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Decentralized Democracy

House Bill

Bill C-381

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
April 17, 2024
Protection against Extortion Act
  • This is a proposed law in Canada called Bill C-381. It aims to make changes to the Criminal Code regarding the crime of extortion. The amendments include adjusting the minimum penalties for extortion, especially when it is connected to a criminal organization. Additionally, the bill adds arson as an aggravating factor for sentencing when someone is convicted of extortion. The purpose of this law is to address the increasing rates of extortion in Canada and protect individuals and their property. You can find more information about this bill on the House of Commons website.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument in Favor of Bill C-381: One could argue that Bill C-381, the Protection against Extortion Act, is necessary and beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, the increase in rates of extortion in Canada over the last decade, as reported by the police, is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed. By amending the Criminal Code to include stricter penalties for extortion, including mandatory minimum sentences, the legislation aims to deter potential offenders and send a strong message that extortion will not be tolerated in Canadian society. Furthermore, the vulnerability of new Canadians to extortion, particularly from overseas criminal organizations, is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. By strengthening the penalties for extortion, the legislation seeks to protect the safety and well-being of all Canadians, including those who may be more susceptible to exploitation. The inclusion of arson as an aggravating factor for sentencing when a person is convicted of extortion is also a significant addition to the Criminal Code. Extortion cases involving arson not only result in property damage but also pose serious threats to life. By recognizing the severity of these cases and imposing harsher penalties, the legislation aims to deter individuals from engaging in such dangerous criminal behavior. Overall, Bill C-381 is a necessary response to the changing criminal behavior and the seriousness of extortion offenses. By amending the Criminal Code to include stricter penalties and recognizing the specific dangers posed by extortion cases involving firearms or arson, the legislation aims to protect the safety and security of property, deter potential offenders, and uphold Canada's reputation as a safe and orderly society.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill C-381: While the intention behind Bill C-381 may be to address the issue of extortion and protect the safety and security of property, there are concerns regarding the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code. This argument opposes the bill from a right-wing, anti-government perspective. 1. Overreach of Government Power: The proposed amendments to the Criminal Code, including the introduction of mandatory minimum penalties, represent an overreach of government power. It is not the role of the government to dictate the specific punishments for criminal offenses. This infringes upon the principles of individual liberty and limited government, which are core tenets of right-wing ideology. 2. Ineffectiveness of Mandatory Minimums: Research has shown that mandatory minimum sentences do not effectively deter crime or contribute to public safety. Instead, they often lead to overcrowded prisons and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Rather than focusing on punitive measures, the government should prioritize rehabilitation and addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. 3. Criminal Organizations: While it is important to address the issue of extortion committed by criminal organizations, the proposed amendments fail to adequately differentiate between individual offenders and organized crime. By imposing the same mandatory minimum penalties for both, the bill may inadvertently punish individuals who are coerced or forced into committing extortion by criminal organizations. This approach undermines the principles of justice and fairness. 4. Arson as an Aggravating Factor: The inclusion of arson as an aggravating factor for sentencing in extortion cases raises concerns. While arson is a serious offense, it should be treated as a separate crime rather than being conflated with extortion. This approach may lead to disproportionate sentencing and fail to address the underlying motivations and circumstances of the offenders. 5. Focus on Law Enforcement: Instead of relying solely on legislative measures, the government should prioritize strengthening law enforcement capabilities to combat extortion. This includes providing adequate resources and training to law enforcement agencies, improving intelligence sharing, and enhancing international cooperation. By empowering law enforcement, the government can effectively target and dismantle criminal organizations involved in extortion. In conclusion, while the issue of extortion needs to be addressed, the proposed amendments in Bill C-381 represent an overreach of government power, fail to consider the ineffectiveness of mandatory minimums, and may inadvertently punish individuals coerced by criminal organizations. A more balanced approach that focuses on rehabilitation, addresses the root causes of criminal behavior, and strengthens law enforcement capabilities would be more aligned with right-wing, anti-government principles.
House Second Reading
  • Feb. 12, 2024, 11 a.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
House First Reading
  • Feb. 12, 2024, 11 a.m.
  • Passed