroeconomic relevance.
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Email [email protected]
PartyMember of Parliament
StatusAt second reading in the House of Commons
Last updatedN/A
TopicsCriminal Justice, Social Issues
Parliament45