OTTAWA, October 15, 2004 -- Legislation authorizing judges to order DNA samples from people convicted of child pornography, Internet luring and other serious criminal offences was introduced in the House of Commons today. "This legislation would make it possible for more DNA samples to be collected from more convicted offenders," said Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Irwin Cotler. "The amendments strengthen a powerful crime-fighting tool; reinforce our commitment to protect children and vulnerable persons in our society; and ensure that those who harm them are brought to justice." "The National DNA Data Bank has proven itself to be an extremely valuable investigative tool," said the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Anne McLellan. "The proposed reforms introduced today would surely enhance the Data Bank's value for police and, as a result, the Canadian public." The proposed amendments would add 28 Criminal Code offences for which a National DNA Data Bank order can be made. The most serious crimes, such as sexual offences, murder and manslaughter, are primary designated offences. Under the proposed legislation, the list of primary designated offences would be expanded to include: Internet luring; child pornography; sexual exploitation of a person with a disability; and offences related to prostitution involving persons under 18. Relatively less serious crimes, such as arson and assault, are considered to be secondary designated offences. Under the new legislation, this list would be expanded to include: criminal harassment; offences related to organized crime; uttering death threats; and intimidation. Retroactive provisions would allow for DNA samples to be taken from convicted offenders who committed specific offences, such as gross indecency and indecent assault, before the National DNA Data Bank legislation took effect in June 2000. The new legislative reforms carefully balance the public interest in the early detection, arrest and conviction of offenders, which can be facilitated by the use of DNA information, with the need to protect the privacy of individuals. While the Government anticipates undertaking a legislatively-mandated review of the National DNA Data Bank in 2005, the proposed amendments respond to priority issues that have been raised by provincial ministers responsible for criminal justice and law enforcement and builds on the Government's public consultations. The National DNA Data Bank, located within the RCMP's National Police Services, has provided crucial investigative leads and helped to solve criminal cases across the country and around the world, many involving serious offences such as homicide, sexual assault and armed robbery. It has been instrumental in focusing investigations, eliminating suspects and protecting the innocent. To learn more about the National DNA Data Bank, visit www.nddb-bndg.org. To access an online version of the proposed legislation, visit www.parl.gc.ca. - 30 - Justice Officials will be available for a technical briefing via teleconference at 1:30 p.m., Friday, October 15, 2004. The call-in number is 1-888-265-0903, access code 255319#. Backgrounder: Strengthening National DNA Data Bank Legislation Ref.: Denise Rudnicki Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Justice (613) 992-4621 Alex Swann Special Assistant Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (613) 991-2863 Media Relations Department of Justice Canada (613) 957-4207 Media Relations Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (613) 991-0657 RCMP Media Relations (613) 993-2999
