Use of Firearm in Commission of an Offence (Offence)

Use of Firearm in Commission of an Offence
	s. 85 of the Crim. Code
Election / Plea
Crown Election	Indictment;
Jurisdiction	Prov. Court; Sup. Court w/ Jury (); Sup. Court w/ Judge-alone (); * Must be indictable. Preliminary inquiry also available.
Indictable Dispositions
Avail. Disp.	Discharge (730); Suspended Sentence (731(1)(a)); Fine (734); Fine + Probation (731(1)(b)); Jail (718.3, 787); Jail + Probation (731(1)(b)); Jail + Fine (734); Conditional Sentence (742.1); ( varies)
Minimum	1, 3 years incarceration
Maximum	14 years incarceration
Reference
	Offence Elements; Sentence Digests;

This page was last substantively updated or reviewed November 2018. (Rev. # 95115)

< Criminal Law/Sentencing
< Offences

Overview

See also: Weapon Offences

Offences relating to use of firearm in commission of an offence are found in Part III of the Criminal Code relating to "Firearms and Other Weapons".

Pleadings

Offence Section	Offence Type	Crown Election	Defence Election s. 536(2)	Preliminary Inquiry
s. 85(1) [use of firearm in commission of an offence] s. 85(2) [use of an imitation firearm in commission of an offence]	Indictable Offence(s)			(14 years max)

Offences under s. 85(1) [use of firearm in commission of an offence]
s. 85(2) [use of an imitation firearm in commission of an offence] are straight indictable. There is a Defence election of Court under s. 536(2) to trial to trial in provincial court, superior court with a judge-alone (with or without a preliminary inquiry) or superior court with judge-and-jury (with or without a preliminary inquiry).

Before the statutory increased penalties can be applied for convictions under s. 85(1) [use of firearm in commission of an offence]
s. 85(2) [use of an imitation firearm in commission of an offence] , notice of increased penalty under s. 727 must be given. Before the Crown can rely on provisions increasing the duration of the weapons prohibition order due to a prior weapons prohibition order notice under s. 727 must be given prior to plea.

Release

Offence(s)	Appearance Notice by Peace Officer s. 497	Summons by Judge or Justice s. 508(1), 512(1), or 788	Release by Peace Officer on Undertaking s. 498, 499, and 501	Release By a Judge or Justice on a Release Order s. 515 to 519	Direct to Attend for Fingerprints, etc. Identification of Criminals Act s. 2 ID Crim. Act
s. 85(1) [use of firearm in commission of an offence] s. 85(2) [use of an imitation firearm in commission of an offence]

When charged under s. 85, the accused can be given a judicial summons without arrest. If arrested, he can be released by the arresting officer under s. 498 or 499 on an undertaking with or without conditions. He can also be released by a justice under s. 515.

Reverse Onus Bail

If police decide to bring the accused before a Justice pursuant to s. 503, there will be a presumption against bail (i.e. a reverse onus) if the offence, prosecuted by indictment, was committed:

while at large under s. 515 [bail release], 679 or 680 [release pending appeal or review of appeal] (s. 515(6)(a)(i));
"for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association" with a criminal organization (s. 515(6)(a)(ii));
where the offence involved a weapon, being a firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, while the accused was subject to a prohibition order preventing possession of these items (s. 515(6)(a)(viii)); or
where the accused is not "ordinarily a resident in Canada" (s. 515(6)(b)).

And, regardless of Crown election, if the offence alleged was one:

where the offence was an allegation of violence against an "intimate partner" and the accused had been previously convicted of an offence of violence against an "intimate partner" (s. 515(6)(b.1));
where the offence alleged is a breach under s. 145(2) to (5) while (s. 515(6)(c));
where the offence committed (or conspired to commit) was an offence under s. 5 to 7 of the CDSA that is punishable by life imprisonment (s. 515(6)(d));

Fingerprints and Photos

A peace officer who charges a person under s. 85(1) [[use of firearm in commission of an offence]
s. 85(2) [use of an imitation firearm in commission of an offence] of the Code can require that person to attend for the taking of fingerprints, photographs or other similar recordings that are used to identify them under the Identification of Criminals Act.

Publication Bans

For all criminal or regulatory prosecutions, there is a discretionary general publication ban available on application of the Crown, victim or witness to prohibit the publishing of "any information that could identify the victim or witness" under s. 486.5(1) where it is "necessary" for the "proper administration of justice". Other available publication bans include prohibitions for publishing evidence or other information arising from a bail hearing (s. 517), preliminary inquiry (s. 539) or jury trial (s. 648). There is a mandatory publication ban in all youth prosecutions on information tending to identify young accused under s. 110 of the YCJA or young victims under s. 111 of the YCJA.

Offence Designations

Offence(s)	Wiretap Eligible s. 183	Dangerous Offender Designated Offence s. 752	Serious Personal Injury Offence s. 752	AG Consent Required	Serious Criminality Offence s. 36 IRPA
s. 85(1) [use of firearm in commission of an offence] s. 85(2) [use of an imitation firearm in commission of an offence]

Offences under s. 85 are "designated" offences under s. 752 for dangerous offender applications.

Offences under s. 85 are designated "serious personal injury" offences under s. 752(a) only if it has a maximum penalty of 10 years incarceration or more and involves "use or attempted use of violence against another person" or "conduct endangering or likely to endanger the life or safety of another person or inflicting or likely to inflict severe psychological damage on another person".

Before the statutory increased penalties can be applied for convictions under s. 85, notice of increased penalty under s. 727 must be given. See s. 85(3), below.

See below in Ancillary Sentencing Orders for details on designations relating to sentencing orders.

Offence Wording

Using firearm in commission of offence

85 (1) Every person commits an offence who uses a firearm, whether or not the person causes or means to cause bodily harm to any person as a result of using the firearm,

(a) while committing an indictable offence, other than an offence under section 220 (criminal negligence causing death), 236 (manslaughter), 239 (attempted murder), 244 (discharging firearm with intent), 244.2 (discharging firearm — recklessness), 272 (sexual assault with a weapon) or 273 (aggravated sexual assault), subsection 279(1) (kidnapping) or section 279.1 (hostage taking), 344 (robbery) or 346 (extortion);

(b) while attempting to commit an indictable offence; or

(c) during flight after committing or attempting to commit an indictable offence.

Using imitation firearm in commission of offence

(2) Every person commits an offence who uses an imitation firearm

(a) while committing an indictable offence,

(b) while attempting to commit an indictable offence, or

(c) during flight after committing or attempting to commit an indictable offence,

whether or not the person causes or means to cause bodily harm to any person as a result of using the imitation firearm.

Punishment

(3) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) [use of firearm in commission of an offence] or (2) [use of an imitation firearm in commission of an offence] is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.
[omitted (4)]
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 85; 1995, c. 39, s. 139; 2003, c. 8, s. 3; 2008, c. 6, s. 3; 2009, c. 22, s. 3; 2022, c. 15, s. 2.
[annotation(s) added]

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 85 (1), (2) and (3)

Defined terms: "firearm" (s. 2) and "Imitation Firearm" (s. 84)

Draft Form of Charges

See also: Draft Form of Charges

		Pre-ambles
		"THAT [accused full name] stands charged that, between the <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR> and <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR>***, at or near <COMMUNITY/TOWN/CITY>, <PROVINCE>, he [or she]..." OR
		"THAT [accused full name] stands charged that, on or about the <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR>, at or near <COMMUNITY/TOWN/CITY>, <PROVINCE>, he [or she]..." OR
		"AND FURTHER at the same time and place aforesaid, he [or she]..."
Code Section	Subject of Offence	Draft Wording
85(1)(a)		"..., did use a firearm while committing or attempting to commit the indictable offence of [name of offence], to wit: [conduct], contrary to section 85(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
85(1)(b)		"..., did use a firearm while attempting to commit the indictable offence of [name of offence], to wit: [conduct], contrary to section 85(1)(b) of the Criminal Code.
85(1)(c)		"..., did use a firearm during his or her flight after committing or attempting to commit an indictable offence of [name of offence], to wit: [conduct], contrary to section 85(1)(c) of the Criminal Code.
85(2)(a)		"..., did use an imitation firearm while committing the indictable offence of [name of offence], to wit: [conduct], contrary to section 85(2)(a) of the Criminal Code.
85(2)(b)		"..., did use an imitation firearm while attempting to commit the indictable offence of [name of offence], to wit: [conduct], contrary to section 85(2)(b) of the Criminal Code.
85(2)(c)		"..., did use an imitation firearm during his or her flight after committing or attempting to commit an indictable offence of [name of offence], to wit: [conduct], contrary to section 85(2)(c) of the Criminal Code.

Proof of the Offence

Proving using a Firearm in Commission of an Offence under s. 85(1) should include: ☐ identity of accused as culprit ☐ date and time of the incident ☐ jurisdiction (incl. region and province) ☐ the culprit used a firearm ☐ the prohibited act occurs while: ☐ "committing" an indictable offence except for the offences of: ☐ criminal negligence causing death (220), ☐ manslaughter (236), ☐ attempted murder (239), ☐ discharging firearm with intent (244), ☐ discharging firearm — recklessness (244.2), ☐ sexual assault with a weapon (272) or ☐ aggravated sexual assault (273), ☐ kidnapping (279(1)), ☐ hostage taking (279.1), ☐ robbery (344) or ☐ extortion (346) ☐ "attempting to commit an indictable offence"; or, ☐ "during flight after committing or attempting to commit an indictable offence".	Proving using an imitation firearm in commission of an offence under s. 85(2) should include: ☐ identity of accused as culprit ☐ date and time of the incident ☐ jurisdiction (incl. region and province) ☐ the culprit "uses an imitation firearm" ☐ the prohibited act occurs while: ☐ committing or attempting to commit an indictable offence; or, ☐ "during flight after committing or attempting to commit an indictable offence".

Interpretation of the Offence

A firearm must not merely "proximate for future use”, but rather must be ready for present use during the offence.^[1]

The phrase "in commission of an offence" requires that the underlying offence be proven.^[2]

↑ R v Steele, 2007 SCC 36 (CanLII), [2007] 3 SCR 3, per Fish J
↑ R v Pringles, 1989 CanLII 65 (SCC), [1989] 1 SCR 1645, per Lamer J

Misc Definitions

see "use" of firearms for interpretation.

Participation of Third Parties

See also: Role of the Victim and Third Parties and Testimonial Aids for Young, Disabled or Vulnerable Witnesses

Testimonial Aids

Certain persons who testify are entitled to make application for the use of testimonial aids: Exclusion of Public (s. 486), Use of a Testimonial Screen (s. 486), Access to Support Person While Testifying (s. 486.1), Close Proximity Video-link Testimony (s. 486.2), Self-Represented Cross-Examination Prohibition Order (s. 486.3), and Witness Security Order (s. 486.7).

A witness, victim or complainant may also request publication bans (s. 486.4, 486.5) and/or a Witness Identity Non-disclosure Order (s. 486.31). See also, Publication Bans, above.

On Finding of Guilt

Offence(s)	Victim Notice of Agreement s. 606(4.1) [SPIO]	Victim Queried for Interest in Agreement s. 606(4.2) [5+ years]	Victim Notice for Restitution s. 737.1	Victim Notice of Impact Statement s. 722(2)
s. 85 [use of firearm or imitation in commission of an offence]

For serious personal injury offences or murder, s. 606(4.1) requires that after accepting a guilty plea, the judge must inquire whether "any of the victims had advised the prosecutor of their desire to be informed if such an agreement were entered into, and, if so, whether reasonable steps were taken to inform that victim of the agreement". Failing to take reasonable steps at guilty plea requires the prosecutor to "as soon as feasible, take reasonable steps to inform the victim of the agreement and the acceptance of the plea" (s. 606(4.3)).

Under s. 738, a judge must inquire from the Crown before sentencing whether "reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victims with an opportunity to indicate whether they are seeking restitution for their losses and damages".

Under s. 722(2), the judge must inquire "[a]s soon as feasible" before sentencing with the Crown "if reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victim with an opportunity to prepare" a victim impact statement. This will include any person "who has suffered, or is alleged to have suffered, physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss" as a result of the offence. Individuals representing a community impacted by the crime may file a statement under s. 722.2.

Sentencing Principles and Ranges

See also: Purpose and Principles of Sentencing, Sentencing Factors Relating to the Offender, and Sentencing Factors Relating to the Offence

See Weapons Offences (Sentencing) for general principles

Maximum Penalties

Offence(s)	Crown Election	Maximum Penalty
s. 85 [use of firearm or imitation in commission of an offence]	N/A	14 years incarceration

Offences under s. 85(1) and (2) are straight indictable. The maximum penalty is 14 years incarceration.

Minimum Penalties

For offences under s. 85(1) and (2), where the aggravating factors listed under ? are established, the minimum penalty is 1 year incarceration with no prior convictions under s. 85. Where no aggravating factors are present the minimum penalty is 3 years incarceration with one or more priors.

Available Dispositions

Offence(s)	Crown Election	Discharge s. 730	Suspended Sentence s. 731(1)(a)	Stand-alone Fine s. 731(1)(b)	Custody s. 718.3, 787	Custody and Probation s. 731(1)(b)	Custody and Fine s. 734	Conditional Sentence (CSO) s. 742.1
s. 85 [use of firearm or imitation in commission of an offence] No Priors	N/A
s. 85 [use of firearm or imitation in commission of an offence] With Priors	N/A

Offences under s. 85 have mandatory minimums. There are no discharges, suspended sentences, stand-alone fines, or conditional sentences available.

If convicted under s. 85 a discharge is not available under s. 730(1) as it is "an offence for which a minimum punishment is prescribed by law or an offence punishable by imprisonment for fourteen years or for life".

Offences under s. 85 are ineligible for a conditional sentence order under s. 742.1(b) as there are mandatory minimum periods of incarceration.

Subsequent Convictions

Where the prior conviction relates to an offence that occurred subsequent to the index offence, the increased penalties do not apply.^[1]

Where the offender was convicted as a party in a previous offence. The increased penalty provision still applies.^[2]

Consecutive Sentences

Under s. 85(4), all sentences under s. 85(1) or 85(2) must be served consecutively to any other penalty imposed.

s. 85
[omitted (1), (2) and (3)]

Sentences to be served consecutively

(4) A sentence imposed on a person for an offence under subsection (1) [use of firearm in commission of an offence] or (2) [use of an imitation firearm in commission of an offence] shall be served consecutively to any other punishment imposed on the person for an offence arising out of the same event or series of events and to any other sentence to which the person is subject at the time the sentence is imposed on the person for an offence under subsection (1) [use of firearm in commission of an offence] or (2) [use of an imitation firearm in commission of an offence].
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 85; 1995, c. 39, s. 139; 2003, c. 8, s. 3; 2008, c. 6, s. 3; 2009, c. 22, s. 3.
[annotation(s) added]

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 85 (4)

Notice to Rely on Prior Conviction

Where a prior record is alleged notice must be given under s. 727 to reply upon the mandatory minimum.

↑ R v Oswald, 1981 CanLII 326 (BCCA), 57 CCC (2d) 484, per Craig JA
↑ R v Nicholson, 1981 CanLII 216 (SCC), [1981] 2 SCR 600, per Laskin CJ

Principles

Increased Penalty

The increased penalty does not require that the previous offence to involve actual possession. It includes offences where the offender was previously a party to the possession.^[1]

Constitutionality

The mandatory minimum of 1 year incarceration under s. 85 of the Criminal Code is constitutional.^[2]

↑ R v Nicholson, 1981 CanLII 216 (SCC), [1981] 2 SCR 600, per Laskin CJ
↑ R v Stewart, 2010 BCCA 153 (CanLII), 285 BCAC 144, per Frankel JA

Ranges

see also: Use of Firearm in Commission of an Offence (Sentencing Cases)

Ancillary Sentencing Orders

See also: Ancillary Orders

Offence-specific Orders

Order	Conviction	Description
DNA Orders	s. 85	For conviction under s. 85, a DNA order is discretionary as a secondary designated offence listed under s. 487.04 (a) or (b).
Weapons Prohibition Orders	s. 85(1) or (2)	For offences under s. 85(1) or (2) that are enumerated under s. 109(1)(b) or (c), the prohibition order is mandatory regardless of election. The order prohibits "the person from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition and explosive"The order prohibits "the person from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition and explosive". Duration (first offence): The Order prohibiting to "firearms" (other than a prohibited firearm or restricted firearm) and "crossbow, restricted weapon, ammunition and explosive substance" is for not less than 10 years starting at release from custody or at sentencing where custody is not ordered. The Order prohibiting "prohibited firearm, restricted firearm, prohibited weapon, prohibited device" is for life. Duration (subsequent s. 109 offence): The duration must be life for all enumerated weapons and firearms. Notice of increased penalty under s. 727 required. For offences under s. 85(1) or (2) where "the subject-matter of which is, a firearm, a cross-bow, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, any ammunition, any prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance and, at the time of the offence, the person was prohibited" by court order, a mandatory weapons prohibition order under s. 109(1)(d) is required regardless of election.The order prohibits "the person from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition and explosive". Duration (first offence): The Order prohibiting to "firearms" (other than a prohibited firearm or restricted firearm) and "crossbow, restricted weapon, ammunition and explosive substance" is for not less than 10 years starting at release from custody or at sentencing where custody is not ordered. The Order prohibiting "prohibited firearm, restricted firearm, prohibited weapon, prohibited device" is for life. Duration (subsequent s. 109 offence): The duration must be life for all enumerated weapons and firearms. Notice of increased penalty under s. 727 required.
Delayed Parole Order	s. 85(1) or (2)	Periods of imprisonment of 2 years or more for convictions under s. 85(1) or (2) are eligible for delayed parole order under s. 743.6(1) requiring the offender to serve at least "one half of the sentence or ten years, whichever is less", "where denunciation of the offence or the objective of specific or general deterrence so requires".

General Sentencing Orders

Order	Conviction	Description
Non-communication order while offender in custody (s. 743.21)	any	The judge has the discretion to order that the offender be prohibited "from communicating...with any victim, witness or other person" while in custody except where the judge "considers [it] necessary" to communicate with them.
Restitution Orders (s. 738)	any	A discretionary Order is available for things such as the replacement value of the property; the pecuniary damages incurred from harm, expenses fleeing a domestic partner; or certain expenses arising from the commission of an offence under s.402.2 or 403.
Victim Fine Surcharge (s. 737)	any	A discretionary surcharge under s. 737 of 30% of any fine order imposed, $100 per summary conviction or $200 per indictable conviction. If the offence occurs on or after October 23, 2013, the order has smaller minimum amounts (15%, $50, or $100).

General Forfeiture Orders

Forfeiture	Conviction	Description
Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime (s. 462.37(1) or (2.01))	any	Where there is a finding of guilt for an indictable offence under the Code or the CDSA in which property is "proceeds of crime" and offence was "committed in relation to that property", the property shall be forfeited to His Majesty the King on application of the Crown. NB: does not* apply to summary offences*.
Fine in Lieu of Forfeiture (s. 462.37(3))	any	Where a Court is satisfied an order for the forfeiture of proceeds of crime under s. 462.37(1) or (2.01) can be made, but that property cannot be "made subject to an order", then the Court "may" order a fine in "an amount equal to the value of the property". Failure to pay the fine will result in a default judgement imposing a period of incarceration.
Forfeiture of Weapons or Firearms (s. 491)	any	Where there is finding of guilt for an offence where a "weapon, an imitation firearm, a prohibited device, any ammunition, any prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance was used in the commission of [the] offence and that thing has been seized and detained", or "that a person has committed an offence that involves, or the subject-matter of which is, a firearm, a cross-bow, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance has been seized and detained, that the item be an enumerated weapon or related item be connected to the offence", then there will be a mandatory forfeiture order. However, under s. 491(2), if the lawful owner "was not a party to the offence" and the judge has "no reasonable grounds to believe that the thing would or might be used in the commission of an offence", then it should be returned to the lawful owner.
Forfeiture of Offence-related Property (s. 490.1)	any	Where there is a finding of guilt for an indictable offence, "any property is offence-related property" where (a) by means or in respect of which an indictable offence under this Act or the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act is committed, (b) that is used in any manner in connection with the commission of such an offence, or (c) that is intended to be used for committing such an offence". Such property is to be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of the province. NB: does not* apply to summary offences*.

Record Suspensions and Pardons

Convictions under s. 85(1) and 85(2) are eligible for record suspensions pursuant to s. 3 and 4 of the Criminal Records Act after 5 years after the expiration of sentence for summary conviction offences and 10 years after the expiration of sentence for all other offences. The offender may not have the record suspended where the offender was (1) convicted of 3 or more offences with a maximum penalty of life, and (2) for each 3 offences he "was sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more".

History

See also: List of Criminal Code Amendments and Table of Concordance (Criminal Code)

History of Use of Firearm in Commission of an Offence