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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

Abstain

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.

No direct link to productivity or competitiveness.

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Grow exports of Canadian products and resources.

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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C-255

PartyMember of Parliament
StatusOutside the Order of Precedence
Last updatedN/A
TopicsCriminal Justice, Social Issues
Parliament45